KILCOY, Woodford, D’Aguilar and Bribie residents witnessed a revved up display of red ribbons, leather vests and shiny bikes, as dozens of motorbikes and cars took part in the annual Ride for Red charity drive on October 5. The eighth annual fundraiser raised over $11,500 in support of cancer research. p4
◗ Marina Gomide
THE Somerset council is calling on the State Government to address hooning activity in the Mid-Brisbane River, while Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has promised to address hooning activity in Dundas, if the LNP is elected.
Council said hooning and anti-social behaviour had been a problem for years, including problems with illegal 4WDing, camping and rubbish, despite having asked the state numerous times to address the issue.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt last week called on the Government once again to commit to tackling
the problem, ahead of the October 26 state election.
“Council has been asking for years for the State Government to make a commitment to managing the Mid-Brisbane River and our requests have been ignored or pushed to various departments,” he said.
“The reality is that the Mid-Brisbane River is state
government managed but little has been done by them to clean it up and stop the anti-social behaviour.
“The river is a critical water source for SEQ and faces ongoing issues threatening its environmental value, water quality and public safety.”
Cr Wendt added that the council took matters into
its own hands almost four years ago, using ratepayer money to install bollards, signage and security cameras to try and curb the issue, “despite it not being our responsibility”.
“This is yet another example of the State Government cost-shifting onto local communities.”
Story p5
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IT’S hard enough for fully fledged adults to engage in the state election, but thank goodness for Generation Z.
My 16-year-old came home looking pretty chuffed with himself the other day, saying he’d been talking to Premier Steven Miles about some pressing concerns.
6, 35 Swan Street, Beerwah
TOOGOOLAWAH Police
arrested a 35-year-old Kogan man on October 2 on drug and weapon offences, after he attempted to flee capture.
The male was identified to police by members of the community who noticed the male acting suspiciously within the township, having been located by Police from Toogoolawah and Esk hiding in the yard of a private residence in town.
It will be alleged that a substantial amount of Drugs and other property was located on the male, along with a homemade firearm.
The male was also the subject of a number of arrest warrants in relation to his failure to appear in courts for previous serious criminal and drug offences.
The male was taken to Ipswich General Hospital after his arrest and was later conveyed to Ipswich Watchhouse, where he remains in custody.
“This is a perfect example of the local community working together with police to help keep our community safer,” Sergeant and Officer in Charge John Cumner said.
Toogoolawah Police have also identified an increase in hoon activity on their local roads over the last month.
“Hooning offences threaten the lives of person/s in offending vehicles and also the lives and property of innocent bystanders,” Mr Cumner said.
“This anti-social behaviour disturbs the peace and enjoyment of our local road networks.
“Some local offenders have been identified and dealt with, however we urge all members of our community to report any offending.”
To report offences contact Toogoolawah Police Station, visit Policelink or Crime Stoppers, or call 1800 333 000.
What? You took these concerns to Parliament, I asked?
No, on Tik Tok, of course... because that’s where you’ll find all the swinging voters. It was true though.
He showed me a video of the Premier genuinely answering one of his questions.
“How ya gonna keep fuel prices down?” was the wordfor-word question.
This is in the context of a 16-year-old, with no license, no car, a lost Go Card and no voting rights. Fair question. Bless him.
In the midst of a cost-ofliving crisis that has zero impact on his day-to-day living, it’s good to see teens thinking beyond their own little world. Kind of.
I suspected this was all linked to his growing aspiration to own a 4WD and spend his days going all Huckleberry Finn on us.
I’m being sent regular links to Facebook pages for cheap off-road vehicles.
The most recent was a perfectly well-maintained Nissan, aside from the small matter of a blown head gasket.
“The owner said it’s an easy fix”, he texted with a wrench emoji.
I’m yet to reply to that one, which is especially hard when he sits slumped over his plate 20 centimetres from me at dinner.
I’m just happy he knows who the Premier is.
There’s a lot more politics to come our way in the next few weeks.
This week we have asked candidates from Nanango, Morayfield and Kurwongbah to answer a single question relevant to their electorates.
The aim is to provide a level ‘playing field’ and give readers some extra insight when choosing to vote come election day on October 26.
We will cover other electorates and questions next week, followed by a ‘final pitch’ in the election week issue.
STAY TUNED
If politics isn’t your bag, don’t fear as there’s plenty else going on in this issue.
We ducked out to Rockpool Aged Care Centre
◗ Marina Gomide
MORETON Bay Council is calling on all state election candidates to address the current lack of emergency accommodation for people experiencing homelessness as they make election commitments.
As has been reported by The Sentinel over the past several months, the issue of homelessness in Moreton Bay has been worsening, with Council having seen a 250 per cent increase of people sleeping rough over the last two years, and a 90 per cent increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in the last decade.
When Council began their Moreton Bay Matters campaign, calling on state election candidates to address five key issues of the area, it was revealed through an independent report commissioned by Council that Moreton Bay
has less social housing dwellings per 10,000 people than Ipswich, Logan and Redland, and ranks only fourth for communities and housing funding per capita.
Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said the social housing system has not been able to keep up with the increased pressure, resulting in more pressure on local government.
“We are calling on the candidates to clearly address the current shortfall of crisis accommodation for people experiencing homelessness as an urgent priority as they make election commitments,” she said.
“Although housing and homelessness are ultimately the responsibility of other levels of government, we can’t turn a blind eye and have stepped in to help people needing critical support.
“City of Moreton Bay has explored every reasonable
fingers crossed it involves cigars and whiskey.
NICE WORK
Congratulations also go out to four Moreton Bay first responders who were awarded Officer of the Year awards (p5). While a Queensland SES volunteer, inspired to join his local Moreton Bay SES Unit after a devastating flood event, has been named a finalist in the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes awards (p4). OUT ‘N ABOUT
We were also out taking pictures on the weekend at the annual Ride for Red charity drive, which started at Caboolture before winding around the region to Bribie Island. We’ve got a heap of pics
RURAL fire brigades
across Somerset will benefit in over $177,000, contributed to the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) by Somerset Council under a new finance system.
Somerset Councillor and Rural Fire Local Area Finance Committee representative, Brett Freese, said Council is working to support the rural brigades under a new system, to help the Somerset community stay protected.
“We understand that the State Government’s QFD has introduced a new system for managing rural fire funding. We are working with this system to support our local rural fire brigades,” he said.
“There is a further process by which our contribution of $177,207.71 is credited by QFD to different brigades and groups, consistent with the approved Local Area Finance Committee budget.
“While these are not our changes, we are happy to work within the new QFD finance system. Everyone knows the role of volunteer rural fire brigades in the community is critical and must be supported.”
Cr Freese said volunteer rural fire brigades play a vital role whenever the region is threatened by fire, floods and other emergencies.
◗ Marina Gomide
THE Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) is the target of a new workforce plan by Jobs Queensland (JQ) to address critical shortages in the local tourism industry along the 161-kilometre trail.
The recent BVRT Visitor Research Program – Phase 2 highlighted several obstacles the tourism industry along the BVRT faces, especially recruitment and retention challenges due to the region’s seasonal nature, resulting in high turnover rates in tourism-related jobs.
Other challenges identified include competition from other sectors, growing demand for soft skills, digital marketing expertise and business acumen amongst employees.
The 2023 Queensland Tourism Industry Council Workforce Report also highlighted significant occupational shortages in frontline roles, tour guides and digital marketing.
Following these research finds, Somerset Regional Council partnered with Queensland Country Tourism (QCT), who applied for the third round of JQ’S Grow Your Own (GYO) funding to help boost the region’s workforce.
The industry-led, focussed workforce plan intends to
address the challenges along the BVRT by offering targeted training and job placement services, as well as fostering partnerships with educational institutions.
The hope is the plan will ensure sustainable tourism development, reduce unemployment and promote economic resilience in the regions along the BVRT.
QCT is the Regional Tourism Organisation for Somerset, but the workforce plan will cover the entirety of the BVRT as a regional tourism asset, not just the section within Somerset.
Somerset Regional Council Director Corporate and Community Services, Daniel Rowe, said Council is “appreciative of the work undertaken by QCT” to submit the successful grant application and is looking forward to support QCT in delivering the project, along with Council’s own tourism initiatives through the Experience Somerset brand.
“Council will support QCT in delivering the project and will provide coordination support,” he said.
“Council will also be delivering a Rail Trails and Tourism Conference at the Somerset Civic Centre on 6 and 7 November, which
will highlight the great tourism opportunities available along the BVRT and facilitate discussion between operators about how best they may capitalise on the asset.
“Council’s current promotional campaign, Unlock Next-Level Adventures in Somerset, leverage our significant assets such as the BVRT to encourage visitation to the Region through Spring.”
This announcement comes just a month after Somerset Council launched its advocacy plan in lead up of the state election, with one of the items on the list being investment in
recreational and sporting activties on Lake Wivenhoe, as a way to attract tourism to the region ahead of, and during, the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
Jobs Queensland Board Chair Jim Varghese AM said the GYO program is a great example of how industries and regions can work together to benefit their local economy and residents.
“Jobs Queensland’s ‘Grow your own’ regional workforce program is founded on working with stakeholders on the ground to deliver workforce solutions they need,”he said.
“This funding will secure
a skilled workforce for Queensland and rewarding careers for locals and also builds on Jobs Queensland’s extensive workforce planning activities.”
The BVRT was one of eight successful applicants of CYO’s round three.
The program is funded by Jobs Queensland and powered by the Queensland Government’s Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.
To find out more about tourism opportunities in Somerset and the upcoming conference visit www. experiencesomerset.com. au.
By shopping instore until 30 December, you can help support these organisations. WITH YOUR HELP, WE’LL DONATE UP TO $10,000 PER YEAR!
Over $11,500 raised in annual cancer research fundraiser motorbike drive
◗ Marina Gomide
KILCOY, Woodford, D’Aguilar and Bribie got to witness a revving display of red ribbons, leather vests and shiny bikes, as over 80 motorbikes and ten cars took part in the annual Ride for Red charity drive on October 5.
Organised by the Gronks Social Riders Club, the eighth annual fundraiser raised over $11,500 this year in support of cancer research, with money collected through online donations and raffle tickets sold at the stops along the drive.
The ride started at the Northbound BP Burpengary, with riders travelling north, through Beerwah and down the Peachester Range, before heading west
to Kilcoy’s Yowie Park for the first raffle and a vanilla slice. From there the drive continued to the D’Aguilar Pub for lunch, eventually ending at the Bribie Island Hotel for the major raffle prize draw and live music fun.
The Ride for Red tradition began in 2016 in memory of beloved rider Red Norman, who bravely battled brain cancer, with the event growing each year.
“The first year I think we only had around 25 riders, including Red’s family and friends, and now we have over 80 bikes, along with cars and pillons,” Red’s friend and organiser Helen Weir said.
“Donations were received by several parties and we are very appreciative of their support.
“Another big thanks goes to our friends and family who have assisted us in many ways, from collecting donations, wrapping the prizes and getting things to the venues.”
“This event is a special
way to honour the memory of our friend and contribute to a cause that affects so many,” said Helen’s partner and co-organiser Gary ‘Blakey’ Blake.
“The support we’ve seen over the years has been
Red’s family also joined the event, including his wife, brothers, son, sister-in-law, niece and nephew, with one of the brothers driving down from Ayre to take part in the fundraiser.
SOMERSET residents are invited to enjoy a day exploring the history of the Brisbane Valley at the inaugural Brisbane Valley History Expo, to be held at the Somerset Civic Centre on October 26, between 9am to 2pm.
Visitors can explore more than a dozen displays from various history groups, with keynote speakers from Queensland Museum, Queensland Rail and Bellevue Homestead.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about the Brisbane Valley and chat with a variety of exhibitors.
There will be food trucks onsite and a wealth of historical knowledge for everyone to enjoy. The event is being supported by Somerset Regional Council through Regional Arts Development Funding and in partnership with Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional
A YOUNG Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer, inspired to join his local Moreton Bay SES Unit after a devastating flood event, has been named a finalist in the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes awards.
Tristan has been recognised in the excellence category for his commitment to the SES after just one year volunteering, and drive to improve cultural awareness and educate his community.
it means you’re there to talk and listen.”
Tristan actively supports the community through his role in the SES, by operational response, community education and cultural awareness.
Moreton Bay City SES Volunteer Tristan Kolio is one of 23 finalists selected from across the state for the 10th annual awards, which celebrates the exceptional achievements of people within Queensland Police, Fire, Health, Ambulance, Corrections, Public Service, Education and volunteers.
Tristan is the Moreton Bay City SES Unit Media and Engagement Coordinator, also working full time at his own production company.
Tristan said he was motivated to join his local SES Group to help his community after his family and community were affected by the 2022 floods. Now, two years later, he
“Although I still go out on jobs, my core focus is to create and manage media and content for the Moreton Bay SES Unit to share educational information to the public,” he said.
“I’m also passionate about diversity, as there aren’t many volunteers of Māori and Samoan descent. By sharing my Polynesian heritage and culture, I can support people of my cultures on jobs and encourage others to join.”
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Tristan said he felt privileged to be named a finalist in the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards.
Winners will be selected by a panel of highly respected judges and will receive $2000 deposited into a QBANK account and $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.
Winners will be recognised at the annual awards dinner at the W Hotel Brisbane on 11 October 2024.
CITY of Moreton Bay is renewing its push for a “no cash for scrap” scheme, to combat increasing copper theft, which is severely affecting local sporting clubs and communities.
Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway emphasised the urgent need to amend the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act to align Queensland with other states.
Cr Shipway highlighted the LNP’s commitment to ban scrap metal sales to unlicensed dealers but urged all election candidates to take the issue seriously, claiming copper theft has surged, with Energex reporting nearly 400 incidents last year alone, costing over $4.5 million in repairs.
“Without proper legislative measures, thieves can easily cash in stolen copper, endangering public safety and straining local resources,” she said.
Council is prioritising this issue ahead of the state election, seeking commitments for legislative reforms to protect the community and prevent further fi loss.
Local residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to help tackle the growing problem.
◗ Marina Gomide
ANTI-HOONING measures have taken centre stage in Somerset this week with council calling on the State Government to address hooning activity in the Mid-Brisbane River, while Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has made an election promise to address hooning activity in Dundas, if the LNP is elected.
Council said hooning and anti-social behaviour had been a problem at the Mid-Brisbane River for many years, including problems with illegal 4WDing, camping, and rubbish despite having asked the state numerous times to address the issue.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt last week called on the Government once again to commit to tackling the problem, ahead of the October 26 state election.
“Council has been asking for years for the State Government to make a commitment to managing the Mid-Brisbane River and our requests have been ignored or pushed to various departments,” he said.
“The reality is that the Mid-Brisbane River is state government managed, but little has been done by them to clean it up and stop the anti-social behaviour.
“The river is a critical water source for SEQ and faces ongoing issues threatening its environmental value, water quality and public safety.”
Cr Wendt added that Council took matter into its own hands almost four years ago, using ratepayers money to install bollards, signage and security cameras along MidBrisbane River to try and curb the issue, “despite it
Government who will commit to making changes for a stronger future that prioritises our community. It’s time the State Government listened.” Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, said the proper management of the Mid-Brisbane River is important for public safety
community.”
Just a few days later, Ms Frecklington announced the LNP have committed to anti-hooning measures in the Dundas area, if elected at the end of the month.
Anti-hooning measures would include physical structures, such as raised concrete islands and
has done nothing to fix the problem,” she said.
“This location is one of the primary burnout hotspots in our region. The hooning activity is dangerous for locals and regular users of this road.” The announcement is part of the LNP’s Making Our Community Safer Plan.
FOUR Moreton Bay first responders were awarded
Officer of the Year awards in their respective categories at the Combined Service Clubs 11th First Responders Officer of the Year Awards on September 30 at North Lakes.
Hosted by the Combined Service Clubs of the Lions Club of Caboolture North, Lions Club of Morayfield & District, and Rotary Club of Caboolture, the event aims to recognise and honour the men and women who serve the community as first
The ceremony names one officer from the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Fire Department (QFD), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), as well as volunteers from the State Emergency Services (SES) and Rural Fire Service (RFS), as Officer of the Year for their dedication and service to community.
Bribie Island Police Station’s Constable Zachary Russ was a awarded QPS Officer of the Year, due to his high motivation in his general duties as a uniform
he does with youth of Bribie at the Bribie Big Arvo and Blue Edge programs.
Mr Russ also coaches rugby league at Burpengary Jets Junior Rugby League Club and junior Oztag teams, fostering community spirit among young athletes.
Station Officer Tom Simpson took home the award for QFD for his exceptional leadership and dedication to firefighting operations.
Advanced Care Paramedic II (Extended Scope) Jamie Hibbert took home the top honour for the QAS, with
presenting the award.
Jamie was celebrated for his outstanding contribution to the Local-area Referral and Assessment Unit (LARU), having worked across Queensland to develop LARU paramedics and undertaking a substantial body of work to create a document to help LARU paramedic’s access the appropriate referral pathways for their patients.
The SES and RFS combined category recognised Senior Field Operations Member Carl Edwards and Volunteer
Christine Howitt, with MS Howitt being presented the award for her efforts in educating the community on fire safety and preparedness.
The evening was made even more special with the presence of Bob Atkinson AO APM, former Commissioner of QPS, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
After 44 years of dedicated service, including 12 years as Commissioner, his participation highlighted the importance of the occasion.
Many political members expressed their support
its winners and nominees for their hard work and sacrifice on the front lines.
Attendees included Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, Member for Bancroft, Chris Whiting, Federal Member for Longman, Terry Young, and Moreton Bay Division 12 Councillor, Tony Latter, and Division 2 Councillor, Mark Booth.
Congrats to all winners and nominees for their achievements and hard work in keeping their communities safe!
Candidate question: Five key issues in the Somerset region include fixing the Brisbane Valley Highway, opening up Wivenhoe Dam to recreational and sporting pursuits ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, investing in fire ant fighting at a local level, investing in public safety along and in the Mid-Brisbane River, and comitting to water security by investing in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative.
Will you commit to upgrading the Brisbane Valley Highway? How would you address the other issues?
Brisbane Valley Highway
I have been advocating for action to address the Brisbane Valley Highway for many years, and its inclusion at number Four in the Top 10 of RACQ’s Most Unroadworthy Roads comes as no surprise.
The Brisbane Valley Highway is one of our major connecting routes, bringing produce and freight from inland areas to coastal centres. Our community use this road every day to access health services, get their kids to school and travel to work. Sadly, people continue to lose their lives on this dangerous road. Surely they deserve to be able to get to their destination safely. Traffic counts conducted on the Highway show a definite increase in road usage with a 15.9% increase on the section just north of Esk and a 17.6% increase at Toogoolawah since 2019.
An LNP will be investing $20million to upgrade the Brisbane Valley Highway between Blacksoil and Esk. Opening up Wivenhoe Dam to recreational and sporting pursuits
It was an LNP Government that first opened-up Wivenhoe Dam in 2013 to
more recreational access. I fought for these changes at the time, because former Labor Governments had ignored the recreational and sporting potential of Wivenhoe.
Further opening up of the Dam to more recreational opportunities is something I support and I will continue to work with the SeqWater and the Somerset Regional Council on realising these opportunities.
Fire Ants
The LNP have announced an additional $50million investment in biosecurity to tackle emerging threats, including fire ants.
The investment will bolster our frontline workforce with 100 additional staff within the Department of Agriculture including new stock inspectors, vets, agronomists, research and development and AgTech specialists.
This funding will also help us strengthen the fire ant response after Labor’s bungled management of the Fire Ant Eradication Program. An LNP Government will act quickly to ensure this program is properly governed and key recommendations implemented.
better address ongoing issues such as illegal dumping, anti-social behaviour and other illegal activities is important for public safety and environmental impacts.
The State Government can’t keep relying on the Somerset Regional Council to clean up this problem.
Water Security including the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative
The LNP values water security for Queenslanders, in particular for our irrigators, who rely on access to water in what is one of our State’s most important food bowls.
We know that an investment in water infrastructure is not only an investment in agriculture, but an investment in hope, growth and jobs for the region.
An LNP Government will work closely with the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative as we progress water security in this state.
The following candidates were approached but didn’t contribute: Benjamin Mitchell - Family First Val Heward - Labor
While the Greens are committed to balanced and sustainable infrastructure investment, it’s critical that our state’s highway network is safe — especially for the truckers that keep Queensland moving. Making sure our major highways meet safety standards needs to come before big infrastructure boondoggles that cost billions.
Politicians love to make big pronouncements to give big infrastructure money to swing electorates every election to buy votes — while ignoring safe seats like Nanango. The Greens will make sure every project everywhere gets equal consideration on their merits, but the sad truth is that the best way to make sure projects in your local area get funded is by making the major parties sweat.
On water infrastructure, the major parties have
neglected investment in water for years. Queensland faces these boom and bust cycles — crushing droughts followed by destructive floods and back again — and all the investment gets announced to combat one and quietly get cut when the next comes around. Remember how many of the Millenium Drought water saving programmes never got finished? With climate change bringing longer droughts, worse floods and more severe heat waves, we can’t continue this unsustainable cycle. We need to massively upgrade our water infrastructure that can handle both wet and dry seasons while still ensuring there’s enough water for farmers and towns alike.
Recreational boating, fishing and watercraft should be encouraged sustainably in our waterways — provided that’s balanced with
I am running as an independent candidate because I am frustrated with politicians voting along party lines instead of representing the people’s will. As an independent, my sole focus is on serving the electorate’s needs. Through conversations with residents spanning from Esk to Kilkivan, I pinpointed 8 crucial issues during my campaign. One of the issues that corresponds with your concerns is road infrastructure. Many other topics from your email also fit into these 8 priorities.
Independents have a unique advantage when neither major party has a clear majority. Historical examples like Peter Wellington. Liz Cunningham and Dorothy Pratt show the impact independents can have on their electorates and Queensland’s governance. Independents vote based on
protecting our precious riparian environments and the sensitive ecosystems that thrive on our riverbanks. One of the best ways we can do that is making sure we maintain and upgrade boat ramps, campsites and emergency access points along our rivers, creeks and lakes.
The Greens are proud to support outdoor recreation and the sustainable, active enjoyment of our natural environment. We support government land and water managers to provide and manage spaces, infrastructure and opportunities for outdoor activities to cater for demand. This management must include taking a precautionary approach to the impact of such activities on our natural disasters — especially flood risks along the Brisbane River.
what the people want, not the party.
How will I fund these initiatives? I propose cancelling the Olympic Games. Victoria is in a world of financial pain and did the right thing by cancelling the Games. Victoria’s debt is $32K per person. How does Queensland’s debt compare? $31.6K per person. Almost the same. Queensland will reach $171 billion in debt in the next year or two. The Games are estimated to cost $9BN, but history shows that this number will blow out, as seen with the 2000 Sydney Games, and the economy was doing a lot better back then. Meanwhile, Australians are struggling with high costs of living, worsened by both Labor and LNP policies. We have people living in tents and cars. The priority should be the people, not Games. Redirecting Olympic
1. I am fully committed to upgrading the Brisbane Valley Highway. This is an essential step to ensure the safety and connectivity of our region. As our population grows and more people move through our area, we need infrastructure that supports safe and efficient travel.
An upgraded highway will not only reduce accidents but also improve economic opportunities by ensuring better access for businesses, farmers, and locals alike.
2. Yes, while the Olympics is certainly a massive project that will strain state funds and we didn’t ask for it, the reality is that it’s here. Our region must take full advantage of this opportunity. By opening up Wivenhoe Dam for recreational and sporting use, we can ensure Somerset benefits from increased tourism and local activity. The long-term positives are clear: it will boost our
economy, give locals more access to outdoor activities, and help put Somerset on the map for future visitors.
3. Let me be very clear—fire ants are a serious threat. These pests can devastate our environment, our agriculture, and even endanger the safety of our families. I’ve heard from countless constituents about how fire ants are already causing issues in their daily lives. Unfortunately, these rural concerns are often ignored by the major parties. Australia should adopt a more cohesive approach and look at locally developed solutions that are proven specifically for fire ants.
funds toward immediate needs such as homeless, roads, policing, youth programs, and combating domestic violence would have a direct positive impact on our electorate. We must also address Queensland’s debt, which incurs $21 million in daily interest. I would work with other independents and minor parties to push the government of the day to prioritise actual solutions, not just promises and handouts funded by further debt. If we don’t act now, our electorate and our state will remain far short of its potential. The can has been kicked far enough. It needs someone to say, “Enough is enough. We cannot leave this for the kids of tomorrow to fix. This happened on our watch and we need to fix it.” That person is me.
4. Yes, ensuring safety along and within the Brisbane River is a prime concern. We need to look at better safety infrastructure, from improved signage and barriers to regular monitoring of river conditions. The river is a lifeline for many of our communities, but it also presents risks— especially during flood seasons.
5. Water security is absolutely critical for our region and much of Queensland. Regional areas like Somerset have been crying out for sustainable water solutions for years. Yet, successive governments—whether Labor or Liberal—have failed to take meaningful action. Projects that would secure our water supply have been delayed or neglected. It’s not just about today, it’s about ensuring our farmers, families, and businesses have a stable future with access to this essential resource.
6. I will continue to lobby hard to make sure Somerset is represented in the planning and funding for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. We can’t afford to be overlooked when it comes to infrastructure upgrades. I will not rest until we get our fair share.
The anti-cannabis laws are the real crime. They have had a disastrous effect on too many people. Six police armed with guns and a savage dog invaded my friend’s house. They stripped him naked and stole his medicine.
The court branded him a criminal and stole his money with a fine. This kind of theft, violence and terror needs to stop. We don’t need more police. We need to stop the police harassing cannabis users. They will then be free to concentrate on real crime. Surely the police know what people are thinking about
them when they see them harassing harmless pensioners rather than dangerous criminals.
Since 2010 there have been about 700,000 arrests for cannabis in Australia. What a shocking waste of police and court resources. A lot of crime, especially domestic violence is triggered by alcohol use. When cannabis is fully legal people will be free to stop using alcohol and switch to cannabis which doesn’t promote violence. When the government stops jailing cannabis users there will be more money available
One Nation’s Comprehensive Plan to Tackle Crime, Homelessness, and Housing Issues in Queensland.
As Queensland grapples with rising crime rates, homelessness, high rental prices, and a shortage of housing, One Nation has unveiled a robust plan aimed at addressing these pressing concerns.
Tackling Crime
One Nation is committed to enhancing community safety, rejecting the current Labor government’s approach to serious young offenders. The party’s crime-fighting strategy includes:
• Strict Sentencing Guidelines: Implementing tougher sentencing to keep dangerous repeat offenders off the streets.
• Reviewing Bail Laws: Amending bail laws to ensure that repeat offenders do not pose a risk to public safety.
• Youth Detention Development: Advocating for increased youth detention capacity in Queensland, without the luxuries currently afforded to offenders.
• Prioritising Community Safety: Encouraging courts to focus on community safety over the
rehabilitation prospects of repeat offenders during bail considerations.
Addressing Housing Challenges
One Nation acknowledges the distress many Queenslanders face regarding housing and aims to alleviate this burden through a multifaceted approach:
• Lowering Immigration: Reducing immigration to decrease demand for housing.
• Banning Foreign Ownership: Stopping foreign ownership of residential properties to prioritise local buyers.
• Reducing Building Costs: Reviewing government fees, taxes, and charges, which can account for up to 45% of the costs associated with purchasing or building a home, with the goal of making housing more affordable.
• Regulatory Reform: Streamlining land releases and building approvals while identifying underutilised governmentowned land for residential development. Collaborating with local councils to expedite zoning changes for suitable areas is also a priority.
• Eliminating Stamp Duty on Insurance: Aiming to
I’ve been a victim of crime three times over the last few years so I feel for everyone feeling anxious about their safety and their home.
But the major parties don’t have a solution, they just want to lock more kids as young as 10 up in prison. Queensland locks up more kids than anywhere else in Australia.
If locking up more kids actually worked, Queensland would be the safest place in the country.
The housing and cost of living crisis is what’s driving homelessness and driving people into more desperation. That’s what the real cause is.
The major parties are more than happy to point fingers and demonise young people because at the end of the day, they’re the ones who are responsible for the mess we’re in.
Labor and the LNP take huge donations from big
banks, billionaires and landlords — and in return they turn a blind eye to when they rip everyday people off. They’ll never go after their big corporate mates which is why Queensland’s immense mineral wealth goes offshore to line billionaires’ pockets instead of being spent on the services and infrastructure Queensland needs. The major parties would rather throw fuel on the fire with hare-brained “help to buy” schemes instead of doing anything that actually makes homes more affordable for people.
We can’t fix the housing crisis with more of the same. It’s time for some real action — and the Greens are the only party with a plan to do it.
We’ll make big corporations like mining companies pay their fair share and use that money to fuel an unprecedented investment in house building.
The Greens will build 100,000
to spend on public housing. I will build on this and insist on an emergency, fully funded, government program to construct more public housing.
As a local who has lived here for essentially my entire life, I, like all of you, want everyone to not only be safe, but also to feel safe.
Speaking personally, I will also be suggesting to the federal government that first home buyers not be required to have a deposit before buying a house. It is terribly unfair to force them to pay off a landlord’s house while saving for a deposit. A no deposit scheme had operated successfully in Holland for many years.
counteract rising insurance costs linked to high crime rates by removing state government stamp duty on insurance.
• Tax-Free Room Rentals: Advocating for tax-free rental arrangements for home owners renting rooms in their primary residences, as well as lifting restrictions on renting granny flats
• Incentives for Developers: Encouraging developers to create affordable units and mixed-income housing through tax incentives and grants.
Supporting the Homeless One Nation is dedicated to supporting those in need by promoting the development of affordable housing initiatives.
This includes subsidized units and low-income housing projects that combine housing with essential support services like job training and mental health care, aiding families and individuals in transitioning out of homelessness.
With these comprehensive measures, One Nation aims to provide practical solutions to the challenges faced by Queenslanders, focusing on community safety and housing affordability.
affordable and welldesigned homes over the next six years that people can buy or rent well below market rates. Our new public housing developer will work alongside our new publicly owned bank and a massively expanded QBuild, Queensland’s public builder, to deliver these homes while creating thousands of good, secure jobs and thousands more apprenticeship opportunities in the building and construction trades. This isn’t reinventing the wheel. Queensland used to have a public bank and a public developer before they got privatised — and thankfully still has a public builder despite the LNP’s best efforts to privatise that too. These systems all worked perfectly until the major parties forgot that their job is to help the working class and started putting corporate profits first.
I say that as your local MP. And I take action to support your safety as Police Minister. That’s why the Miles Government is making the biggest investment in more than 30 years to deliver 3,000 extra police personnel. The combined number of police and recruits employed in our academies is at a record high. That investment has delivered a minimum of 150 extra police officers to the region that includes our community. I advocated strongly for these investments and I am proud my colleagues in the government backed my advocacy. I championed new police facilities and a new PCYC for Caboolture. To support community safety, we have expanded Jack’s Law so that police can conduct wanding operations in more places, like licensed venues and shopping precincts. We have provided police with specific funding to conduct extreme high-visibility patrols in our community to disrupt and prevent crime. Police say these measures, including ‘surge’ operations like Operation Whiskey Legion which sees hundreds of extra officers saturate the targeted area, are working.
Like I said, I want everyone to be safe, and the police and our government will never
relent in our commitment to that. Just as everyone deserves to be safe, everyone deserves to have a roof over their head.
We stopped the LNP privatising public housing and, as part of our Homes for Queenslanders plan, the Miles Labor Government is delivering more homes, including 53,500 social homes.
We’re doing that by funding critical infrastructure for places like Caboolture West, fast-tracking approvals for projects with a focus on affordable housing and incentivising well-located homes to help pay for roads, water and sewerage and get shovels in the ground sooner. In addition, as part of our social housing Big Build, we’re delivering hundreds of public/social homes across our community. Right now, we’ve got shovels in the ground on another 24 public/ social homes in Caboolture.
We’ve also bought homes coming off the National Rental Affordability Scheme, making them available for vulnerable Queenslanders, after the LNP walked away from the scheme.
We’ve established a critical response team for Caboolture which offers emergency accommodation for everyone who is sleeping rough in our area.
We’re also helping renters too with reforms like banning rent bidding as well as providing financial support
Youth crime and rising homelessness are definitely two of the biggest challenges to tackle, alongside health and cost of living. We have been very clear over the past year that we have a solid plan for Queensland and for crime, we are going to Protect, Prevent, Intervene and Rehabilitate.
To Protect:
1. We are strengthening the laws by ensuring the Making Queensland Safer Laws will be law by the end of this year.
2. There’ll be more enforcement with more police on the beat to keep our streets safe.
3. We are putting victim support at the heart of youth justice.
4. We are ensuring faster justice by equipping our courts so victims’ cases are heard sooner.
To Prevent:
1. We are steering kids back on track, back into school and out of trouble.
2. Fixing our Child Safety system by stopping the broken system creating a youth crime pipeline.
3. Securing our communities with stronger safety to deter crime.
To Intervene:
1. Providing Gold Standard Early Intervention with effective community and government led programs to steer young lives away
to help pay for rent increases, arrears and bonds. And to make a greater difference, more renters in financial hardship can now also apply online for rental assistance. Since we launched our plan, we’ve helped nearly 10,000 Queensland renters with rental assistance. We’re also helping those most vulnerable in our community and working towards ending homelessness. Through our plan we’ve given our hardworking homelessness organisations a 20 per cent uplift, as well as rolling out a special team to help rapidly respond and offer accommodation for those sleeping rough. In the Moreton Bay Region, we’re providing more than $10 million to deliver nine specialist homelessness services. But all of that is at risk under the LNP, who sent social housing backwards by 428 homes, cut funding for tenancy support services and sacked 1,600 QBuild workers – the people who help build, maintain and repair social homes. Now, David Crisafulli has appointed the same bloke who saw social housing go backwards as his housing spokesperson, and the LNP have announced they will cut $15.5 billion in federal housing funding.
If you care about community safety and housing, then our community cannot risk the LNP this election.
from crime.
To Rehabilitate:
1. Putting the focus of detention back on rehabilitation to prepare kids for the future.
2. Providing 12 months of post-detention supervision so kids don’t fall back into the same cycle of crime.
The best part of this plan is that it can go into effect before the end of the year!
This draws a clear line in the sand for youth offenders that they will no longer be getting away with serious offences. There is grace and empathy for young people who make mistakes and we will certainly work very hard to ensure they have a positive future and are supported to participate within the community in safe ways, but we also need to ensure that actions have consequences and taking personal responsibility leads to better outcomes in the future.
To tackle Housing, we are going to Unlock, Boost, Build, Ease and Help.
To Unlock:
1. Better planning to secure the land needed for new homes across our State:
To Boost:
1. Building better communities with the infrastructure needed.
2. Streamlined housing approvals to get homes out of the ground sooner:
To Build:
1. No stamp duty on new homes for first home buyers.
2. Buy earlier with less savings with our shared equity program.
To Ease:
1. More affordable rental options by lifting restrictions on first home buyers being able to have rent out rooms.
2. Providing funding grants for solar panels on rental homes to save renters paying for high electricity costs.
To Help:
1. Building homes with purpose to house Queenslanders in need, including 53,000 additional social and community homes by 2044.
While fixing the broken housing system is going to take time, this is a top priority and we will be working very hard to make sure everyone has a place to call home! Queensland needs a fresh start.
Our plan will restore safety where you live, making our community safer for all Queenslanders and will deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders by securing our housing foundations.
To explore the full plan, please visit: www.online.lnp. org.au/therightplan.
Candidate question: A lot of residents in Burpengary and Narangba are concerned about liveability, given the growing number of townhouses and estates getting built, “cramming people together”. Do you believe this is an issue and how would you address it?
After a decade of Labor housing failures, it’s never been more difficult to find, secure and keep a roof over your head in Queensland, than now.
Locals are telling me how hard it is to secure their own home or find a place to rent. Lot approvals and home completions are down one-
All Labor has delivered is false hope and broken promises, instead of the homes and infrastructure the people of Kurwongbah need. Local concerns are certainly valid, and they also extend down to Joyner, Lawnton and Bray Park. You only need to sit in traffic at an intersection to realise this
with demand. As our community develops, it is so important that infrastructure keep pace with population growth.
That is why the LNP will create a new $2 billion infrastructure fund to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure to support new
Having lived nearly my whole life around Narangba, I understand why people might feel worried that our leafy, quiet communities are becoming noisier and busier. It’s a pretty major adjustment. We need to make sure local infrastructure — especially public transport, libraries, healthcare and
longer commutes and a worse quality of life.
As much as I would like for my beloved neighbourhood to remain the same, quiet streets I grew up with, my deep concern for some of my fellow Aussies is greater.
Too many people are under housing stress, couchsurfing, or living out of their car. If I have to see some cramming in my community to see these people with a roof over their head, that is a sacrifice I am personally willing to make.
And I think if you asked most people, they would agree with me.
That’s why the Greens have a plan to build 100,000 affordable and well-designed homes in good locations over the next six years, that everyday people can rent or buy at well below market prices.
Labor and the LNP have overseen the conditions that lead to this housing crisis.
It would have been nice if we had started planning and building significantly more housing 10 years ago.
But unfortunately, thanks to the major parties, we don’t have that luxury. Things have become desperate.
Building these homes will be backed in with thousands of new apprenticeship opportunities for building and construction trades in an expanded QBuild and will be delivered by a new public property developer, guaranteeing builders and suppliers work even during a downturn.
That’s the kind of vision we can have if we aren’t just beholden to big corporate donors.
The following candidates were approached but didn’t contribute: Cristopher Leech - One Nation
Greg Dillon - Animal Justice Party Tanya McKewen - Liberal National Party
or scan the QR code
Glasshouse, Bancroft and Pumicestone electorates
Morayfield, Nanango, Kurwongbah, Bancroft, Glass House and Pumicestone present their bios and pitch.
Contributed
by
Caboolture Seniors Club
CABOOLTURE Seniors and Leukaemia Support
QLD had a high tea fashion parade to raise funds for a Wellbeing and Accommodation centre for the Caboolture region on September 28.
Although the attendance was low it was great to see the ladies that did attend enjoy the relaxed afternoon.
Pina Colada at Burpengary supplied the fashion, which offered a variety of styles and colours.
Caboolture Seniors is made up of volunteers and our aim is to help support the community when and where it can.
If you are over 50 and looking for something to do or somewhere to meet people come and visit us at 24 Hasking Street Caboolture. We have Bowls on Monday and Wednesday, Bingo for prizes every Third Thursday and Cards every Friday. We will be having a Melbourne Cup Lunch on the 5th November. Bookings will be necessary. For any further information about our club and upcoming events phone 0430 060 550 or email treasurercabseniors@ outlook.com
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PEOPLE are grappling with high levels of distress and emerging mental health issues for up to ten years before reaching out for support, a major Beyond Blue survey has found.
Australia’s 2024 Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, undertaken by Australian National University’s Social Research Centre on behalf of Beyond Blue, is a representative survey that gives a reliable pulse check on the current state of mental health and wellbeing in Australia.
Researchers surveyed more than 5000 people around the country about the common causes of distress they’ve experienced in the past year and how they have supported their mental health.
This year, almost half (49 percent) of those who sought professional mental health support said they had waited until they were “very distressed” or “extremely distressed” before they reached out, compared to 30 percent who were moderately distressed.
Some people waited up to ten years before seeking support.
The top barriers to taking action included waitlists, affordability of treatment and people thinking their problem wasn’t serious enough to seek support.
Shame is also getting worse – 22 percent of people say they aren’t getting professional mental health support because they feel ashamed, up from 13 percent two years ago.
“The main reasons people don’t seek support are well known – it can be expensive and the waitlists are long. What’s important about this survey is that it’s telling us mental health literacy and increasing feelings of shame
are barriers too,” Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said.
“Feeling unsure about when to seek support seems to be causing as many delays in help-seeking as long waitlists.”
Nearly half of all respondents – 46 percent –nancial pressure as a key factor in their ordability and personal relationship challenges were also identified as stress factors by 34 percent of respondents. Just over a quarter of
respondents who reported that they’d experienced a mental health challenge in the past 12 months did not seek any support for their mental health.
“We want people to know that you don’t need to be struggling for years before your problems are worth addressing – you don’t have to be at crisis point to benefit from support,” Ms Harman said.
“Feeling constantly overwhelmed or worried, prolonged feelings of being flat or stuck, or having trouble sleeping are some of the signs you to look out for.”
Free Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 by phone, webchat and email. Visit www.beyondblue.org. au/get-support
COMMUNITY members are invited to join the Great Mate Check-In at Hip Hops Brewery on November 1, a panel discussion dedicated to men’s mental health.
The event aims to raise awareness and funds for the Men’s Information and Support Association (MISA), a non-profit supporting men in the Moreton Bay area. Last year, the initiative raised over $2,000, providing 33 free counselling sessions for men in need.
This year’s panel will focus on men building accountability, and serving as role models, while emphasising the importance of emotional vulnerability. More info at www.events. humanitix.com/the-greatmate-check-in
CLINICAL Psychologist
Dr Vikki Knott, is now operating out of The Rectory, located at 85 Ipswich Street,
Vikki provides assessment and therapy services mostly for adults, however, she will be running a child clinic alongside Dr Rose Everitt, who will visit EskPsych at The Rectory on a regular basis in the coming months.
Vikki is looking to grow the business and welcomes opportunities from other practitioners who may wish to join her in addressing the needs of the community.,
She has recently moved to Esk with her three dogs including ‘clinic’ dogs, Ezra and Ruby and is keen to
address gaps in services in this region and is therefore open to new referrals for adolescents and adults, including older adults.
Vikki is available for face-to-face or telehealth appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and some Saturdays.
Vikki has worked in the psychology profession in research, teaching and leadership roles for over 25 years. She is on the Clinical Advisory Team for White Cloud, a service dedicated to supporting young people in rural and remote Australia via telehealth.
She has also published in a range of areas related to both clinical and health psychology including in the areas of oncology, stress and bullying, and has served as an Associate Editor
for the European Journal of Cancer Care and the Australian Journal of Psychology. Dr Knott is an AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor and is keen to build capacity in the Somerset region by supporting the development of new psychologists.
Vikki works with a range of client presentations including stress, anxiety (including phobias), depression, health related concerns (e.g., cancer, Parkinson’s disease) adjustment disorders following injury and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Vikki is registered to provide services through the Better Access Medicare
Initiative, Department of Veteran Affairs, WorkCover, and the QPS Self Refer program.
She is also able to provide private services and NDIS billed sessions through plan or self-managed NDIS. She conducts psychosocial and cognitive assessments for clients who are seeking NDIS funding or to facilitate adjustments in educational settings. Vikki also specialises in assisting clients work through barriers to achieve their potential whether that be at work, home, or school/ university. You can reach out to Vikki’s team on 0448 475 362 or visit www.eskpsych.au
THE recent takeover of Southern Cross Vet Woodford by husband-andwife team Roelof and Karien marks a refreshing new chapter for local pet care.
With their combined expertise of over 50 years and passion for veterinary medicine, this dynamic duo has revitalised the clinic with a clear focus on patient-centered care and personalised service.
What sets them apart is their genuine commitment to both the pets they treat and the families who care for them.
They understand that each pet is unique, and so
are their medical needs.
Whether it’s a routine check-up or a more complex health issue, the Woodford Vet team tailor treatments to suit individual pets, ensuring comfort and the best possible outcomes.
Their approach is comprehensive, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, making sure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to diagnostics and treatment options.
“Getting pets back on their feet and helping their owners take the best care of them is what we most love about the job,” they said.
Equally important is their dedication to client service. They prioritise clear communication, transparency, and empathy, ensuring that pet owners feel supported throughout their visit.
From the moment clients walk through the doors, they are met with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that puts both people and pets at ease.
In a world where veterinary practices can sometimes feel rushed or impersonal, Woodford Vet stands out as a practice that truly listens and cares. Under this new leadership, pet owners can trust that their furry family members are in the best hands possible.
Southern Cross Vet Woodford is open 8am to 5:30pm on weekdays, and 8am to 12pm on Saturday, at 56 Archer Street, Woodford.
For more info on their team and services, along with any bookings please call 07 5496 1166 or email woodford@scvg.com.au. You can also visit their website scvg.com.au or watch them on TikTok at southern.cross.vets
FAMILIES looking for an affordable night out can enjoy a live music event at the Annual Wamuran Historical & Visitors Centre Charity Fundraising Live Music Event on November 2 at Wamuran Community Hall.
With entry priced at just $10 for adults and free for children under 11, this event offers great value amid rising living costs. The family-friendly gathering will feature a variety of food options,
including hot food vans, coffee, tea, cold drinks, fairy floss, popcorn, and ice creams, available from 5:30pm.
Music kicks off at 6:30pm inside the Wamuran Community Hall, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of the weather.
Local bands Stone Lane and Caution Horses will provide entertainment, alongside an exhibition by U3A Line Dancers. Funds raised will be divided between the
charities Wamuran School Chaplaincy, and Moreton Bay Community Matters Caboolture Campus.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via EFTPOS at the markets on Saturday, October 28, or at the Wamuran Old School on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9 AM to 12 noon.
For inquiries, including sponsorship opportunities, contact lghagaman@gmail. com or call 0488 440 776 or 0448 900 115.
THE Kilcoy region took a proactive step toward environmental stewardship on October 1, as local residents attended a Create and Grow event at Somerset Libraries in Kilcoy.
Led by expert horticulturalist Shane Lampard from Somerset Regional Council, the workshop aimed to educate attendees on the identification and eradication of invasive weeds and pests.
The event saw 40 participants (the maximum allowed), including members of the Kilcoy Greenleaves
Garden Club and local gardening enthusiasts, the event fostered a strong community spirit. Discussions covered critical topics such as biosecurity measures and effective organic pest control strategies, particularly for challenging species like Parthenium and Giant Rat’s Tail Grass.
Participants also learned about available resources, including the ‘Weeds of Southern Queensland’ publication, which provides essential information on weed management. The session emphasised the importance of collective
responsibility in maintaining local biodiversity and the long-term health of the region’s ecosystems.
Many attendees expressed appreciation for the knowledge shared, highlighting the need for continued education and
UNITYWATER has shared its top ten water wise tips to help spring gardeners prepare their yards to stay cool, green and tidy as the weather warms up.
With warmer than usual temperatures predicted for South East Queensland over the coming months, the water utility recommends adopting simple yard care habits and gardening methods that can help them thrive with less water.
Unitywater Executive Manager Strategic Engagement Joshua Zugajev said there were small changes that could be made to maximise time outdoors.
“We’re fortunate to live in a warm climate and it’s important we’re able to get out and enjoy it while being wise about the way we use our most precious natural resource water,” Mr Zugajev said.
“Around 40% of household water is used up through outdoor activities like cleaning and gardening, so it’s important we remain mindful of this while we’re outdoors,” he said.
“Get creative – why not bath the kids while they’re in their splash pools, then use the water to give your garden a drink?”
TOP 10 WATER-SAVING TIPS
1. Water the garden at cooler times
It’s best to do your watering before 8am or after 5pm when the weather is cooler. Watering during hot and windy times of the day leads to more evaporation.
Did you know? Lawns under our climate all turn a little browner when it’s hotter, and watering twice a week is enough to keep it hydrated. To keep grass greener, allow it to grow to at least 5cm long.
2. Cover your pool
Pool covers aren’t just for keeping things out – they also keep your water in as they reduce evaporation!
Did you know? A tarp held
down at each corner with a weighted item like a rock or sandbag is a cheap and effective way to achieve the same outcome if you don’t have a fitted cover.
3. Choose droughttolerant plants
If you’re putting your green thumb to use, opt for drought-tolerant lawn species and plants like natives and succulents that require less frequent watering.
Did you know? Your local nursery can help you choose the right plants for your garden.
4. Check the pool for leaks
Avoid higher water bills from topping your pool up too often, by regularly checking your pool for leaks.
Did you know? A simple way to check for leaks is to turn your pool equipment off and mark where the water level is. Leave it for 24 hours and if the water level has dropped you might have a leak. For more ways to check, head to unitywater. com/waterwise-outdoor
5. Use mulch – 5-10cm deep is best Investing in good-quality mulch like sugar cane, wood chips, gravel and stone can help retain moisture and reduce water evaporation.
Did you know? Mulching can help control weed growth!
6. Make use of ‘greywater’ Greywater is water used in the bath, shower, sink and laundry.
Did you know? Greywater
or on the lawn. See tips for using greywater safely at unitywater.com/greywater
7. Pull out weeds
Weeds compete with your lawn and plants for moisture and nutrients.
Did you know? Getting rid of weeds will keep your garden hydrated for longer.
8. Sweep your driveway
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and other outdoor areas like patios and footpaths.
Did you know? A hose uses 10-14 litres of water per minute.
9. Avoid planting near wastewater lines
Some tree roots can penetrate water and wastewater pipes, causing them to become blocked or broken. This can lead to an overflow on your property, or a concealed leak that can result in a higher than usual water bill.
Did you know? You can check where water and wastewater pipes are located on your property and see our planting guide at unitywater.com/ thinkbefore-you-plant
10. Use controlled watering tools
Use a handheld trigger nozzle on the end of your hose for everyday watering,or a drip irrigation system for larger gardens and lawns.
Did you know? Watering tools can reduce water usage by 30-50% each time. For more residential water saving tips, visit unitywater.
OCTOBER literally means tenth month (‘octo’ meaning ten), but it is also national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can support the cause by going to a Pink Ribbon Breakfast event – which you’ll probably be able to read about in coming editions of the paper. And it’s Grandparents Day on Sunday October 27 – I bet they’d love a new plant for their garden.
And… make sure you get along to the Maleny Garden Club’s ‘Spring Fair’ on October 5 at the Maleny Showgrounds ($2 entry) plus a host of Open Gardens in the area ($5 entry) – see www. malenygardenclub.org/ spring-fair/ for details. But here’s what you can get up to in October in your garden.
• Flowering annuals will continue to produce flowers if those spent flowers are removed on a daily basis, but sooner or later they will give up the ghost and will need to be replaced.
the grass and encourage weeds.
• Watch out for leaf miner in your citrus trees. Recent new growth is susceptible to this burrowing caterpillar. Spray every 2-3 weeks with a pest or white oil to avoid leaf damage.
Brownie
growth. So pruning will mean more fruit.
• Plant seed or seedlings for Christmas dinner, especially colourful, leafy lettuces like Red Mignonette, butter beans, golden button squash and cherry tomatoes.
• Look at top-dressing your lawn. A thin layer of top-dressing soil is best. Any hollow areas need the turf lifted, the soil added underneath, and then replace the turf. Don’t just pile it on top as it will kill
• Grape vines will be growing and bunches of grapes forming. Keep up the water to ensure plump juicy fruits. If birds are a problem, cover the whole vine with netting or the bunches with individual pest exclusion bags.
• Prune your figs. Next seasons fruit are produced only on the new
• Your mangoes, citrus and lychees need good soil moisture during this month – water weekly.
• The warmer weather is perfect for planting tropical fruit trees, such as babaco, longan and tamarillo.
• If you’re lucky enough to grow tropical peaches, you should be picking them this month.
• Dig lots of compost and manure into the spot where you will be planting your dahlias next month.
• Watch for aphids on soft shoots of citrus and roses. Spray Natrasoap as a least toxic control or use the jet setting on your hose fitting to blast them off
• Renew your herb garden with fresh basil, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Try something different like curry leaf, galangal ginger or turmeric. Don’t think about coriander, as it will just bolt to seed before you know it.
CITY of Moreton Bay has begun delivering garden organic (GO) bins to approximately 120,000 households. If you’re eligible, yours will be on its way or you’re eagerly awaiting the start of collections.
Here’s some tips to get you off to a great start with your GO bin:
1. Never bag your garden organics
Just like your recycling bin, keep your garden organics loose. Empty your grass catcher, bucket of weeds or branches straight into the bin. Any bags - plastic, paper, compostable or otherwise - are contaminants that increase processing costs to Council and ratepayers.
2. Don’t be fooled by compostable or biodegradable packaging
Compostable and biodegradable packaging are basically the same as garden organics, right? Wrong!
Never put these materials in your GO bin. These products might
be good for your home composting, but will contaminate the nutrientrich, moisture retaining compost your garden organics becomes at City of Moreton Bay’s composting contractors.
3. Know the dos and don’ts of disposing of your garden organics
City of Moreton has a list of materials perfect for your GO bin. Knowing what goes in and what stays out isn’t hard.
- Branches cut down to
size? In it goes. - Leaves and garden trimmings? Absolutely.
- Grass clippings, weeds, plants and flowers? Throw them in.
Where it could get tricky are the materials that feel like they belong but absolutely do not. Potting mix, soil, compostable packaging, plant pots and manure are all found in your garden, but absolutely do not go in your GO bin.
Want to know more? Visit
moretonbay.qld.gov.au/GO
Our garden organics (GO) bins are on their way
If your property is between 300m2 and 2,000m2, your lime green-lidded bin will arrive by November.
You can use your GO bin to dispose of garden organic waste like grass clippings, branches and leaves. Did you know garden waste makes up 23% of what we throw away in our general waste bins? By using your GO bin, you’ll help divert 15,000 tonnes from landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Collection starts from 2 December, so please store your new bin safely and don’t use it until two weeks before then.
Seniors month: Laughter yoga
When: Thursday October 10th, 11am - 12pm
Where: Burpengary Library, 121 Station Road, Burpengary
Info: Come and experience
Laughter Yoga with certified practitioner HeatherJoy. Combine yoga breathing techniques with laughter to put a smile on your face, no matter how your day started! Laughter yoga is a (noisy) form of mindfulness that gets you moving, laughing and destressing.
Bring About Hope Chaplaincy Fundraising
Dinner
When: Friday October 11th, 6pm
Where: Kilcoy Bowls Club, 11 Royston Street, Kilcoy
Info: Join us for a beautiful evening of stories, community & charity auctions as we fundraise for chaplaincy in the Kilcoy District. Contact Julie on 0437 917 206
Big Blue Table
When: Friday October 11th, 2pm - 4.30pm
Where: Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery, Kilcoy
Info: As October is Mental Health month, the Kilcoy Art Society has registered with the national not for profit organisation BEYOND BLUE to hold a Big Blue Table as afternoon tea as our Foggy Friday on 11 October, with all proceeds going to Beyond Blue. There will be a scrummy afternoon tea, a big blue raffle, lucky seat prizes, Best Dressed in Blue and guaranteed lots of fun. Numbers will be capped, so get in early with your RSVP to
Morayfield Cars & Coffee
When: Saturday October 12th, 7.30am - 10am
Where: Repco Morayfield 177 Morayfield Rd, Morayfield
Info: Always a great morning with a terrific mix of classics, hot-rods, customs and bikes. Come along and catch up over a coffee from Stellarossa Cafe.
Ready Set Somerset Expo
When: Saturday October 12th, 10am - 2pm
Where: Somerset Civic Centre 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk Info: Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Services Expo! This family-friendly event promises to be an exciting day filled with vital information, fun activities, demonstrations, guest speakers and more. Get ready to join us at the highly anticipated Ready Set Somerset Disaster - Preparedness and Emergency Services Expo! This family-friendly event promises to be an exciting day filled with vital information, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with our community’s emergency services.
Toogoolawah Pictures – Beetlejuice
When: Saturday October 12, 7pm - 9.30pm Where: Toogoolawah Pictures, 111 Cressbrook Street, Toogoolawah Info: The ghost with the most is back unleashing his very own brand of mayhem at Toogoolawah Pictures. Child to High School – $8,
Eftpos available on door. Hot Dogs, Pop Corn and Snack Bar on site. For bookings please message call/text 0467 301 924.
Emergency Services Expo
When: Sunday October 13th, 9am - 1pm
Where: Pelican Park, Clontarf
Info: This event will bring together a range of emergency services from the local community and beyond. Get up close with emergency service vehicles and equipment, and learn about the important work they do to keep us all safe. Kids will enjoy the opportunity to sound the sirens in a Police car, learn the ropes on what it takes to be a SES volunteer, use the fire hose on a rural fire fighting truck, look inside an ambulance, and more!
Seniors month: Brain training
When: Tuesday October 15th, 9.30am - 11am
Where: Woodford Library, 1 Elizabeth Street, Woodford Info: Keep your mind active and have fun! Enjoy a range of brain training games to help. For seniors.
When: Tuesday October 15, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: Redcliffe Volunteer Hub, 396 Oxley Ave, Redcliffe Info: Gain valuable insights that can make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic and family violence. Ideal for professionals working
survivors. The workshop includes morning tea and lunch. Free car parking is available.
Seniors month: Dementia awarenessWhat can I do?
When: Thursday October 17th, 11am - 12pm
Where: Caboolture Library, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture Info: Learn more about dementia and how you can support your loved ones and others in the community with Dementia Doula, Leah Keating.
Woodford Country Markets
When: Sunday October 20, 7am - 12pm
Where: Binambi Place, 109 Archer Street, Woodford Info: The Woodford Historical Society and Museum would like to thank all stallholders and patrons for participating in the Woodford Country Markets. We certainly have grown to over 40 now at each market. The markets are the historical society’s main source of income for our museum so this support is very much appreciated.
Regional Seniors Event
When: Friday October 25th, 8.45am - 2pm
Where: Somerset Civic Centre 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk
Info: Somerset Seniors are invited to celebrate Seniors’ Month by attending the Regional Seniors’ Event at the Somerset Civic Centre on Friday 25 October 2024. The free event commences at 8:45am and includes morning tea, entertainment, workshop, service expo, and lunch. Seniors are
being encouraged to visit all the expo stalls between 10:45am to 12:30 where they will receive lucky door tickets, with the prizes being drawn at the end of the event. To avoid disappointment contact council to reserve your free ticket on 5424 4000.
Brisbane Valley Historical Groups Expo
When: Saturday October 26, 9am - 2pm
Where: Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk Info: Enjoy exploring the history of the Brisbane Valley at the inaugural Brisbane Valley History EXPO. With over 15 history groups represented, plus a host of keynote speakers, discover and unlock our fascinating local history in the one place.
Moreton Bay Bat Night
When: Saturday October 26th, 2pm - 6pm
Where: Sweeney Reserve, 1A Old Dayboro Road Info: Join us for our first ever Bat Night! Meet Frankie the flying fox and enjoy an afternoon full of family fun at this free event. Explore market stalls, get free native plants, all while learning about the best pollinators in Moreton Bay - flying foxes! With food and coffee trucks, face painting, craft activities, a jumping castle, kids games and other outdoor activities, there is so much to do! See flying foxes up close and show your support for bat conservation, as local bat experts share their knowledge and research.
Halloween & WWE Wrestling Event
When: Saturday October 26th, 3pm - 9pm
Where: Morayfield Park Leisure Centre, 298 Morayfield Rd, Morayfield Info: Join us for a Spooktacular Halloween Event! Costume Competitions, Trick or Treating, Activities & prizes, WWE Style wrestling. Admission is $2 Adults & Kids Free – (Market Event Only). Admission to Wrestling Event (separate side to market) $15 & show starts 7:00pm
Make&Create: Yarn Pictures
When: Monday October 28th, 10.30am - 12pm Where: Kilcoy Library Kennedy Street, Kilcoy Info: Using our breathtaking Brisbane Valley River landscape as inspiration, create a canvas work using yarn the colour of our beautiful Somerset. Bookings essential. Ph 5424 4000.
Village of the Damned Halloween Event
When: Thursday October 31, 5pm - 9pm Where: Caboolture Historical Village, 280 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture Info: Wander through the village to see the beautifully decorated buildings, enjoy both interactive and static displays, and visit the miniHalloween market for all your enchanting essentials. Complete with a scare-free hour for little monsters from 5pm - 6 pm, ensuring fun for the entire family. Cost Adults $10; 6-16yrs $5; Under 5 free
THE Kilcoy Art Society Inc (KASI) is excited to announce its October Artists of the Month, mother-daughter duo Margaret Roper and Tracey Bennett, whose works will be on display at the Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery. This follows a successful exhibition by September’s featured artist, Christine Hopkins, whose captivating pieces explored light and
shade.
Margaret Roper, a relatively new artist who began painting eight years ago. After joining a small art class in Woodford, where her mother, Tracey, was the teacher.
Margaret draws inspiration from her rural Queensland roots, with her acrylic works often telling stories of life on the land, combining a narrative style with her love for the outback. She describes her painting process as “joyful”, hoping viewers find the same feeling in her works too.
Tracey Bennett’s artistic journey took off in 2005 when she illustrated her sister’s children’s book, Hullabazoo.
Tracey began attending art classes with award winning artist Philip Farley in 2006, and quickly developed a love
for high detail wildlife art. Under Philip’s guidance, Tracey learned to paint in a realistic style and used this technique to complete the illustrations for Hullabazoo, which was published by Penguin Books in 2010.
Since then, she has received numerous accolades, including 1st Place and People’s Choice at the 2022 Mary Valley Art Festival and 2nd Place Open Division in the 2024 Kilcoy Show.
Tracey said she enjoys the challenge and satisfaction of capturing the detail in any subject, whether it be in the delicate petals of a flower, in the fine intricacies of a feather, or in the crispy bits of a fried egg. She paints in acrylic and oil, but has a strong preference for acrylic on illustration board or gesso panel.
In conjunction with the art display, KASI will also host a Foggy Friday fundraiser on October 11 at 2pm, to raise funds for Beyond Blue in recognition of Australia’s Mental Health Month.
Attendees are invited to wear blue and participate in activities while enjoying
CLEAR out and cash in on the Garage Sale Trail this November as more than 400,000 Australians hit the streets as part of the nation’s biggest second hand treasure hunt.
Over two big weekends on the 9-10 and 16-17 November, the trail will be returning to the Somerset region, with Somerset Regional Council backing the initiative for another year.
or do more across both weekends.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said selling or shopping at garage sales is a fun and simple action we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint.
“Garage Sale Trail helps neighbours connect, make some money and keep their good stuff out of landfill,” Cr Brieschke said.
“We expect to have dozens of garage sales
Data has revealed that those holding a sale on the trail make an average of $4571, proving pre-loved is planet and pocket friendly.
Entry is $10, with RSVP required for catering purposes. Please RSVP to Julie Henley on 0414 595 262 for catering purposes.
Join KASI in celebrating local talent and supporting vital mental health initiatives this October, with Margaret and Tracey’s works being on display at the Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery throughout the month.
“There really will be something for everyone; designer fashion, mid century furniture, cookware, vinyl, kids stuff, tools and more,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Shopping aside, the Garage Sale Trail program is free for residents thanks to the support of Council and at www.garagesaletrail.com.
A losing win
I walked into the Townsville casino floor with $20 in my pocket.
The idea was just few games on the tables, as much as anything to keep the maths side of the brain active before an away from home business meeting next day.
The $20 was the price I was willing, and able, to pay for an hour or two of fun (this was 25 years ago when a twenty was reasonable spending money).
A couple of well known jockeys had been flown up by the casino and had obviously wellpartaken of the free liquor.
So winning against them at Roulette and blackjack was hardly a James Bond moment. More taking candy from kids.
I walked out, having partaken just one free rum and coke, with $1280. What a winner, you might say.
Except when I got back home, my lovely wife wondered about the big slab of dosh in my pocket.
She smiled about my once in a decade casino visit win, then declared her mother needed to go to England to see an ailing relative - and took the lot.
My luck ran out, all for the sake of keeping mother in law happy.
But every gambler’s luck
runs out - even those on a winning streak.
One of our wealthier locals, a mathematical nerd, made his many
quids setting the gambling ratios, on casinos, pokies and lotteries, for the big gaming companies and governments.
The cold and the beautiful
I started writing this in beautiful downtown Hobart, sitting with a view of Constitution Dock and a mellow shiraz-induced inner glow.
At the time of writing, Hobart had produced more consecutive balmy days than Brisbane (three), but there was not a brass monkey in view and the toilet seats were in frost bite range. We nearly cancelled the trip because BOM told us we would experience severe flooding and dangerous driving conditions. Thank goodness we take BOM forecasts with a grain of salt.
We are having a ball in yet another beautiful part of Australia, acting like real tourists — scaled Mt Wellington (in a bus), ferried our way to MONA (that naughty museum of old and new art), watched the Lions win (on TV), and tasted a little of the local (liquid) produce.
But I have not allowed myself to forget ‘work’,
and local newspapers have assured me that politics and governments Australia-wide are very similar, no matter what colour they are.
When I read a story that started: “Tasmania’s public service has been politicised with Ministers using their departments for their own political advantage”, I thought I was back in Queensland. I’m sure I’ll have more Tassie experiences to pass on in coming weeks.
Burying the parrot
Secret deals, involving more than $50 million, have been done by the Miles Government to buy a cattle property, Vergemont Station, with the sole purpose of saving the endangered night parrot from extinction.
SMiles and Co. have a secret agreement with a purportedly anonymous donor in this more-thanquestionable deal, a move that begs speculation about what the government now owes the generous benefactor.
What could be more open
and accountable?
Going, going, gone?
It’s sad to see so many small business going through such tough times, a growing number actually going to the wall.
A couple who run a seafood business told me they used to have a retail outlet and employed a number of staff. Now there’s the two of them and a delivery van.
They weren’t complaining, just expressing their view on the future of so many different small business ventures.
“At least we’re still going,” they said. “That’s more than a lot of others. With costs continuously rising and no apparent plan to stop this escalation, we just wonder where the economy will end up if the small business sector collapses further”.
Such a shame more governments don’t share the same concerns and try to offer more than simpleton words and empty promises.
Mental disconnect
I felt genuinely sorry for
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is a larger part of the fabric of the State than most people would realise, making important contributions to government policy, industry research & development. No, I’m not affiliated in any way besides being a member like many Real Estate professionals. But credit where credit is due - CEO Antonia Mercorella has been an exceptionally strong and balanced advocate for the Industry as a whole. Together with her team, new statements have been released covering a wide range of matters that may be of interest to my readers, including issues such as new laws, the never-ending negative gearing debate,
rent cap warnings and their ‘Levelling the Playing Field’ state election wish list. Developed in consultation with members, key stakeholders and economists, their policy recommendations claim to focus on reforming Queensland’s tax system, regulatory environment, and productivity standards, with the goal of easing pressures on both renters and homebuyers.
The institute states it will advocate for its solutions through six key pillars:
1. Addressing the Home Ownership Crisis
2. First Homeowner Grant Reform
3. Closing the Deposit Gap
4. Balancing the Rental Market
5. Housing Supply Reform
6. Resolving the Construction Emergency.
In other news, the Queensland Government has confirmed that after 10 years in the making, the new Property Law Act 2023 will come into effect on 1 August 2025, initiating the countdown to the long-awaited uniform statutory Seller’s Disclosure Regime. This marks the most substantial reform to Queensland’s property law in half a century, replacing the Property Law Act 1974. The REIQ played a key role in shaping the new legislation through a decade of advocacy and consultation. Antonia
As he never fails to point out, the house and government always win. Just look at the steady increase in government gaming revenues. In fact state governments are as hooked on gaming revenues as the most dire gambling addict. Of course, the focus is always on the rare winner (aside from governmentsand my mother inlaw).
If the sports gaming companies can spend $20 million on advertising
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath when I read about her personal battle with mental health issues, but some of her comments also indicated the disconnect between some politicians and the general public.
She called for preventative training for politicians to recognise and respond to mental health challenges.
At a time when provision of mental health services in Queensland is at an all-time low, with staff buckling under pressure and vital services not being delivered even to the most needy, is taxpayer-funded training for politicians a priority?
If these so-called servants of the people, on annual salaries and perks the average worker could only dream of, can’t pay for their own private “preventative training”, who can?
Lollipop luxury
Reader walked past a construction site adorned with 24 CFMEU flags and saw eight (yes, 8) lollipop people on “patrol”.
The site had two
Mercorella highlighted the organisation’s efforts to ensure the law is both balanced and practical, saying, “The Seller’s Disclosure Regime equips and empowers buyers with the essential information they need to make informed decisions.”
Ms. Mercorella also noted that the REIQ had been deeply involved in the process, contributing 13 written submissions, attending committee hearings, and participating in the Property Law Working Group. “Our advocacy focused on ensuring that buyers have easy access to appropriate information while keeping costs and requirements reasonable for sellers,” she said.
Despite celebrating the legislative milestone, Ms.
around the AFL and NRL grand finals, how much profit did they make from losing punter?
The world’s (and Australia’s) richest online gambling owner, an English female, paid herself $650 million as a salary last year. That’s a lot of losing punters.
So take my tip, only enter casinos and poke palaces with the very limited amount you can afford to lose, have some cheap fun - and avoid your mother in law!
driveways and a totally closed footpath.
Two pairs of lollipops stood with stop/go signs in sleep mode. Another two were reading their phones while sitting on chairs in the shade. The other two were not even pretending to be relevant.
Reader estimates if all eight hang in there for a year, collectively they will be paid around the $2 million mark in wages and benefits, and wonders how much that little part of the process alone will cost the people hoping to buy the units being built.
Just briefly
My friend was feeling down. I told him to keep his spirits up so he became intimately involved with a bottle of single malt whisky. Good advice from a good friend.
Research tells us 48 per cent of young Australians would rather flee the country than stay and fight for it. Let’s just pray that’s misinformation.
Saw a food container that had “28% less plastic
Mercorella stressed the need for further government action. She called on the Queensland Government to establish infrastructure to support the regime, pointing to systems in place in states like Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.
“Without this, sellers, particularly in rural and regional areas, may struggle to obtain vital information within the required timeframes or at little to no cost,” she warned.
The REIQ has declared that their long-term vision is for Queensland to achieve a home ownership rate of more than 70 per cent by 2032, positioning the state as a national leader in home ownership.
It’s a lofty ambition given our current ranking near the bottom as I’ve mentioned
By SKINHEAD
than original packaging”. Probably made the manufacturers feel warm and fuzzy but, if they were really concerned about the use of plastic, shouldn’t they make that 100% less? I refuse to buy tickets to Cirque du Soleil when they open in Brisbane next month because they have not invited our Olympic breakdance sensation Raygun to be a feature act. Flew Qantas to Hobart — staff exceptional but arrived six hours late and missed an appointment. Another Alan Joyce legacy? Quote for the Week: Three centuries ago Jonathon Swift said: “You cannot reason someone out of something he or she was not reasoned into”. Were there only two genders back then or was Swift a transphobic, homophobic bigot but only referring to he and she?
a number of times before, but the tide is turning slowly and comprehensive representation by the REIQ is certainly appreciated and will definitely help.
If you would like assistance in your own real estate journey, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime on 0427 536 725 or cwease@ remaxliving.com.au. I look forward to being of service. living
Executive Acreage Living In Highly SoughtAfter Estate
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- Master bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite featuring double vanity, Spa bath, and dual rainfall showerheads
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Charming Queenslander on 5.85 Acres with Modern Comforts and Scenic Views
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-Solid Timber Kitchen: The heart of the home, featuring a 4-burner gas stove, electric oven, high-sense dishwasher, and timber benchtops
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Elevated Acreage Living with Panoramic Views at Pine Tree Hill!
JAPANESE fresh produce buyers will meet with leading growers and experience Australia’s world-class horticulture offering during an inbound trade mission to boost business connections and relationships between the two nations.
The senior representatives from key Japanese companies arrived in Australia on Sunday, October 6, as part of the Australia-Japan Horticulture Showcase initiative, funded by Hort Innovation’s Frontiers investment program and a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Showcasing Australian Horticulture Grant.
Commencing in Melbourne before travelling to Mundubbera, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour and Sydney, the Japanese delegation will visit growing regions and
see some of the country’s leading vegetable, fruit and nut growing businesses in action, while gaining a greater understanding of Australia’s innovative horticulture production systems.
Japan is Australia’s fourth largest trading partner for horticulture exports, currently valued at $154 million annually.
Hort Innovation general manager for trade and biosecurity Dr Mila Bristow said developing stronger relationships and business ties between Australia and Japan will benefit both nations.
“This mission is an important opportunity to showcase all that Australian horticulture has to offer Japan – which is a very important and highly valued market for our exporters,” said Dr Bristow. The mission forms part
of a broader program aimed at bolstering the trade relationship between Australia and Japan through a series of inbound and outbound activities, delivered through Hort Innovation in partnership with AUSVEG and the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance.
AUSVEG chief executive Michael Coote said initiatives like the trade mission had the potential to present new opportunities for Australian growers in the Japanese market.
The trip will fi off with a Knowledge Exchange Forum and Horticulture Produce Showcase to continue the two-way dialogue and share important levyfunded research initiatives underway to ensure Australia delivers the safest, highest quality and freshest produce to trading partners.
543 head were yarded at Stariha Auctions Laidley cattle on Thursday. Feeder steers sold to stronger rates, cows remained firm, steers and heifers continued to sell to a strong market, while the tail end of the plainer heifers were easier.
Glentate Pty Ltd, Brightview, sold a line of Santa Hereford cross milk tooth feeder steers for $1800.
Fordsdale, sold Droughtmaster cows for $1440, steers for $1420 and backgrounder steers for $1160.
Jeffrey Armstrong, Blenheim, sold Charolais heifers for $1660 and weaner steers for $1040.
James Kuhn, Dayboro, sold Charolais/ Angus cross backgrounder steers for $1300 and weaner steers for $1060.
Billy Goetsch, Kalbar, sold yearling Brangus heifers for
$1220 & $1110. Robert Crosby, Townson, sold Droughtmaster backgrounder steers for $1370 & $1240 and milk tooth heifers for $1140.
Colleen Zischke, Gatton, sold milk tooth Droughtmaster steers for $1220 and heifers for $1200.
Jilrift Pty Ltd, Thornton, sold Charolais steers for $1100 & $1020.
Bill Noonan, Dulong, sold Speckle Park weaner steers for $1000.
Pat Wallace, Laidley, sold Droughtmaster weaner
A STUDY tour to be held in California this month will give Aussie vegetable growers insight into global innovations and emerging technology to support more efficient, productive and cost-effective systems.
The International Forum of Agricultural Robotics (FIRA USA 2024) US Grower Study Tour will expose Australian growers to cutting-edge technological solutions and provide opportunities to connect with global leaders in the agriculture industry.
The tour will provide an opportunity to discuss the automation and mechanisation needs of the Australian vegetable industry and raise its profile as a market for these technologies.
Sixteen Australian growers, the Queensland Government, and Hort Innovation will attend the conference as part of a new $4.1M initiative to boost the adoption of AgTech in the Australian vegetable industry.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Director Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains, Ian Layden, said Australian vegetable growers have a strong interest in learning about the latest advancements
in AgTech and identifying technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems.
“The tour will offer more than 35 in-field technology demonstrations and solutions for speciality crops,” he said.
“There will be farm visits, networking opportunities with growers from around the world, and insights into the future of agricultural innovation.
“The ability to see a range of technologies working in the field will be a highlight and provide an opportunity for growers to directly engage with technology manufacturers and will assist in identifying technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems.”
Brett Fifield from Hort Innovation said opportunities like this are essential for keeping Aussie growers at the front of global production advancements.
“A prosperous and sustainable horticulture industry built on innovation is absolutely critical. As a result, we provide various opportunities for growers to be exposed to technology, be involved in trials and bring us their ideas, it’s a really exciting time.”
Agents Boyd O’Brien Bartholomew reported a yarding of 420 head of cattle at their weekly sale. The export cow and bullock market eased slightly in line with the grid prices easing over the last week. Limited feeder cattle were yarded this week with prices easing in line with a lesser quality line up. A very mixed yarding of yearlings and backgrounders were yarded with prices remaining firm for all descriptions.
VJ Mocker sold Weaner Steers Santa X 339.2c/kg
$949/head.
D. Dowrick sold Weaner Heifers Limousin 281.2c/kg $787/head.
N & M Goulding sold Yearling Heifers Speckle Park X 299.2c/kg $1009/ head.
G & N Stark sold Yearling Steers Limousin X 328.0c/kg $885/head.
B Kerle sold Grain Assisted Heifer Charolais X 305.2c/kg $1286/head.
N & M Goulding sold Trade Feeder Steers Droughtmaster X 347.2c/kg $1210/head.
THE LNP announced a major injection of funds for regional Natural Resource Management groups across Queensland.
The announcement, in response to the sector’s ‘Nurturing Nature: Cultivating Culture’ campaign, will see $117.84 million invested in onground projects focussed on protecting natural assets and supporting regional communities to thrive.
The funds will be invested across seven key themes, identified as priorities by regional communitiesacross Queensland:
• Halt the decline of Queensland’s Threatened Species
• First Nations Stewardship: Revitalise Land and Culture
• Protect and Restore Queensland’s Aquatic Environments
• Biosecurity: Safeguard
Biodiversity, Agriculture and Human Health
• Improve Land Condition for Agriculture, Biodiversity and the Economy
• Climate Adaptation and Disaster Resilience
• State-wide Policy and Coordination
Julie Boyd, Chair NRM Regions Queensland said the investment was welcomed by Queensland’s regional NRM organisations.
“Queensland’s regional
NRM organisations play a vital role in regional and remote Queensland, delivering outcomes for conservation as well as the economy,” Julie said.
“The LNP has committed to invest in a program of on-ground activity
Don’t let your mate talk you into going somewhere you’d
Disputes on the home front may be hard to avoid. Get help to finish a project if you need it. The knowledge you have will enhance your reputation. New romantic partners will evolve through group endeavors; however, the association may not be likely to last.
You can handle situations that require contact with institutions or large corporations. You may find that someone you live with is not too happy, but you can’t really do anything about that right now. You can bet officials will be waiting for you when you do. Take your time; do not make any decisions in haste.
Don’t allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature. Don’t jump into investments too quickly. Friendships could be terminated quickly if disappointments occur. Try to keep to yourself; work diligently on domestic chores and responsibilities.
Someone you least expect may not have your best interests at heart. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren’t necessary. You will be able to close any deals successfully. Uncertainties about your personal life are probable.
Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. You can dazzle members of the opposite sex with your quick wit and aggressive charm. You should expect to have changes in your home. Children may pose a problem if they don’t like suggestions.
You might find that a coworker has been two faced. You will have a problem with your boss if you haven’t done your job. Finish those changes you’ve been talking about making to your residence. Opportunities for travel must be carefully considered.
You have two choices; Get out on your own, or bend to your mate’s whims. You may not be as well received in group endeavors if you try to force your will on others. Be sure to get involved in self improvement programs that will bring you in contact with interesting people.
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH
DELANEYS CREEK HALL
(Cnr Mt Mee and Bleakley Roads)
Every Sunday evening 6pm - 8pm. Great message, wonderful fellowship followed by supper - all welcome.
Enquiries: 0432 579 250 or 0407 736 244
KILCOY KRAFTERS
Come along and join a fun group of craft, learn to sew, knit, crochet, patchwork and quilting.
Beginners and experienced all welcome. Just turn up to the Kilcoy Library, Kennedy St, 9am each Thursday.
Results of the Caboolture Social Darts Club Pot luck doubles played at 21 Hayes Street Hall on Monday Nights September catch up results.
Winners KY/Mark B, Luke/Tom. Runners Up Sid/Robert, Corey/ Greg. The High Pegs Tom 95, Davo 52, Luke 57, Conner 48. The High Score results were Tom 1x180, 1x140, 2x121, 125, 100. Jai 3x140,120. Conner 2x140,4x100. Sherrie 121,120,100. The Presentation Trophy Dinner held during September was
Mayoral Gala
Charity Ball Fund
Round One 2024/2025
Charitable organisations are invited to apply for grants to assist in delivering programs or services to people suffering from disability, homelessness trauma, abuse or neglect within the Somerset region.
Applications for round one of the Somerset Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund will open on Monday, 16 September 2024 and close on Monday, 14 October 2024.
Application form and guidelines are available from somerset.qld.gov.au or Council on 5424 4000.
Esk Golf
Friday Turkey Run 4-102024 - A very tidy 37 off the stick saw Mario Beetz take out the win, a pin shot and Best Putts.
Winner- M Beetz 37/27; R-Up- I Timms 41/31; Ntp 13M Beetz, Ntp 17- I Timms Saturday 5/10/24 Ian & Wendy Knopke Sponsored Day Single Stroke Monthly Medal - Winner T Adams 64nett; R/UP L Adams
Saturday 5th October
Brian Loveland, Vern Doyle, Des and Carrol Shields Trophy Day.
The Day is a Charity Day, all proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
48 golfers/non golfers played a 2 Person Ambrose. Once again the meat trays did not disappoint.
18 holes G/G winners Bob and Judi Marshall 63.25 nett, run/up Richie and Judie
64nett; NTP 1/10 3rd D Richards, 2/11 3rd J Kerr ALL IN Sponsor Esk IGA 4/13 M Carey; Sponsor Brisbane Valley Meats 8/17 2nd S Wilson.
Top field out today, with Trev taking a good win and The Monthly Medal, young Lockie just missing out on a count back. Many thanks to Ian and Wendy for putting on the food and the prizes. Sunday 6/10/24 9 Hole
Marschke 63.25. 18 hole G/NG winners Michael O’Connor and Graham Lewis 64.5nett, run/ up P Hines and Trevor Drake 67.25.
18 hole NG/NG winners
Darren and Matt Brown 64. 9 hole winners Scott
Seymour and Ken Bries 33.125 nett, run/up J Stains/ louis Seymour 41.5 nett. The Bradman’s went to Des and Mex.
Brian, Vern, Des and Carols NTP all in 1/10 Michael O’Connor, all in 2/11 Longest
the highlight of the year with players receiving their awards. Dinner and drinks were well consumed from club funds.
Visitors welcome to play on a Monday night names by 715pm. New Members always required, Bar Coffee other drinks available plus eats of hot dogs and sausage sizzler on some nights for further information ring Cecil on 0411 698 807 or Ian on 0400 475 007.
Chooky - Winner V Scott 29nett; R/UP C Wheeler 30, J Beetz 30; NTP No 4 G Steele, No 8 2nd P Cook
Excellent turnout of 18 players contested today’s Chooky.
Victor taking a good win from Chris getting R/UP spot on a count back with Jordan. New Chooky player Kath Scott managed to get the pin shot on No 4 but got knocked off by Greg, so well done Mrs Scott.
Putt Graeme Lewis, all in 3/12 Blair Broad.
All in 4/13 Sandy Gleeson, all in closest to the Crooked Line Judi Marshall, all in Longest Drive Michael O’Connor.
All in 6/15 Michael O’Connor, 7/16 Men’s Clinton Smith Ladies Judi Marshall. All in Longest putt Matt Brown.
Non-Golfers Closest chip 9/18 Graeme Lewis.
Once again Brian, Vern, Des and Carrol sponsored an awesome day.
A/c G Martin
Saturday 19th October 9am 447 Mahons Road, Coominya
Tractors, Vehicles, a selection of Farm Implements, Irrigation and Livestock requirements & Sundry items.
Please visit our website for a full listing and photos of lots on offer. Please give us a call or email if you are looking for any further information.
Inspection 18th October 10am – 5pm
www.starihaauctions.com.au
Email: david@starihaauctions.com.au
David: 0412 704 456 Emily: 0427 961 701 Laurie: 0437 665 882
On Sunday the 6th We held Brian Lovelands annual Cancer Charity day. This is held in conjunction with golf day on the Saturday and Brian has friends and visitors from all over attend every year for the event. It was an outstanding success on both days with all proceeds being donated to the Childrens Hospital to aid with their ongoing efforts to assist these children and their families.
On Tuesday 1st October it was our pub day. Winners on the day were Steve Lehmanns Team: Grant Holzigal, Pete Oreo, Greg Beard and Steve Lehmann. Runners up were Harolds Team: Trevor Stewart, Denis Bleakley, Harold Alford and Aleck McCloskey. First Round Winners wereTony Watsons Team: Jim Baldwin, Tony Watson, Herb Haines and
Col Daniel. Second Round Winners were Kilcoy Team: Greg Smith, Peter Bell, Rennie Lachlan and Lester Bechly.
On Thursday 3rd October we played the final of our singles Championship between Butch Stevens and Len Smyth. Butch was the winner in a closely fought game. Congratulations Butch. For your Calendar: On 13th October we have sixteen players and associates coming from
make sure you are available to play. Due to our day with Toowoomba players. our next Club Meeting will be held on Sunday 20th October. Please join us and help in the running of your club.
Our next Trivia night will be held on Friday 29th November.
SPECIAL NOTE: Sunday Social Bowls will be commencing at 10.30am from 15th September in
Not to be finished Sunday 6th October all will be playing Bowls for the same cause. Watch the bowls news for total money raised. Brian donated a wheel barrel full of goodies.
Tickets were sold at the Golf Club, Down Town and finished off at the bowls club where it will be drawn. Thanks again to our yearly sponsors for a terrific day.
Coming Events Saturday 12th
October Hamilton Lane Mechanic Chris and Megan Morgan’s Trophy Day. Single Stableford Names by 11.30am for a 12.00pm shotgun start. Wednesday 16th October Ladies AM Golf 8.00am for 9 or 18 holes golf. PM Chook Run 3.30pm Hit off
Contributed by Rex Klein
THE rich vein of rugby league history in Woodford and Kilcoy will be incorporated in a book being written by former Stanley Rivers Administrator, Rex Klein. It is 50 years since senior rugby league recommenced in Woodford. After the first two years it was rebranded to Stanley River RLFC, and it will be 25 years next year since Rivers introduced junior football of all ages. Kilcoy recently celebrated 100 years of football. The book will cover all rugby league played in Kilcoy and Woodford, tracing back to teams that existed pre and post WWI. Rex said he wanted to document the history and have the book, and any donated memorabilia lodged with the Woodford Museum and Kilcoy
Historical Society.
The book will look to highlight some of the careers of the great players that have played for these towns like Abe Weimers, John Pratt, Bevan Bleakley, Bob and Col Raaen, Bunny Pierce, Grant Young, Nev King, Russell Klein and Jamie Floss.
It will cover the success stories like the great Kilcoy teams of the Mid 60’s winning the Ipswich comp back-to-back 1n 196566 and the Stanley Rivers side winning back-to-back premierships in 1979-80. It is a huge project, and its success will depend on the willingness of past and present players, officials and supporters to make their information and photos available.
You can contact Rex on email rex.klein996@outlook. com or go to his Facebook group, Woodford & Kilcoy Rugby League History.
◗ Brooke Everiss
LITTLE Athletics
Queensland is running an eight-week program at Caboolture’s St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School and Kindergarten starting October 15.
Ultimate Athletics is an award-winning club that fosters aspiring athletes of all ages, with Little Athletics serving as their predecessor.
Little Athletics
Queensland offers the opportunity for all young people to grow their skills and show off their talents. They embrace young individuals from ages five to seventeen and nurture their sporting futures with engaging activities and encouraging socialisation among peers. This program not only enhances their athletic
abilities but also promotes teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle.
This program, which is designed to enhance basic motor skills, promises a great time for all attendees.
With the venue as St Paul’s Oval, the fun is scheduled to run in the afternoons from 3:10pm -
program invites everyone to join.
To register your child, visit the website registration. resultshq.com.au, fill in the required details, and make the payment.
If you would like Ultimate Athletics to include your school contact k.webb@ laq.org.au. For more
NORTHERN Districts
Hack & Dressage have now opened nominations for their upcoming Dressage Members & Participant Competition Pink Day. Long-time supporter and member of the club, Caitlan Downes-Saxby, will be in attendance on the day,
She will be alongside many others helping to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The National Breast Cancer Foundation is a charity that started in 1994. le prizes, a photo booth, trade stalls and much more! Arrive for an 8am start. The $20 entry fees will all be going to charity.
You can find entries online at nominate.com.au. For enquiriesndhddressage@gmail.com and for scratchings,
THE Toogoolawah Campdraft team won best presented school at the High School Campdraft Percentile Cup, held on October 5-6 at the Pittsworth Showgrounds.
Toogoolawah had five riders who were campdrafting cattle on the day. The school scored an average of 38.167 with the top school, Glenn Innes, averaging 88.3.
accompanied by other local schools from the readership, including Kilcoy SHS, who got an average score of 62. High School Campdraft congratulated all the schools who participated in this year’s Campdraft Percentile Cup.
of the way each team presented themselves over the weekend and would like to thank them all for their hard work over the event,” they said online.
“The level of competition
and all schools should be very proud.”
Toogoolawah Campdraft and Team Penning said online that they are looking forward to next year after their success.
“We are proud to be a part of the team,” they said.
“Congratulations on a great draft and taking out Best Presented School.
“Well done to everyone’s families for making the event a success for the kids.”
