Somerset Sentinel News 5 Oct 23

Henry Somerset

EMAIL HENRY SOMERSET : henrysomerset@sentinelnews.com.au

Going to seed - a good thing

MOST of Somerset copped a light shower a few weeks ago and then some storm rain last week.

A few lucky buggers got 30mm and 40mm last week, but most of us were grateful for 5-10mm.

Greening up the lawns and paddocks gave a bit of a fresh look to the region, for a week or two at least.

Within days many urbanites had their mowers and whipper snippers into action cutting any new

growth.

That’s what we are told to do, to keep our yards nice and tidy.

But I want to suggest that, particularly in this Spring, that’s wrong.

After a relatively low rainfall wet season and some super cold then unseasonally warm blasts across winter, the last thing grass, and the soil underneath, needs is a close haircut - whether by mower or animals.

You’ve only got to look around at dry creeks and native trees, shrubs and grasses that are confused by our unusual weather.

We actually need to leave as much grass and leaf cover as possible to hold moisture in the soil, given the next few months could be hotter and drier than normal.

And we need as much of the grass to go to seed to rehabilitate the root mass which has been badly

affected by unseasonal cold and heat.

We need as much seed to dry and bury itself in the (just now for possibly a short period) moist soil.

Then when we get follow up rain and some consistent heat the seed can burst forth and renew growth. That could be months away. But we need that seed bank there for the right conditions.

We moved all our animals into two paddocks as soon as we saw the rain

coming so we could let the other four paddocks soak up our 9mm last week and allow the grass there to grow to seed.

It’s put a bit of pressure on those two paddocks, but better to supplement feed with some hay now and give the other paddocks a chance to rejuvenate.

Otherwise we’d have six eaten out, tramped down paddocks and nothing fresh and rejuvenated for next year. It’s just natural that animals will head for any seed heads to try to lift their nutrient intake, leaving none for regrowth.

Driving around the region, there are just too many paddocks eaten out and under pressure - a tough situation when cattle prices have fallen so much.

But cattle kicking dust over the next few months in tough paddocks won’t be worth much regardless of where prices are.

One of my mates has been running along the road

verges, ahead of the Council mowing contractors, baling up any amount of grass, particularly the Gatton Panic which seems to like the semi shade of roadside trees and moisture runoff from the bitumen. Rough bales for sure, but they allow him to lock off a few paddocks for next year.

So I’m not going to turn my nose up if your locked off paddocks look a bit rough, or your lawn that looks a bit long and running to seed.

I’ll just consider that you are working well with current weird weather conditions, doing best for your long term grass rejuvenation, soil rehabilitation and for your animals.

Currently, going to seed is the best paddock and lawn.

Henry Somerset, born in South Africa and educated in England, came to Australia to manage rural properties in the 1880s. After time in central Queensland, he managed properties in this region and took up a holding near what is now Somerset Dam. That water storage is testament to his work, after the 1893 floods which devastated Brisbane, to have a dam built at Stanley Chasm. He fought for this as a parliamentarian from the region from 1904 to 1920.

He was so popular for his work on behalf of the region and its pioneering people that he was elected seven times, often unopposed, to Queensland Parliament.

He believed that water storage would not only prevent floods, but also attract population to develop the Brisbane Valley. As reward for his far sighted promotion of the valley, the dam, the region, the council (and this newspaper) take the Somerset name.

$77M investment to expand production at JBS Dinmore

THE investment of $77 million to boost production capacity at JBS Dinmore is welcome news for beef producers as dry weather and high commodity prices push down confidence within the industry.

The $77 million investment at JBS Dinmore, the southern hemisphere’s largest beef processing plant, will create more than 500 new jobs and cements JBS as one of the region’s largest employers and will support increased capacity, underpinned by market demand for red meat and increased livestock availability.

JBS Australia (JBS) is pleased to announce the plant will implement a ‘second shift’ that will commence in the first half of 2024. This will take the total number of people employed at the site to over 1,800. The move will support increased market demand for red meat as herd sizes and availability of livestock improves.

The JBS Dinmore facility, which has been in operation since 1986, accounts for 10 per cent of Australia’s total beef processing capacity, producing a wide range of grass and grain fed beef brands that are supplied to major national Australian supermarkets and overseas markets including

Asia, North America and the Middle East. A new local schools program has been established, creating career pathways and opportunities for local students and school leavers.

JBS is commencing a recruitment drive to encourage locals to apply. This includes the offer of new flexible work initiatives and establishment of a new program working with Brisbane and Ipswich High Schools to provide schoolbased traineeships, and a pathway to employment for school leavers.

The $77 million investment

was made across technology and capital works that support improved safety outcomes as well as increasing capacity and productivity. The $77 million investment includes:

* Expansion of the plant’s chiller capacity;

* Installation of an automated marshalling rail system, the first of its kind in the world;

* Improved configuration to handle higher processing volumes; and

* Installation of a state-ofthe-art trim facility enabling JBS to deliver the highest levels of product quality, consistency,

reliability and food safety for trim customers at higher levels of accuracy and capacity.

JBS Australia chief executive officer, Brent Eastwood, said the company was proud to offer additional employment opportunities in the region.

“This announcement reflects JBS’s ongoing commitment to the Dinmore and Ipswich regions. The plant currently employs 1,348 people and this will increase to more than 1800 with the implementation of a second shift,” he said.

“We encourage anyone in the local area and surrounding communities to apply for

vacant roles and join the JBS family. A core pillar of career opportunities is building pathways for our people to take on new responsibilities and progress within the company.”

Current vacant roles available at the Dinmore facility range from fitters, electricians, maintenance supervisors, laboratory technicians, boners, slicers, butchers and labourers.

The second shift will commence in the first half of 2024 and allow JBS Dinmore to gradually ramp up its daily processing capacity. It will see the Dinmore plant initially roll out morning and afternoon

shifts.

As one of the largest employers in the region, JBS is committed to employing locally from Ipswich and surrounding regions however due to the ongoing labour shortage, some roles may need to be sourced through an international workforce including the PALM scheme. JBS Australia is an endorsed government sponsored employer of the Federal Government's Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.

Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, said he felt a strong affinity with JBS Dinmore, having begun his working life at the plant.

“I want to congratulate JBS for its commitment to the Ipswich region and the provision of good, secure jobs,” Mr Neumann said.

“JBS has a track record of working with this community and the Federal Government to deliver a dynamic, inclusive labour market while creating employment opportunities for more people in the Ipswich region.

“In addition to an expansion in the workforce, the increased capacity at JBS will provide opportunities for greater innovation and local investment right here at Dinmore.”

Funding sought for Fernvale and Moore flood mitigation projects

AFTER securing joint Federal and State funding for major culvert upgrades on Gregors Creek Road and Murrumba Road, Somerset Regional Council will apply for grant funding for flood mitigation drainage projects in Fernvale and Moore.

Somerset Regional Recovery Group representative Mayor

Graeme Lehmann said that Council had been successful in multiple funding applications under the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF) in the past.

“We want to keep that momentum going, and by attracting more QRRRF funding to Somerset, we can continue to make our

community safer. Our region is no stranger to flooding events and we aim to improve its resilience through these, and similar, flood mitigation projects,” Cr Lehmann said.

“With government support, Council has already invested heavily in making our area more flood resilient through bridge and other

infrastructure upgrades, providing information via our flood cameras, and new flood certificates.”

Council commissioned hydrology experts Engeny Water Management to undertake the Somerset Rural Towns Flood Mapping project in 2022 as recommended in the Queensland Floods

Commission of Inquiry. Drainage projects in towns including Toogoolawah, Fernvale and Moore have been identified in the Engeny mapping report.

“We were successful with a federal funding application for a $2 million upgrade to urban drainage in Toogoolawah earlier this year, and detailed

planning is now underway for this project,” Cr Lehmann said. Council is now looking at the next highest priorities identified in the Engeny report and will seek funding for major drainage upgrades in the Carralluma Crescent and Banks Creek Road area of Fernvale and in the northern part of Moore township.

Internal audit focuses on fraud and cybersecurity

SOMERSET Regional Council has approved an internal audit program with a focus this year on fraud management and cyber security.

Somerset Audit Committee representative Councillor Helen Brieschke said, “We have an obligation to safeguard public funds and assets and look to our external and internal auditors to provide probity support and recommendations to keep our council as safe as possible.

“The reality is that all organisations have some fraud risk and while we know we have strong systems in place to prevent fraud, they can always be improved, and our new internal auditors will look at our fraud management systems in detail over coming months.

“We have also asked internal audit to examine our cyber security risks and systems and make recommendations as to how we can reduce our risks and improve our recovery plans

Recreational shooting range approved at Split Yard Creek

in the event that our systems are compromised.

“Every week a new report comes out about hacking attacks on organisations, and we are aware of Queensland councils being compromised with devastating effects.

“Our external auditors are also working through our financial statements at the moment and are expected to issue final reports in midOctober.”

JPs in the Community at Lowood library from October

LOWOOD residents will soon be able to take advantage of the JPs in the Community program.

Lowood District Resident Network Inc representative Councillor Sean Choat said the introduction of the program ties in with the upcoming trial of Saturday morning opening hours for Lowood and Kilcoy libraries.

“While JPs in the Community is a state government initiative, Council is more than happy to host the volunteer program in another Somerset library to support the needs of the community,” Cr Choat said.

“While Kilcoy library is already offering this service, JPs in the Community is new to the Lowood community. The service provides consistent and

reliable witnessing services in local areas, reducing the need for residents to go outside the region.”

JPs will be available at Lowood Library each Wednesday between 1pm and 2pm and on Saturday between 9.30am and 10.30am, and at Kilcoy Library on Monday between 11am and 1pm and on Friday between 11am and 1pm.

A DEVELOPMENT application for a material change of use for a shooting range was approved by Somerset Regional Council at its September 27 ordinary meeting.

The site is at 865 WivenhoeSomerset Road, Split Yard Creek.

Councillor Jason Wendt said the proposed outdoor recreation facility will include a 200m shooting range for rifle, pistol and shotgun sport and

training shooting, as well as earth backstops, car parking, a training room, storage facilities and rainwater tanks.

“Like other councillors, I’ve taken a large number of calls from people about this application, with noise concerns being the key issue raised, but also from people who support it,” Cr Wendt said.

“The reports about noise impact do go some way to allaying the fears about noise, and the approval conditions

have addressed those issues. We should remember that the site is located on a 1,100-hectare working farm in a rural area.”

The approval has been issued subject to a range of conditions relating to hours of operation, submission of and adherence to both an environmental and a noise management plan.

The applicant will require separate approval from Queensland Police Service to operate the shooting range.

Wellbeing Festival returns to Kilcoy

RESIDENTS will be able to enjoy an afternoon of workshops, demonstrations, music, food and other activities at the Kilcoy Wellbeing Festival on Tuesday October 10.

Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the event puts a spotlight on health and wellness, with service providers hosting stalls and sharing information about relevant services for everyone in the community.

“I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the activities, find information to suit their needs and visit their

favourite food vendor and grab dinner while they are there,” Cr Brieschke said.

Children are invited to participate in an art competition with art pieces on display and the winners to be announced on the day. Entry forms have been distributed through schools and entry forms are also available at Kilcoy Library.

Kilcoy State High School students are also preparing art pieces for the youth competition. Art pieces must be submitted to the library by close of business this Friday to

be eligible.

The festival will be between 2pm and 6pm at Yowie Park next to the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre. For more information phone 5424 4000.

This event is made possible through Neighbourhood Centre Funding from the Department of Treaty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Community and the Arts in association with Disaster Recovery Funding Agreement (DRFA) between the Australian Government and the Queensland Government.

A reminder to Get Ready

QUEENSLAND Get Ready Week is from October 9 to 15 and is a great time to think about how you can prepare for natural disasters ahead of the upcoming summer months.

Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) representative Councillor Jason Wendt said natural disasters were not uncommon events in the region and urged residents not to be complacent about the safety of their families and property.

“The floods of 2022 might seem like a distant memory, but for some people in Somerset,

the impacts are still being felt. We’re also not immune from bushfires, and the potential of a hot, dry spring and summer is a good enough reason to take a few precautions that could make a big difference,” Cr Wendt said.

“There is plenty of information about planning ahead of floods, storms or bushfires, and Get Ready Week is the reminder for us all to put time aside to think about our individual situations.”

Somerset residents should bookmark Council’s disaster dashboard for the latest local

disaster information and to sign up for alerts from the Early Warning Network (EWN) for the most up-to-date extreme weather warnings.

The Get Ready Queensland website has comprehensive information about “getting ready” that includes alerts and warnings, plans, checklists and current event information.

More information can be found at disaster.somerset.qld. gov.au/ and www.getready.qld. gov.au.

First step for new bridge at Scrub Creek Road

COUNCIL has awarded a contract for $218,760 to ConTec Pty Ltd for the supply of concrete bridge decks for the construction of a new bridge for the Scrub Creek Road crossing of Brisbane River at Braemore.

Traffic Safety and Advisory Committee member Councillor Sean Choat said the concrete decks will be used in the replacement of a low-level crossing that regularly floods

Somerset

and is susceptible to repeated flood damage.

“This is great news for residents whose access to or from their homes is being impacted when the current bridge is flooded, cutting them off from travel,” Cr Choat said.

“Council officers are working through the final design details for the project, which will result in a resilient concrete bridge, and with the benefit of a hundred-year life.”

grouped

in Brisbane metro funding pool again

SOMERSET Regional Council will object to again being grouped with Brisbane and excluded from seeking funding under the Australian Government’s new $400 million Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (RPPP).

Somerset Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee representative Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke said, “We are very supportive of the government creating a funding program to assist in the planning and delivery of regional precincts, much like we are currently doing with the Lowood Futures Strategy and the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Project.

“These are huge but vital projects for our region and we were ready to put our case for funding support for them as part of the government’s new regional precincts program.

“Unfortunately, we have again been grouped with Greater Brisbane and are not eligible for funding under RPPP. It does appear that

Potential school site sparks interest

While a start date for the works has not yet been set, the contract for the decks has been awarded now to eliminate potential delays caused by supply issues.

The Scrub Creek Road bridge project has been jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government under Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA).

FIVE expressions of interest have been received from education providers to establish a college or school on a site at Brouff Road in Fernvale.

Council invited submissions following a decision at Council’s meeting on June 7 to pursue interest in developing an educational facility on the site.

Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee member Councillor Bob Whalley said the presence of a school or college on the Fernvale site could have a very positive impact on the region.

“The establishment of an independent school in Somerset would deliver huge benefits to our region and we need to be sure we are in the best position to support such a developmen,” Cr Whalley said.

“Attracting families to rural and regional areas is very much dependant on the facilities and opportunities for both parents and their children, and this development has the potential to address the needs of families who value private schooling options.

“Before we take the next step, Council needs to

understand what it will cost us for infrastructure before entering into any agreements. A detailed analysis of what Council will be liable for is essential for this.”

Council will now investigate the costs associated with implementing infrastructure including electricity, roads, water supply, footpaths, bus and vehicle drop offs among others. Understanding the costs will determine what contributions Somerset Regional Council will be responsible for.

Canberra does not have a clear understanding of the diverse nature of the south east corner of Queensland.”

Under the RPPP guidelines, Somerset towns such as Toogoolawah, which are further from the Brisbane CBD than either Maroochydore or Surfers Paradise, are considered part of the Brisbane metro area. Under those same guidelines, the more heavily populated areas of Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are considered regional and rural and are therefore eligible for funding.

“We understand that we might be eligible for a new $160 million urban precincts program where we would need to compete with councils in the metro capital city areas throughout Australia for funding,” Cr Gaedtke said.

“We urge the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to review the RPPP funding guidelines, even if it is just for future rounds of this program and define more fairly for our community.”

Fall from e-scooter

A MAN in his 20s was transported to Caboolture Hospital with shoulder injuries, following a fall from an e-scooter on Rose Street, Kilcoy at 9.20pm on Wednesday September 27.

Small Business support

SOMERSET Regional Council has further cemented its support for the region’s small businesses by submitting its annual report to the Queensland Small Business Commission.

The report reflects on the activities and successes Council has achieved over the past financial year to support the Somerset business community.

Cheryl Gaedtke said the report summarised the great work Council was doing to improve the operating environment for small business in the region.

Businesses interested in the program of activities can view Council’s Economic Development homepage or contact Council’s Business Recovery Officer.

Somerset Councillor

Seniors Month Celebrating this October

Val Burgess celebrates 90th birthday

LONG-TERM Kilcoy resident Valmae Burgess, celebrated her 90th birthday at Woodford Manor Aged Care facility in September.

Many readers may

remember Val. For over ten years during the 1970s and 1980s, she was Kilcoy’s friendly mail lady.

Val and her motor scooter replaced Kilcoy’s old method of mail delivery by push bike.

Val moved to Kilcoy as a 16-year-old to work as the dentist’s assistant.

She married local sawmill worker Don Burgess in 1954 and together they raised a family of four boys in Kilcoy.

Val Burgess delivering letters to Freda Vicius in Kilcoy in the 1970s.

Motorised scooters for seniors

GROWING OLD is not just another progression in life, in my mind it is more of a destiny in what has been an eventful life — dictated throughout by fate and lots of luck.

My brother-in-law was succinct when he said to me on my 75th birthday, “I didn’t think you’d make it this far.”

Yet my entire extended family was there to drink some of my finest reds and single malt whisky.

When I was young, old age seemed so far off, as in the oft-quoted saying: ‘ten foot tall and bulletproof’. In some aspects that is closer to the truth than a mere casual throw-away line.

In my youth, older people were respected, they weren’t ageing per se, they were either young or old — though the narrow thin line that had to be crossed was never to be found.

Those were the days when you kept your mouth firmly zipped, lest a youthful smart quip be left to your father to deal with.

There were those significant stages in life: 17 and a motor vehicle licence; 21 was when you came of age and could drink in the pub (many a time that had been put to the test), marriage, children, advancement through work

and society — till suddenly my children were adults and progressing in through life — the entire circle began to repeat before my very own eyes.

It’s instructional that early life doesn’t return as if in one serialised memory, it’s more of a combined recollection that seems to have all happened in the not-so-distant past: it’s either “oh, that’s ages ago” and “just the other day.”

So, as I reminisce from the comfortable seat of my motorised scooter that does 11.5km/h on the flat, 10k uphill and 12.5 downhill, I look back to my earliest days behind the wheel of an uncountable number of vehicle types, makes and models, wheeled and tracked, and wonder how it has suddenly come to this.

And though friends loathe the day they will follow suit, and remind me I will regret my decision to voluntarily sell my beloved Discovery, I have found a more relaxed life on a scooter made for one. Often being able to park right at the door is one advantage.

For someone who has enjoyed driving throughout his life, from the day that I received my Army driver’s licence behind the wheel of a World War II left-hand-drive 10-wheel-drive Studebaker

with crash gear box and all the whistles and bells for offroad work, I have never been far from the driver’s seat of myriad motor vehicles in my lifetime role as a rural and agricultural journalist while specialising in road transport, motoring and tyre industries.

And how motoring has changed over some 60 years — from the FJ Holden, to primitive trucks where you had to listen to engine revs to change gears, and an evolving era that is introducing electric cars.

And hey, while I have my reservations at the speed of release of electric cars and the motivation behind them, I too have my own electric vehicle — and it brings with it an entirely new learning curve.

I delved deeply before making the final decision to step-down from the driver’s seat of a modern motor vehicle — and acknowledge that my days of driving long distances (200,000km a year in some cases) and started listening to my family (and my doctor) who began to say “it’s time.” It was the latter who reminded me that “next year you will have to undergo tests for a yearly licence.” Heaven forbid!

While I don’t feel restricted in my movement — I have accepted I am getting old due

to one obvious signal: my family are in constant contact to check that I am okay.

Many years ago I used to look at my father and observe: “oh, Dad looks old.” That look I now see on the face of my eldest son; my youngest son always buys when we have the occasional meet in a favourite pub. And my younger sister is always in contact to check on my well-being.

Oh dear, I’ve begun doing what I have always reminded myself to avoid — but I digress.

So, now, as the owner of a motorised electric scooter that plugs into a power point in my garage, my regrets are few, yet I must accept that there needs to be some changes to shopping routines and accessing rail and bus.

And as a long-time motoring journalist, I cannot avoid the urge to lambaste Local Government Councils in general and the Moreton Shire in particular: their footpaths and the frequently accessed by the public are abysmal.

I have concluded that every Council should acquire at least two motorised scooters — and that members of the Council and its staff be required to inspect footpaths and public area on these devices.

And I don’t just mean

councillors from the mayor down; the director of works should go out, as would labourers who do the hard yakka spreading the concrete.

And did I mention times are a-changing: I especially note how the RACQ — of which I have been a member for more than 55 years — now lists motorised vehicles among its list of call-out services.

This was one of the final considerations that made me more comfortable with my final decision to change to a motorised electric tortoise — that help was at hand if ever I ran into difficulties.

This followed hearing about those who have had accidents — some very serious requiring hospitalisation and inconvenience — and that acquiring a mobilisation device is not a matter of transferring from a motor vehicle to something resembling a motorised Victa motor mower.

In a later edition I will write of people connected to aged

care who are devising courses for older people who seek to stay mobile and still be safe in what can be a daunting experience.

While motorised scooters are relegated to footpaths and public areas, there are those who place themselves in danger by driving on the roads. While this is considered illegal, there are some cases where the person on a motorised scooter has no option.

This is where I will again reinforce my suggestion that all Council members — including works gangs from other services like Telstra who like to dig up roads and footpaths — get out there and find-out for themselves what older people must contend with.

The motorised army on slow-moving electric vehicles is expanding by the day. And, oh boy, there are some nervous nellies in their midst — some rightfully so because they have had mishaps that are not necessarily their own fault.

Under My Skin

Unbridled contempt for victims is a crime

THE sheer arrogance of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, her unashamed insolence, and her seemingly unbridled contempt for the average Queenslander, especially victims of crime, was highlighted last week.

Channel 9 had been promoting a special investigation titled A Voice for Victims, “delving into the depths of our youth crime crisis, revealing the true human cost”. It was hosted by Andrew Lofthouse and Melissa Downes and screened on Thursday night.

Would you believe, on that very day, the Premier and her Justice Minister Yvette D’Ath, announced “a landmark reform package to better support victims of crime and their families”.

“Putting victims first is fundamental and that’s what this significant support package will do,” trumpeted the Premier.

“The community has been calling for reforms and we have acted.”

Obviously the Premier has purposely blotted out some events of the recent past, but many Queenslanders don’t forget.

They remember her office’s arrogant “Send standard response please” email, in

May, when a Townsville victim contacted the Premier asking when she was going to do something about youth crime because residents no longer felt safe in their own houses.

That victim got the Palaszczuk push.

They remember her December 2016 pledge, “The Palaszczuk Government is ensuring victims of crime get the vital assistance they need”, and the numerous other meaningless promises made before and since.

So when the Premier, with all the flourish of a magician, extracted $200 million from a Treasury orifice and announced her largesse just hours before the TV special was screened, Queenslanders quite rightly felt nauseous.

The word cynical — motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity; concerned only with one’s own interests and typically disregarding accepted standards to achieve them — sums up the Premier’s manipulation of victims perfectly.

Premier 1, Victims of Crime 0.

Oh, and just to make sure we have more public servants, $18 million has been allocated

to establish a Victims’ Commissioner office — another layer of bureaucracy to impede any real change for the better.

Let’s end this sorry story with the heart-warming words of our Attorney-General, Yvette D’Ath: “Today’s funding announcement is a crucial part of our commitment to putting the needs of victims front and centre,” parroted Ms D’Ath, making sure she joined the Palaszczuk Puppet Parade.

Using victims of crime as political pawns is not only cruel, it’s simply abuse.

Aiming to please

AND now for some light relief (pun intended). German males now have the title of Sitzpinkler Champions of the West — because they aim to please.

Don’t know what a Sitzpinkler is? Shame on you. Sitzpinklers have just been the subject of a major survey and you couldn’t care less?

Well, this survey showed that 62 per cent of German men said they usually or always sat to urinate compared with 50 per cent of Swedes and 23 per cent of Brits.

I wonder what the cost of this survey was and how many brains, trusts and/or universities were involved. And why do we need to know the number of sitting-widdlers there are in various countries? In fact, who cares?

Well, apparently German urologists and parents do. Urologists argue that sitting is a more natural and comfortable position for urinating while parents encourage boys to sit to avoid making a mess.

Ethics abandoned

IT’S BOTH sad and scary to see the way the Palaszczuk Government is following the Victorian example of media control, banning journalists from events and feeding them only what the government wants the public to know.

The battalion of communication experts being employed by the government is constantly growing and they are “feeding the chooks” — an old Queensland political line that quickly springs to mind.

Maybe when editors start using candid pics and stop using tedious handouts of Ministers dancing Sound Of Music-style

through fields of lavender, or turning sods with shiny shovels, things might change, but don’t hold your breath.

What disappoints me is that some of the really good journalists now employed in the Palaszczuk Pravda squad would have fought tooth and nail to prevent this from happening when they were in the hurly burley of daily rounds.

I know several personally. I know how ethical they were. I don’t know if they have abandoned their ethics or simply pretend they are not part of this hideous distortion of what we thought we had — open government and a free press.

I totally support any government’s right to vigorously push its barrow but what we have now is nothing less than government censorship and State control of information.

And we thought it could only happen in dictatorships.

Just briefly

FIRE ANTS invading the Gold Coast. Crazy yellow ants invading North Queensland. White ants destroying democracy. We knew the State was going to the dogs but are

By SKINHEAD

we going to the ants too?

A Brisbane-based tech company said it would sack 50 staff to save $10 million a year. That means, in the tech industry at least, it costs $200,000 on average for each employee. High wages or high on-costs?

Saw where a young couple didn’t think they could afford to have a third child because of the rising cost of living. They only earn about $250,000 a year. Makes you wonder where the poverty line is drawn these days.

After reviewing the balance in my superannuation and crunching the numbers, and allowing for the fact my wife no longer has a drivers licence, I’ve decided my wife will wear the hoodie and carry the gun and I’ll drive the getaway car.

Quote of the Week:

“Good ideas go to die in committees that are warehoused inside of government.” — Voice for Victims advocate Ben Cannon.

Thought for the Week:

The gas coming out of our cows isn’t half as dangerous as the bullshit coming out of our politicians.

White paper on jobs and opportunities provides working future

FEDERAL Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, has said the Federal Government’s Employment White Paper would deliver a roadmap to ensure more local employers and workers in his electorate were set up to make the most of the big shifts underway in the economy and society over the coming decades.

Mr Neumann said Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities presents a vision for a dynamic and inclusive labour market in which everyone can secure, fairly paid work.

Sergio Gonzalez

Matthew Zahalka

Louise Dunn

“The Government’s vision is underpinned by five ambitious objectives, including a new, bolder full employment objective to create an economy where everyone who wants a job is able to find one without having to search for too long,”

Mr Neumann said.

The document presents 31 future reform directions to guide government policymaking, as well as industry, unions, the education sector and civil society.

Mr Neumann said the White Paper builds on the foundation of last year’s Jobs and Skills Summit, and was informed

by extensive consultation and input from across government and more than 400 valuable submissions from stakeholders in every state and territory.

“This included feedback from the Blair Jobs Summit I convened in August last year, which raised issues around youth unemployment, the effectiveness of employment training and education, and the impact of housing supply and affordability on skills shortages in our region,” he said.

As part of the White Paper, the Government will take nine immediate steps, including: * Progress scoping work on

Heel and Foot Pain

Hip and Knee Pain

Digital Gait Analysis

Orthotic Therapy

Sports Injuries / Prevention

Children’s Foot Problems

a National Skills Passport in consultation with employers, unions, the tertiary education sector and governments, to help workers demonstrate and promote their qualifications and businesses to find more skilled workers.

* Turbocharge TAFE Centres of Excellence to begin developing courses in 2024, working with the states and territories and education providers to design worldleading skills and curriculum.

* Accelerate the take up of higher apprenticeships in the priority areas of net zero, care, and digitalisation.

* Permanently extend the Work Bonus measures for older pensioners and eligible veterans, giving them the option to earn more income from working without reducing their pension.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann says the Federal Government’s Employment White Paper initiatives and other policy reforms will help local workers and businesses survive and thrive in the face of economic challenges.

Government’s substantial reforms to date, which are supporting local jobs and jobseekers in the Somerset Region, and local businesses that needed more skilled workers.

are doing it tough. There are huge opportunities from new investments in areas like food and beverage manufacturing, biotech and logistics, of which I have been very supportive.

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* Smooth the transition to work for many income support recipients by doubling the period they can receive a nil rate of payment, allowing them to retain access to social security benefits such as concession cards for longer when they first get back into work.

* Reform the Local Jobs Program to improve its flexibility and provide practical initiatives and action to better help jobseekers.

Mr Neumann said these new initiatives build on the

“For example, we have provided fee-free TAFE places to grow our skilled workforce, established Jobs and Skills Australia to inform workforce planning, and have reviewed our migration system.

“The Federal Government is reforming Indigenous employment programs, the Disability Employment Services model and welfare-towork programs to begin shifting the focus of employment services to building capacity.

“The local economy in Blair has had its challenges in recent years and I know a lot of people

“The White Paper and other policy initiatives will help boost local workers’ wages, create good secure jobs, and allow locals to get the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.

“It will help secure more opportunities for disadvantaged people in our community, including our youth and mature age workers, First Nations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability and veterans.”

The White Paper can be found at https://treasury.gov. au/employment-whitepaper/ final-report

KILCOY State High School

An Independent Public School

Resin Art with Chappy

EACH Friday during the lunch break, Kilcoy State High School Chaplain, Chappy Kelly, hosts Resin Art in the Library.

Students are invited to join and create beautifully decorated resin art earrings, keychains and bookmarks. This gives students a quiet creative outlet during the

lunch break and connect with Chappy in a relaxed setting.

Any items students choose to donate to the Chaplaincy are sold by Chappy Kelly at local markets and to staff. All funds raised go towards the Chaplaincy, which assists in the great work she does in the Student Support Centre.

Techgirls Workshop

ON Wednesday September 13, 18 female Kilcoy State High School students participated in a STEM workshop, presented by Tracy Sleeman from the Techgirls Movement Foundation.

Students had to create an idea for an app to solve a problem in our local community. They worked collaboratively, using the design-thinking process, to envision a local problem and develop a solution.

The students developed some great ideas for apps which included: A Inflate-Deflate

app, which provides financial advice, price comparison functions, suggestions of cheap/free events, charitable donation options and language settings; a Farming outback app, to help solve the lack of resources in farming in the form of a simulated farming game targeted towards children where they are educated on issues with local farmers and when achievements are made, donations are given; A future app, addressing inequalities in the community with reference to education resources, career

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Distribution: Kilcoy, Jimna, Mt Kilcoy, Linville, Moore, Colinton, Harlin, Toogoolawah, Somerset Dam, Esk, Fernvale, Lowood, Coominya and surrounds.

guidance and mental health; and a spend smart app, a budget tracking app which tracks prices of products as well as GPS functions to locate the most affordable products closest to your location.

Thank you to Mrs Matai for organising the program and Tracy Sleeman for visiting our school and giving our students insight into ways they can help and create a better community.

Somerset Primary School Sports Cup a draw

ESK and Toogoolawah State Schools emerged as overall joint winners of the Somerset Primary School Sport Cup, held on Friday September 15 at Toogoolawah State High School.

Mayor Graeme Lehmann said the sporting event was a great way for students from different schools to get together and for many students to play on the fields of their future secondary school.

“The kids obviously enjoyed themselves at this event, and there’s a spirit of competition between the schools that sees the teams having fun while keeping an eye on the trophy,”

Cr Lehmann said.

“There were a few games that were

hotly contested, and I think a few soccer players were inspired by the Matildas, given the penalty shoot outs in some of those games,.”

The event saw year five and six students from Esk, Harlin, Linville and Toogoolawah State Schools competing in netball and soccer. Somerset Regional Council supported the event by providing bus transport for students and teachers to and from the host school.

Council thanked students for participating in the event, staff for assisting in its facilitation and Toogoolawah State High School for hosting the event and setting up and refereeing the games.

Colour copying and printing support from Council

SOMERSET Regional Council will extend a decision earlier this year, to provide limited free photocopying and printing to residents, to include colour copying.

Residents will be allowed up to 30 photocopied or printed pages per day free

of charge at all Somerset libraries. This will include up to 15 colour pages.

The move is designed to support community groups and local businesses who need to print promotional material or menus, and residents who may need to copy drivers’

licences for job applications.

The extension of limited free colour printing and copying coincides with Saturday morning opening trials at Kilcoy and Lowood libraries, which begin this Saturday.

Principal of Toogoolawah State School with and Cr Graeme Lehmann get ready to present the Somerset Primary School Sports Cup.

DISCOVER your dream hobby farm located in the beautiful country setting of Mount Mee.

This extraordinary property offers the perfect blend of tranquillity, space, and stunning Moreton Bay views. Situated on a sprawling 64 acres of useable grazing land, this gem of a property is a rare find. Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this property has it all!

This property boasts not one, but two comfortable homes! The main residence is thoughtfully designed for country character living, with spacious rooms and spectacular views from numerous rooms throughout the house. The second home

is perfect for guests, extended family, or a rental income, this home also has spectacular Moreton Bay views.

Step into your cozy and inviting main residence, where you’ll be welcomed by the warmth of rustic charm and modern amenities. Enjoy the 4 bedrooms, spacious multi-purpose areas, a fullyequipped kitchen, and large windows that frame the stunning bay views. This home is equipped with a massive double garage, solar hot water system, potbelly stove and evaporative cooler.

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Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own your piece of country paradise. Whether you’re seeking a hobby farm with a few cows, a serene getaway, a wellness retreat or a place to create lasting

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Building blitz targets licensing and dodgy work

OFFICERS from Queensland’s building regulator will be out in force in October targeting active building sites around the State to help stamp out unlicensed, illegal and defective work.

Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) officers will be cracking down on unlicensed workers to ensure the

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construction industry is meeting its obligations around safety and building standards.

Where appropriate, the QBCC officers will provide advice to contractors and home owners if they have questions or concerns about building work.

QBCC Commissioner Anissa Levy said the blitz will kick off in southeast Queensland, before

progressing to other locations across the State.

“Our action helps keep work sites free of risk and protects the people who will live, work and gather in the buildings under construction by ensuring they have been built by workers with the appropriate skills and qualifications,” Ms Levy said.

“They also give our officers an opportunity to connect with

arrears auction success

AN AUCTION of an 18.8-hectare property in Esk on September 22 to recover overdue rates attracted 16 registered bidders, with a winning bid of $235,000 securing the sale.

Economic Development and Tourism Committee representative Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke said it was really pleasing to see how

robust the local property market is, even in these forced sale conditions.

“This property was owned by a company that had been de-registered and was in legal limbo as a result, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission claiming effective ownership,” Cr Gaedtke said.

“There is now an owner

of 5,220 Brisbane Valley Highway Esk who could, if they desired, lodge a building application for it, and this is a much better outcome than was previously the case.

“In the current housing crisis, that would be a great outcome for the community and the best possible outcome from this auction, given the circumstances.”

WEASEY’S PROPERTY REPORT

WHEN buying your dream home depends on the sale of another property: Subjectto-sale contracts and sunset clauses explained.

Subject-to-sale contracts and sunset clauses are a bit like a real estate tightrope act. They are relatively common, and yet many sellers do not agree to those conditions even when an offer is made that is otherwise favourable to them. Read on to see why.

Let’s imagine you’ve found your dream home, but you need to sell your current property first to afford it. In this instance, the new purchase

contract will contain a clause that it is ‘subject to sale’ of your current home within a specified time-frame.

If you would also like the settlement of your sale and new purchase contracts to be simultaneous, then your new purchase contract will also have another clause inserted to state that settlements are to be ‘contemporaneous’.

Sometimes, the seller of the property you want to buy subject to the sale of your current home, will require a sunset clause in the contract as well. This allows the seller

to continue marketing their property to other potential buyers even after accepting your offer. If they receive a more favourable offer with better conditions during this time, then they must notify you, and you’ll have a specified length of time to make your dream home contract unconditional.

I once had a remarkable situation with five properties in a row all pending the successful sale of the first one – much like a real estate domino effect. The first property had a serious buyer with a subject-to-sale contract.

contractors on active sites to provide advice about the work being undertaken. We also use the opportunity to inform home owners about their rights and the role of the QBCC.

“The great news is that we know from previous compliance action that the majority of licensed contractors do the right thing, but we need to ensure this remains the case.”

Ms Levy said anyone caught breaking the law by working without a licence, outside of their scope, or by hiring unlicensed individuals, will be penalised.

“The QBCC has zero tolerance for unlicensed activity and there are significant penalties for anyone caught working without the appropriate licence,” she said.

“One of the reasons we take a tough stance on unlicensed activity is that it helps reduce

defective building work, which could cost owners additional time and money to rectify.

“It also ensures there is a level playing field for our licensed contractors who are doing the right thing by obtaining qualifications and experience and providing the QBCC with evidence of their financial stability each year.”

Ms Levy said home owners who choose licensed contractors have peace of mind knowing that they meet these important criteria.

Insights into the local housing market

with Chris Wease, Senior Sales Agent at Remax Living, Woodford.

The seller, understandably, kept marketing the property, and a more enticing offer did come in.

This is where the sunset clause came into play. The seller had to notify the original buyer of this new offer, and they then had 72 hours to make the contract on their current home unconditional or lose their ideal property to the new buyer. It was an intense rollercoaster of stress and emotions for them, but they did manage to secure their contract and finance. The other properties in the queue then had their own set

of challenges to be carefully managed, however, all sales went well in the end.

So, what’s the takeaway message here? Subject-to-sale contracts and sunset clauses can be a real test of nerves for buyers and sellers. They come with risks and uncertainties which can sometimes involve a lot of stress. It’s important to have an experienced real estate agent with excellent communication and negotiation skills by your side to navigate these transactions if complex scenarios arise.

If you need advice in this

“In addition to these safeguards, QBCC licensees also know that they are required to use contracts and take out insurance on work worth more than $3,300, which protects owners against incomplete or defective work.”

In the 2022-2023 financial year, the QBCC undertook 1,404 site visits or inspections and launched investigations into 735 instances of unlicensed contracting and 204 instances of improper use of a licence.

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regard, or if you have any further questions – please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime. I look forward to being of service. cwease@remaxliving. com.au Mob: 0427 536725.

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Charolais cross steers $1,040 at Toogoolawah

SHEPHERDSON AND BOYD reported a larger yarding of 1,182 head at their fortnightly Toogoolawah store cattle sale last Friday.

With the continuing dry weather, people are having to make the decision to either supplement feed their cattle or sell and accept the market prices, with many clients deciding to sell some cattle to reduce stocking rates in case the season continues to stay dry.

A very good quality yarding of cattle came to hand, with the steer portion selling fractionally easier than the previous sale and all classes of heifers eased substantially.

S and S Ashton of Roadvale sold Charolais cross feeder steers 20mths for $1,040.

Glendale Partnership of Harlin sold Droughtmaster

cross steers 12-14mths for $810.

Greendale Cattle Co of Tambo sold Charbray steers 14mths for $800. Roberts Bros of Linville sold Charolais cross steers 12mths for $720.

SN Buetel of Coominya sold Charbray cross weaner steers 12mths for $780 and Charolais cross weaner steers 8mths for $690. Graham McPherson of Kilcoy sold Charolais cross weaner steers 8mths for $710.

Yawarrra Pty Ltd of Beaudesert sold light conditioned Santa cross steers 12-14mths for $680.

A and R Wolff of Toogoolawah sold Santa cross weaner steers 6mths for $630.

P Stephenson of Delaneys Creek sold Angus cross weaner steers 6mths for $570.

DMG Pastoral of Anduramba

sold Droughtmaster cross weaner steers 6mths for $550.

Charolais cross feeder heifers 18mths account A and A Cousins of Harlin sold for $720.

PJ McGowan of Esk sold Brangus heifers 18-20mths for $640. S and Z Krieg of Boonah sold Brangus cross heifers 12mths for $610.

Glendale Partnership of Harlin sold Droughtmaster heifers 12mths for $500. R and J Kunde of Kilcoy sold Charolais cross weaned heifers 10mths for $480. N and K Green of Kilcoy sold Limo cross heifers 6mths for $390. J and L Wendt of Fernvale sold Charolais cross weaner heifers 6-8mths for $350. JP Gardiner of Kilcoy sold Brahman cross heifers 12mths for $350.

Graham McPherson of Kilcoy sold Charolais cross

weaner heifers 6mths for $330.

Donna Draper of Stanmore sold young Droughtmaster cows with Angus cross calves at foot for $1,020. Margaret Martin-Saunders of Coominya

sold Charolais cross cows with young calves at foot for $820.

Shepherdson and Boyd thank all their vendors, buyers and underbidders for their valued support. The next Toogoolawah Store Sale is Friday October 13.

LAIDLEY

536 HEAD were sold at Stariha

Auctions Laidley cattle sale on Thursday September 28.

Prices held up well considering the current market trend and unfavourable weather conditions. Store cows, certain lines of weaner steers and younger cattle sold to a firm to slightly stronger market.

The Lehmann Family, Coolana, sold lines of young Droughtmaster cross weaner steers for $790, $770, $720 and $700; and milk tooth heifers for $880 and $790. Darren Schiefelbein, Glamorganvale, sold Limousin cross feeder steers for $1,260; backgrounder steers for $950 and $910; and weaner steers for $600.

Warren Gelhaar, Ingoldsby, sold Santa cows for $1,210 and backgrounder steers for $1,000 and $920. Col and Marg Duncan, Flagstone Creek, sold Charolais cross weaner steers for $700 and $620. Bruce Greer, Flagstone Creek, sold Brangus weaner steers for $670.

Robin Goltz, Caffey, sold a Charbray bull for $1,720. Barry and Jo Coyne, Grandchester,

sold Droughtmaster cows for $1,070. Bernie and Ruth Jackwitz, Grandchester, sold Charbray cows for $900. Greg Beard, Vernor, sold Limousin weaner heifers for $850. Ian Lindenmayer, Mt Sylvia, sold Charolais cows and calves for $1,040.

MORETON

AGENTS Boyd, O’Brien and Bartholomew yarded 314 head at their live weight cattle sale at Moreton on Tuesday.

The export component contained more heavy cows and ox and sold at fully firm rates. Less feeder cattle were penned and sold to firm rates. An improved quality run of weaners and yearlings, which included finished cattle, maintained previous sales results.

Vealer heifers: J Price (Charbray) 158.2c $419.

Weaner steers: N Hobart (Droughtmaster) 169.2c $471.

Feeder steers: C and A Petersen (Brangus) 221.2c $912.

6 tooth heifers: Wattle Tree Stud (Charbray) 197.2c $927.

Ox: V and S Dunn (Droughtmaster cross) 195.2c $1,415.

Medium cows: K and G Contracting (Brahman) 187.2c $903.

Heavy cows: J Price (Charbray) 195.2c $1,318.

Bulls: K and G Contracting (Droughtmaster) 200.2c $1,912.

TUESDAY 3rd OCTOBER, 2023 314 HEAD. The export component contained more heavy cows and ox and sold at fully firm rates. Less feeder cattle were penned and sold to firm rates. An improved quality run of weaners and yearlings, which included finished cattle, maintained previous sales results.

Charolais cross weaner steers account Robert Brothers, Linville sold for $700 at Toogoolawah last Friday.

Primary producers need to prepare now for disaster season

QUEENSLAND primary producers are being urged to prepare now for natural disasters to help ensure the safety of family, workers and animals.

Queenslanders need to be prepared heading into our bushfire, summer rainfall, and cyclone season.

Bushfire is expected to be a particular risk in Queensland following the warmer winter weather this year.

By taking steps now, producers can reduce the risk of disaster damage and financial

loss.

The Queensland Government has disaster guides to help primary producers get ready for disaster season.

Tips include photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensuring everyone on the property is familiar with the evacuation plan in the event of a natural disaster.

Producers should also ensure livestock have access to higher ground or are moved to safer ground or shelter with access to food and water ahead of an

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event.

Make sure you’ve got a financial plan including having adequate insurance cover, reviewing how you will manage orders, refunds and cancellations, and keeping financial reserves and emergency cash.

For more information on flood and cyclone preparations, such as local evacuation routes and public shelter arrangements, contact your local council.

Information on disasters for small business including primary producers is available

at business.qld.gov.au/disasterhub.

Primary producers who have been impacted by a natural disaster can report the impacts in the Queensland DAF Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey.

The survey helps DAF to contribute quickly to applications for assistance under the CommonwealthState Disaster Assistance Arrangements.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural

Communities, Mark Furner, said the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a high fire danger is likely to impact Queensland over the coming months.

“As a primary producer it’s critical you have plans to help support your business during a bushfire, as well as cyclones and floods,” Mr Furner said.

“I urge pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans.

“Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local

council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape.

“If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food and clean water, bowls and toilet litter or old newspapers.

“If they are to be left at home, secure them in an appropriate confined space, preferably inside, elevated and under cover, and provide access to ample food and water.

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Second day added to Gatton Smart Farm AgTech Showcase

CUTTING-EDGE

agricultural technology that could shape the future of farming will be on show at a major AgTech showcase at the Gatton Smart Farm on November 1 and 2.

The Queensland Government and Hort Innovation are inviting horticulture growers, agribusinesses, technology enthusiasts, consultants, researchers and students from around Australia to the event showcasing the latest advancements in AgTech.

Registrations from across Australia have been so strong that a second day, Thursday November 2, has been added to the program.

The showcase will feature cutting-edge innovations in field robotics, sensors, drones, protected cropping, post-harvest management, cover cropping, and strip tillage among other

exciting developments.

Visitors will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the latest AgTech innovations, with some of them being introduced to Australia for the very first time.

Key highlights of the Gatton AgTech Showcase will include;

* Live field robotics demonstrations from leading companies such as Robotti, FarmDroid, SwarmFarm Robotics and Stout;

* Displays featuring state-of-the-art post-harvest and protected-cropping technologies that are revolutionising the way crops are grown and handled;

* Cutting-edge data analytics tools and decision-support systems designed to empower farmers with actionable insights for more efficient and sustainable farming practices; and

Getting rabies on the run

AUSTRALIA has donated 400,000 dog rabies vaccines to Indonesia to combat the spread of the disease.

Acting Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, said collaborating with Indonesia not only supports our neighbour to control dog rabies and prevent deaths in communities, but also helps keep Australia free of the disease.

“Rabies first spread to Bali in 2008 and given there are around 650,000 dogs in Bali it’s important as many people as possible are vaccinated annually,” Dr Cookson said.

“That’s why the dog rabies vaccines, funded by Australia through the World Organisation for Animal Health vaccine

bank, are so important to protecting people in Indonesia and helping stop the spread of rabies in our region.

“By vaccination, community awareness and collaboration between governments, communities, human health, animal health and NGOS, we can stop the spread between animals and humans and save lives.”

The vaccines build on the 200,000 doses provided to Indonesia last year.

At least 59,000 people globally a year are killed from rabies, and 40 percent of these are children. Over 99 per cent of human rabies cases are caused by virus infected dogs through saliva transmitted in dog bites and scratches.

* A wide array of suppliers and researchers who are contributing to the development and adoption of AgTech solutions.

The Gatton AgTech Showcase is made possible through the project “Driving Ag-tech Adoption Across Australia”, funded by the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and contributions from the Australian Government.

Registrations are open to attend on Thursday November 2, from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

Attendance at the Gatton AgTech Showcase is free but registration is required.

To register and secure your place, go to https:// events.hortconnections.com. au/gatton-agtech-showcase/ registration/Site/Register

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, said agriculture is a $23 billion industry in Queensland and the industry needs to keep at the cutting edge of technology to keep creating the good jobs.

“We want Queensland at the forefront of AgTech development and events like this open genuine windows on our industry’s future,” Mr Furner said.

Snake bites can sometimes be difficult to identify as some animals may not show symptoms immediately after being bitten.

Unfortunately, the longer your animal is left untreated the lower the chance of survival.

Signs and symptoms of snake bites:

It is rare to find the bite site as there may not be a bruise or swelling so if you suspect your dog may have been bitten by a snake it is important to look at signs and symptoms.

Depending on the breed of snake, the main signs of a snake bite include:

• Collapse followed by apparent recovery

• Lethargy

• Muscle tremors

• Dilated pupils

• Sudden onset of w eakness or wobbly on feet

• Paralysis

• Inability to control their

urine or bowels

• Dark or blood stained urine.

Do’s:

As a pet’s signs and symptoms can be varied and not appear for up to 24 hours after being bitten, it can be difficult to know if your pet has been bitten.

Therefore, you will need to take your pet to the vet who will perform testing.

Don’ts:

Do not over-excite your dog, as this can worsen the effects of the venom.

Do not attempt to suck the venom out as this would be dangerous to you and your pet and could be lethal.

Don’t apply a tourniquet.

Do not attempt to pick up or capture the snake however if you can identify the type of snake this will help with identifying which anti venom your pet requires.

Protecting your pets from snakes:

Snakes are active in the warmer weather and they will seek food sources in places they are found such as backyard porches, empty pot plants,

Ph

5047

sheds, piles of wood, junk piles and more.

Clean up any rubbish piles and clear away objects where snakes may be able to hide.

Snakes are cold-blooded animals and like to stay in areas such as long grass and near water or shaded areas. Keep your grass short.

If you suspect there are snakes close by, keep your dog on a short leash so they can’t go nosing around.

If snakes are a common threat in your area, you could consider a snake-proof fence around your property.

If you are walking your dog close to bushland, keep your dog on a leash and avoid long grassy areas.

Keeping cats indoors with access to a snake-proof outdoor enclosure is the best way to prevent them being bitten by snakes.

If you have witnessed your dog being bitten by a snake, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention even if they do not seem affected.

Call Kilcoy Vet Practice on 5497 1511.

·

Life jackets and distress beacons feature in boating safety campaign

MARITIME Safety

Queensland (MSQ) will join other Australian and New Zealand maritime authorities in a week-long campaign to remind recreational and professional mariners of the

importance of life jackets and distress beacons.

The campaign will form the centrepiece of National Safe Boating Week as governments strive to reduce the national death toll from boating

incidents.

Maritime authorities regard lifejackets and distress beacons (commonly know as EPIRBs) as essential safety equipment for boaties, particularly when venturing offshore.

Distress beacons can quickly alert search and rescue authorities to the precise location of mariners in distress, while lifejackets can keep people afloat until rescued.

In Queensland in 2022, failure to wear lifejackets was a factor in 80 per cent of boating fatalities. Thirteen of the 15 fatalities were people who drowned or were lost at sea, and of these 13, only one was wearing a lifejacket.

It is compulsory in Queensland for vessels voyaging beyond smooth or partially smooth waters, or more than two nautical miles from land in open waters, to carry a distress beacon.

The week will conclude with ‘Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day’ this Friday to help debunk the myth that lifejackets are uncomfortable or cumbersome to wear.

Further information on National Safe Boating Week and lifejackets can be found at https://www.anzsbeg.com. au/national-safe-boating-week Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said Maritime Safety Queensland knows that when skippers and

passengers wear lifejackets they have a much better chance of surviving if thrown into the water.

“Conversely, if they aren’t wearing them the outcomes are often deadly,” he said.

“In Queensland in 2022, failure to wear lifejackets was a factor in 80 per cent of boating fatalities.

“But it’s not statistics that boaties need to be thinking about when deciding whether or not to wear a properlymaintained lifejacket - it’s lives, their own and those of their passengers.

“EPIRBs can be just as important in life-threatening situations where time is of the

essence. Having information immediately transmitted to rescue authorities can be a lifesaver.

“Without the information transmitted by an EPIRB, even if you’ve managed to radio your plight, the search and rescue task can be like looking for a pinprick in the ocean.

“With this in mind, boaties should not forget to register their EPIRB with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“This will ensure authorities know exactly who and what they are looking for and how to get in touch with their close contacts for further information if needed.”

Time to get serious on odometer fraud

A RECENT investigation into crime syndicates performing odometer windbacks aired on local news has once again brought to light the urgent need for regulatory change and an overhaul of penalties related to odometer fraud in Queensland.

As the peak industry body representing businesses in the automotive industry, the

Motor Trades Association of Queensland is well aware of the devastating impacts the unlawful act, which amounts to consumer fraud performed by unscrupulous and unlicensed individuals, has caused to the state’s law-abiding automotive dealership businesses, as well as to consumers.

Frustratingly, despite ongoing campaigning from MTA Queensland, and despite

the issue once again emerging in the mainstream media, very little continues to be done at the policy level in the way of taking odometer fraud seriously and introducing sufficient preventative measures.

In an effort to help combat the issue, MTA Queensland launched an online odometer tampering reporting platform in late 2022, delivering critical information and evidence from

consumers to assist the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in their investigations.

MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm said for too long now, dodgy backyard operators

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for sale

garDening anD elecTrical eQUiPMenT

Ho M eli T e c H ainsaw 33cc 16" cut $85. Homelite and Ryobi whipper snippers, 2 stroke straight shaft as new $95. McCulloch hedger 2 stroke petrol motor 2' cut as new $85. Gardener’s Choice whipper snipper 2 stroke petrol motor as new $85. Bailey step ladder 7' and extending to 12'6" as new $85. Wheelbarrow 100L steel tub wooden handles $50. Rover mower and catcher 18" cut, 4 stroke Briggs and Stratton motor, $120. Victor mower & catcher 4 stroke B&S motor 18" cut $100. Edger “Poulan” 2 stroke petrol motor, straight shaft, steel blade, as new $75. Ryobi whipper snipper 2 stroke, petrol motor, as new $75. Skil electric saw 2 1/8 HP, 184mm, 60mm cut, as new $50. Bosch pressure washer electric 1100psi, as new $40. GMC angle grinder 100mm, 650 watt, as new $50. Ryobi whipper snipper petrol motor as new $85. Metabo jigsaw with spare blades $40. Skill battery drill and impact driver 20v 2 x batteries and charger brand new $60. Gardenline blower, petrol motor, near new $45. Ryobi Whipper Snipper, electric 525W $50. PH 5495 2557. Caboolture.

HoUseHolD

Han D craf TeD gif Ts Sharyn’s colourful crochet rugs. Cash lay-by available. Text ‘rugs’ to 0421 202 617 for a return call. Made in Kilcoy.

fUnerals

MarscHKe, Lyle Malcolm “Fred”

26.11.1960 - 29.9.2023

Beloved Husband of Jan. Dearly loved Father and Father-in-law to Jay and Tiana and a much loved Grandad to Mia, Amelia and Toby.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Fred’s Funeral Service to be held at 10.00am, Monday 9th October 2023 by his graveside in the Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery, Anderson-Day Drive, Willowbank, Ipswich.

No flowers by request. if preferred, donations to the National Heart Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Envelopes will be available at Service.

len rUssell fUnerals

lpswich — 07 3812 3122 www.lenrussellfunerals.com.au

PosiTions VacanT

DriVer / loaDer

We are seeking a casual employee as primarily a driver/loader for our landscape yard.

Must be prepared to work some Saturdays.

A minimum requirement is an L.R. Licence to operate our bigger truck. Please forward application to kilcoysbackyardbling@gmail.com

PUBlic noTices

KILCOY RSL SUB BRANCH

Opening Times: Wed 9am-2:30pm Fri 4pm til late

Ph: 07 5422 0564

18 Kennedy St, Kilcoy QLD 4514 www.kilcoyrsl.com.au or find us on facebook

Advocate’s Phone:

raffle resUlTs Drawn at the rsl club rooms

friday 29th september, 2023

Kilcoy Beauty Paul (Orange E06)

KQM K Whally (Black E53)

Bling gifts Glenn (Orange D54)

Pizza 82 Lesley (Black E81) alands fruit shop Amy (Black E57)

MeMBers Draw # 2390 – Ryan Argent (not present)

neXT Draw: $70 friday 6th october @ 6:30pm (Must be present to win)

Prizes may be collected wednesday 9am-2pm, friday from ticket sellers, or friday night at the rsl

PUBlic noTices

CAN'T STOP DRINKING? Call 1300 222 222

KilcoY KrafTers

Craft, learn to sew, knit, crochet, patchwork and quilting. All welcome. Kilcoy Information Centre, Hope St, 9am each Thursday.

KILCOY CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

BREAST & THE REST

Meets third Tuesday (monthly) @ 10am

Kilcoy RSL Rooms (Kennedy St) Contact: Sandra 0429 382 724 or John 0403 336 263

solar Power

caraVan sPecialisTs

free elecTrical insPecTions

Dual battery setups

12 volt camping specialists

BaTTeries - solar PanelsinVerTers - conTrollersaccessories

(30 Years eXPerience)

Look us up: www.solar2camp.com.au

PH Brent 0414 800 751

325 Kropp rd, woodford (2.5 k’s from police station)

To renT living

sTorage U niTs 40ft containers, 2 available, $240/mth and 20ft containers, 2 available, $150/mth.

3 PraTT sT, KilcoY https://www. remaxliving.com.au/21225209

6 HaYMan sT , B UrP engar Y e as T https://www.remaxliving.com. au/21217690 29 e cli P se c res, B UrP engarY e as T https://www.remaxliving.com. au/21053475

call re/MaX living on 07 5496 1922

BOWLS

Toogoolawah

Sunday October 1 Brian Loveland’s Cancer Charity day. What a day with a full green of players both experienced and non experienced.

We played two games of Triples with plenty of prizes available to be won in the games and the following raffles.

Congratulations Brian and all his supporters for a great day.

Winners: John’s team for the biggest win, Brad’s team for the worst loss, Len’s team for the least ends, Sue’s team for the most ends, Gumsey’s team for the smallest winning margin, Des’ team for the biggest winning margin, and Phil’s team for the blind draw out of the hat.

Coming events: Club 75th

Anniversary Sunday October 8, 10am for a 10.30am start.

Club meeting Sunday October 15.

All members are invited to attend at 9am and to help

in the running of the club by participating in discussions.

GOLF

Toogoolawah

Wednesday September 27

ladies annual Invitation Day a two-person Ambrose, sponsored by Rhonda Carroll, Robyn Edmonds and Judie Marschke. Visitors from Laidley, Lowood, Sandy Gallop, Rosewood and Cabarlah.

Winners Ros Englund and Lorraine Edwards (SG). Runners-up Manuela Laycock and Chris Stevens (T’wah). Long Drive 9/18 Ailsa Richter (T’wah).

NTPs: 2/11 Ros Englund (SG), 4/13 Mary Gibson (RW), 7/16 Ros Englund (SG), 8/17 Judy Logan (Laid), Closest Chip 9/18 Enid Faulkner (T’wah).

We hope the visitors enjoyed their day with us at Toogoolawah.

Afternoon Chook Run winner Craig Granzien 26pts, r/up Geoff Bailey 24. NTPs: 8 Bob Marshall, 9 Alan White.

Saturday September 30 Vern Doyle, Brian Loveland, Des and Carol Shields charity day (Cure For Children’s Cancer), twoperson Ambrose. Once again an awesome arrange of meat trays for golfers and non-golfers.

Golfer/golfer winners: Peter Granzien/Blair Broad, Alan White/Craig Granzien, Clinton Smith/Geoff Bailey, Ken Holson/ Ron Dunn, Tanner Granzien/ Thorne Rice, Richie Marschke/ Jeff Yeo, Peter Eldridge/ Warren Hatfield.

Golfer/non-golfer winners: Steve Gimblett/Nick Burnett, Brian Loveland/Sur Carpenter, Craig Edwards/Garry McGarrigal, Shaun and Enid Faulkner.

Non-golfer/non-golfer winners: John/Pat, Aaron and Josh Shields, Mex/De Shield.

Nine hole winners: Billy and Sparky Bradman’s Agg Dagan and Mark.

NTPs: 1/10 Tanner Granzien, 2/11 Longest putt Peter Granzien, 3/12 Garry McGarrigal, nonGolfers 3/12 Patrick, 4/13

New lighting system at Woodford sporting arena

THE field light project for flood repair, flood mitigation and conversion to lightemitting diode (LED) has been completed at the football field at the Woodford Showgrounds.

The job took about 18 months to materialise, from the first successful grant application through the Gambling Community Benefit

Fund Queensland (GCBF) to subsequent successful applications through the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS), and City of Moreton Bay (formerly Moreton Bay Regional Council).

The GCBF contributed $76,600 towards the project, and DTIS contributed $101,626 while the Council pitched in

with $10,947.

Completion of the project has been warmly welcomed by the Stanley River Wolves, who are poised to field A grade and reserve grade rugby league teams in 2024 after not fielding an A grade team in recent years.

The Wolves expressed thanks to the team from Electrical Services Queensland for its work on the project.

Crooked Line Tanner Granzien, 4/13 Michael O’Connor, 5/14 Longest Drive Thorne Rice, 6/15 Michael O’Connor,7/16 men’s Blair Broad, Ladies Lea-Jayne Marschke.

Longest Putt 8/17 Michael O’Connor.

Closest chip 9/18 Craig Edwards.

What a wonderful day for such a worthy cause. A couple of meat trays were auctioned off and extra funds were given to the charity. Thanks again to Vern, Brian, Des and Carol for such a great day.

Sunday October 1: Pennants at Sandy Gallop Toogoolawah v Sandy Gallop, The Gallop won 3/2, well done team.

Coming events: Saturday October 7 captain Peter Granzien and vice-captains Clinton Smith and Craig Granzien trophy day two-person Ambrose. Open to golfers and non-golfers. Names by 10.30am for an 11am shotgun start. If you need a partner, phone Peter on 0417 025 007 after 5pm.

Wednesday October 11 ladies 18 holes 8am, nine holes 8.45am.

Esk

Saturday September 30 mixed Foursomes Championship, sponsored by Jim and Cathy Guest.

Winners (gross/nett) D Lee/J Lee 133/110.5. R/up T Adams/S Adams 138/107.25.

Run-down: H Knubel/F Pickering 145/106, L Latter/G Lockett 145/112, B Gargano/H Gargano 154/114.25, J Guest/C Guest 177/120. Best nett score: H Knubel/F Pickering 106.

Annual Mixed Foursomes Championships with Dave Lee and Julie Lee winning the title for the fourth year in a row. Congratulations. Heinz and Fay winning the best nett score.

Single Stableford: Men’s winner C Nielsen 38pts, r/up S Lerm 37. Run-down: P Cook 36; C Pettet 35; I Knopke, B Tumney 33.

NTPs: Mixed Foursomes

1/10 4th L Latter/G Lockett, 5/14 4th B Gargano/H Gargano (in hole), Men’s Handicap 0-18 3/12 2nd B Thorogood, 6/15 2nd S Wilson, H/C 19+ 2/11 3rd C Pettet (in hole), 9/18 3rd C Pettet.

Many thanks Jim and Cathy for sponsoring the day and providing some top prizes.

Sunday October 1 nine hole

Chooky. Winner G Spencer 24 nett. R/up C Pettet 32.

Run-down: M Beetz, G Steele 33; C Wheeler 34; J Lumsden, P Cook, J Humphrey 35; M Scott 36; G Ray, G Punch, D Back, V Scott 37; S Wilson 38; G Lockett 40(L); J Smrecnik 44; D Warner 50; C Smrecnik 54.

Putting competition: Garry Spencer 15.

NTPs: 13 V Scott, 17 2nd G Spencer.

Good turnout for our Chooky, with Garry having a top day to take the win with a record breaking score of 24 nett, and a pin shot and the putting competition, bang goes his handicap for awhile.

Quite a few new players, hope they enjoyed their day and come back.

Lowood

Tuesday September 26

Single Stableford. Men’s winner R Young 42 on a count back from r/up N Sippel.

Men’s BRD: D Sippel, D Sheraton 38; S Webb, J Luxford 37; N Emmerson, M Whitwell 36 on a count back.

Ladies winner E Jensen 35, r/up Peta Dwyer 29.

NTPs: 2 A Skinner, 5 K Niemeyer, 11 C Smale, 14 N Sippel, 14 Ladies 2nd shot E Jensen, 3/12 2nd shot Div 1 A Skinner, Div 2 D Sheraton.

Thursday September 28: Single Stableford. Men’s winner N Emmerson 44, r/up D Sippel 39.

Ladies winner J Hines 37, r/ up L Emmerson-Smale 35.

BRD: P Harmon 38; D Bond, A Page 37; S Webb, D Sheraton, G Milady, S Kaituu 36.

NTPs: 2 P Mahoney, 5 R Mancktelow, 11 V Bales, 14 G Hair, 14 Ladies 2nd shot J Hines, 4/13 2nd shot Div 1 R Mancktelow, Div 2 P Harmon.

Secret Partners (4BBB Stableford): N Emmerson and L Sheraton 48; D Sippel and M Callander 46 on a count back from J McQueen and A Page.

Saturday September 30: Single Stableford. Winner R Coolwell 41, r/up G Winter 38.

BRD: Peter Coles 38; E Hoger 37; H Doran, B Wieland, D Gray, A Chambers, H Buckley 36; J Ormaechea, Shane Kopelke, S Webb 35.

The football field at the Woodford Showgrounds will have a new look at night, following the completion of the field light project for flood repair, flood mitigation and conversion to LED.

Esk Golf Mixed Foursomes Champions David and Julie Lee.

Esk golf overall winner D Malasis with sponsor Macca.

Esk Golf best nett winners Fay Pickering and Heinz Knubel.

Some of the happy winners from Toogoolawah Golf Club Cure for Children’s Cancer Charity day on September 30.

Hole-in-one for Todd Gundry

IT’S great to see the Kilcoy course being enjoyed by golfers keen to take advantage of some of the beautiful weather of late.

October promises to offer a great variety of golfing competition, with the grounds in great shape despite a dry September.

Congratulations to Todd Gundry on his hole-in-one last month on the 18th hole. Great work!

This Saturday is the Morgan Family Charity Golf Day which raises funds for bowel cancer. This will be a 3-ball Ambrose event, with registrations for play and buggy bookings available at the clubhouse.

The Kilcoy Hotel-sponsored 9-hole 2-ball Ambrose will be held on Saturday October 14.

On Sunday October 15 there will be a Steve Chatman memorial game, with Mike

Chatman providing the trophy. This will be an 18-hole Stableford game.

Another 2-ball Ambrose will be held on October 22, generously sponsored by DVA/ RSL Kilcoy sub branch which will pay all green fees for this 18-hole event. All are welcome to play in this event.

Sunday October 29 promises to be a very busy day on the course, with three special events taking place. The Ladies Monthly Medal final, the Fred Greensill final, and the Captain’s Day game will attract a large number of players. This promises to be an enjoyable day with some strong competition for each of the trophies on offer.

Another highlight for the month is the Norm Tones Shield; an 18-hole Stableford on Wednesday October 25.

Members are asked to check the Team App for up-to-date

Golfers invited to Breast Cancer Charity Day in Woodford

NOMINATIONS are open for the Woodford Golf Club’s annual Breast Cancer Charity Day, which will be held on Wednesday, October 25. Funds will be raised for breast cancer research as usual, with female and male golfers welcome while the total number of participants is capped at 144.

There will be men’s and ladies divisions while the format is a Single Stableford, with trophies available for winners

and runners-up, approaches, nearest-the-pins, accuracy drives and long drives.

A multi-draw raffle will be held on the day, and morning tea will be provided.

Nominations can be made online at www. woodfordgolfclub.com.au/ ladies or by phoning the club at 5496 1004, while the cost is $25 per person (payable on the day).

Shotgun start is at 8.30am.

information on scheduled events.

For those yet to use this app, the free Stack Team App can be downloaded and a search for Kilcoy Golf Club will provide a “request to join”. Please contact Louise Howard on 0428 224 881 if you require assistance with access.

A special green fee for visiting golfers is currently on offer: $5 for 18 holes for tee off on Mondays only between 8am and noon. This is a great offer for the increasing number of travellers stopping off for a game at Kilcoy.

A new monthly raffle has been introduced in the form of a $100 meat tray. Winners will be drawn on the last Friday night of the month, with tickets available at the clubhouse bar for $1 each or 12 for $10.

Volunteers are sought to sell tickets at the IGA. If you can

assist, please call the clubhouse on 5405 5705 to register your availability or see Kate at the club bar.

The meat tray is from Kilcoy Butchery which always supplies an abundant quantity of great quality. Money raised from these raffles will go towards new glass doors for the clubhouse bar cold room.

The practice nets have been repaired and are now available for warm-up prior to playing. The course greens have benefitted from their recent coring, and the addition to the 8th/17th tee box area in the form of a concrete path is well underway.

The new groundsmen, Arthur and Shaun Baldwin, are doing a great job along with many volunteers.

While responsible dog owners are welcome to the course, a reminder is issued

to all players and members of the public that dogs on the course must be kept under strict supervision. It is asked that you pick up after your dog if they foul the course.

There have been instances of dogs running free to swim in the

Wolves U11s relish Charleville

THE Stanley River Wolves U11s enjoyed playing against a range of country clubs as well as a few clubs closer to home, as the Wolves outfit took part in the recent Mulga Cup carnival in Charleville.

Comprising players from the club’s U11 Red and Black teams, the Wolves opposed the host club in addition to the Mitchell Magpies, Longreach Tigers, Pittsworth Danes, Coolum Colts, Burpengary Jets, and Benderoo Bulls.

Other teams in the carnival were the Caloundra Sharks, Jimboomba Thunder, Barcaldine Sandgoannas, Carnarvon Cubs, Chinchilla Bulldogs, Kingaroy Red Ants, Dalby Devils, Miles Devils, Murgon Mustangs, Roma Saints and St George Dragons.

No scores were recorded as the annual carnival was about enjoyment and forming friendships.

Jakob Carlton was named by team staff as Stanley River’s player of the carnival for outstanding sportsmanship, attitude and performance over the three days.

Xander Hicks, was selected to play in the Mulga Cup Challenge game at the end of the carnival.

Esk Golf winners Gerry Maloney Memorial Day 2nd Div C Nielsen, Div 1 S Brown.

NTPs: 2 D McTaggart, 5

G Sippel, 11 W Parker, 14 D

Hellyer, 14 Ladies 2nd shot E Jensen, 9/18 2nd shot Div 1 D Gray, Div 2 R Peasey.

Kilcoy

Wednesday September 27:

18 Hole Stableford, trophy donor- Steve Pickering Twisted Toppings Pizza, winner Arthur Kunde 40, with r/up Kevin Cook 40C/b.

NTPs: 2/11 Arthur Kunde, 5/14 Lorraine Barrett, 7/16 Todd Gundry, 9/18 Peter

Modistach.

Saturday September 30: Ladies 9 Hole Comp, trophy donor - The Stanley Hotel, winner Delores Cole, with r/up Peggy Mcmillan.

NTP: 4 Louise Howard.

Putting Competition: Delores Cole.

Sunday October 1: 18 Hole Stableford, trophy donorKilcoy Golf Club, winner Ray Dennis 38, with r/up Troy Edwards 37.

NTPs: 6/15 Gary Barton, Ray Dennis.

Another Wolves player,

The Wolves club expressed thanks to the coaches and staff who assisted throughout the carnival, while thanks were also expressed to the parents who travelled the 16-hour round trip.

dam and play in the bunkers, which not only disrupts the play of the golfers but results in extra bunker maintenance for the staff and volunteers. Please keep your dogs under control at all times.

excursion

Todd Gundry retrieves his ball from the 18th hole after his hole-in-one at the Kilcoy golf course last month.

Riley Wilson in action for the Stanley River U11s at Charleville.

Jakob Carlton was named as Stanley River’s player of the carnival, recently held in Charleville.

Stanley River U11 Red and Black players took part in the Mulga Cup carnival in Charleville.

A determined Harvey Fulmer evades the opposition defence during the Mulga Cup carnival.

Kilcoy race meet cut short

MORE than 200 people attended last Thursday’s race meet in Kilcoy, although only four of the nine scheduled races could proceed due to the arrival of stormy conditions.

The favourite emerged triumphant in the first three races before the second favourite came first in race four, with a highlight coming in race two as Michael Marsh trained his first winner.

With the track rated a Good 4, two 1200m races were followed by a 2076m race and a 1500m race.

The first race contained a field of 12, with the Michael Hemmings-trained and Rob Thorburn-ridden Super Duck winning by 1.3 lengths after

being in third place with 400m remaining.

Race two had a field of 10, with the Marsh-trained and Samantha Collett-ridden Tereshkova winning by 3.3 lengths.

The 2076m race had seven runners, with the Brenton Andrew-trained and Les Tilleyridden Hostage of War winning by a huge margin of six lengths.

There was also a big margin between the winner and runnerup in the 1500m race, as the Gordon Hay-trained and Luke Tarrant-ridden Glengarry won by five lengths despite starting awkwardly.

The favourite in race four was in second place for a while before finishing fourth.

With race five scheduled for 2.40pm, the horses in this event arrived at the barriers when stewards noted storm activity loomed, prompting the stewards to order that all horses be returned to the enclosure.

Lightning continued and, after monitoring weather websites for about an hour, stewards came to a decision in consultation with Racing Queensland and the Kilcoy Race Club.

The decision was made at about 3.45pm to abandon the remaining five races due to safety concerns, pertaining to lightning strikes in the area.

Kilcoy Race Club chairperson Con Searle said there were only 3 mls of rain on

the track, and that Kilcoy races were renowned for “breaking a drought”.

“We nearly restarted the program, but the storm that split and went to the NE (north-east) then circled back, and that was the nail in the coffin,” he said.

Mr Searle said it was an absolute shame to lose the final five races.

“With such a big crowd for a Thursday, it shows the popularity of Kilcoy races with many visitors from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba,” he said.

“All I speak to think it’s a fabulous track and amenities.

“To many it’s only a oneand-a-half hour (trip) from Brisbane for a day in the

country and of course a Kilcoy steak sandwich.”

The next race in Kilcoy will

be on October 31, followed by the Kilcoy Christmas Cup race day on November 25.

Luke Tarrant rides Glengarry to victory in the fourth race at Kilcoy last Thursday. This turned out to be the final race of the day, as stormy weather forced the final five races to be cancelled.

Photo credit: Darren Winningham.

The Samantha Collett-ridden Tereshkova wins race two at Kilcoy. Photo credit: Darren Winningham.

Samantha Collett is all smiles after riding Tereshkova to a comfortable win in race two at Kilcoy. Photo credit: Darren Winningham.