Noosa Today - 09th January 2020

NOOSATODAY.COM.AU

INDEPENDENTLY FAMILY 2020 OWNED THURSDAY, 9 JANUARY, PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.COM/NOOSATODAY | ISSUE 394

VOTED COUNTRY QUEENSLAND'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2017 & 2018

LIFE OF BRINE

ANGRIEST SUMMER PAGE 17

COVER STORY

EPIC

RIDE

HELPS OUR SUNSHINE BUTTERFLIES PAGES 4-5

Noosa’s most highly rated agency for trust and reliability Check out ratemyagent.com.au and punch in Theodora’s name Go to Google reviews to see why people love what Garwoods Estate Agents Noosa do We are trusted in this community and that means the world to us.

Ask us about our deferred marketing cost programme – when you settle you pay!

THEODORA - 0408 710 373 DAVID - 0411 862 954 6 Mary Street, Noosaville - garwoodsnoosa.com 12437184-LB52-19

MORE TO LOVE The editor’s desk The team here at Noosa Today is back on deck and ready for another big year of local news in 2020. We trust our readers and advertisers enjoyed the Christmas-New Year break and are likewise revitalised ahead of all the opportunities and challenges this new year will bring.

National attention is of course focused on the bushfire crisis continuing in the southern states, and it's fair to say the Noosa region has so far been spared further bushfire activity after our own local emergencies in the latter part of 2019. But the risk remains locally and we must be vigilant when it comes to observing weather warnings.

We also have local government elections coming up in March of this year, and Noosa Today will be covering the local issues and candidates extensively. We welcome your questions and opinions in the lead-up, in the interests of informed community debate.

Jeremy Sollars

THE LATEST IN FOOD

��

EVENTS

��

NEWS

NOOSATODAY.COM.AU

��

LIFESTYLE

��

REVIEWS

NEWS DAM UPGRADE...

LENSCAPE

Work due to start this year on upgrade to Lake McDonald - including new spillway and reinforcements to "better protect" the dam against "extreme events" - plus SEQ Water Grid dam levels story page 6.

CLAIMS... AND COUNTER-CLAIMS With the council election due in March 2020, local candidates are out of the blocks - Mayor Tony Wellington responds to what he claims are misleading statements about council spending in hinterland areas - page 7.

FIRE CHALLENGE...

Veteran lifesavers take on the world's toughest boat race - and wind up in a firestorm. Between The Flags, page 16.

AN ANGRY SUMMER A Black-Faced Cuckoo Shrike captured by local snapper LANCE HUNT.

New exciting family magazine on the coast • Free copy out now • Distributing from Caboolture to Noosa • 340 Targeted locations across the coast • Circulates prior to every school holiday • Full gloss tabloid magazine • Informative and engaging parental editorial Sunshine Coast Kids Today is a powerful combination of social, online and print channels delivering reach into the lives of young families across this important growing region and it is free.

Don’t miss our exciting 2020 Autumn Edition: * Booking deadline Monday 2nd March * Artwork by Monday 9th March * Distributes Monday 23rd March

Phil Jarratt shares his perspectives on the southern bushfire crisis - Life Of Brine, page 17.

Summer edition out now!

SUMMER 2019-20

Cover Story

PERSONAL TOUCH Tapping into kids' interests On the move

with 16 children!

The key to

surrogacy success Real meaning of SCHOOL

Contact

REPORTS

sales@noosatoday.com.au Phone 0439 377 525 www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au BROUGHT TO YOU BY

12438193-SG02-20

A Star News Group Publication

2 NOOSA TODAY

|

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

SCKT

noosatoday.com.au

THIS WEEK WE’RE TALKING ABOUT… SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

TRIBUTES FLOW FOR BELOVED FARMER

BY ROSE ASTLEY The Kin Kin community is in shock after a recent mower accident claimed the life of one of their wellloved members, Maureen Piggott.

Her tragic death took place after a ride on lawnmower she was driving rolled, trapping her underneath. She died on the scene.

Police found her body, still trapped under the mower, at 7.30pm last Saturday.

Maureen and her partner owned the Broadmeadows farm in Kin Kin, one of the oldest farms in the district, where they have tended to cattle and crops and in recent years started breeding alpacas for their fleece.

The 61 year old was a committee member of Country Noosa, campaigning about the importance of farming and agriculture, and raising awareness among city dwellers about what life is like for those in rural communities.

Maureen also spent time volunteering at the Kin Kin State School and Playgroup, where she taught children about alpacas and inspired them to be present in their community.

Friends have taken to Facebook to mourn the loss of the well-known resident.

"Maureen was a former State Team member and player at

Maureen Piggott will be remembered for her warm presence in the community.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED Inner Cities and Zone 1," Darts Queensland posted.

"Our condolences to Vince and the Maureen's family.

"Rest in peace."

"I can't believe she died like this.

It's so deeply saddening. The one positive is that Maureen lived her life to the most and enriched the lives of

everyone she met. So shocked and sorry to hear this news," Jennifer Nichols, Landline.

"I'm so sorry to hear this very upsetting news. My condolences to you Vince and family, such a wonderful person, the world will be a lesser place" another wrote.

Workplace Health and Safety are investigating the tragedy. ●

Police are appealing for public assistance to identify a man seen acting suspiciously near bushland at Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast today, Monday 30 December.

The man was seen near a fire trail between the Avenue Park Duck Pond and Doonan Bridge Road East around midday.

He was described as being aged in his 30s, around 170cm tall with a medium build.

The man was wearing a navy t-shirt with a yellow logo on it, dark green long pants and a green baseball cap.

He was last seen walking along Doonan Bridge Road East.

Anyone who may have seen the man in the area or could assist with identifying him is urged to come forward.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day. ●

CHARGES OVER NEW YEAR'S EVE ASSAULT Two men are due to appear in the Noosa Magistrates Court on Tuesday 28 January after being charged in relation to an alleged serious assault on New Year’s Eve. A 20 year old Bracken Bridge man has been charged with one

count each of assault causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning bodily harm and possession of a dangerous drug.

A 19 year old Tewantin man was charged with one count of assault causing grievous bodily harm.

The charges relate to an alleged incident at Noosa Heads on New Year’s Eve. Police allege that at about 11pm that night a fight occurred between a group of men in a car park in the vicinity of Noosa Parade.

“A 20 year old Lake McDonald man received serious injuries to his head as a result of the assault and was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment,” a police spokesman said. ●

ALL TICKETS

$

16

12435644-FA50-19

Sleeping Beauty Jan 4, 11, 18 at 11am & 2pm Jan 5, 12, 19 at 1pm & 4pm BOOK ONLINE noosaartstheatre.org.au or phone 5449 9343 noosatoday.com.au

Counter Sales: Tues to Fri 10am to 2pm 163 Weyba Road, Noosaville Thursday, 9 January, 2020

|

NOOSA TODAY 3

COVER STORY

Sharon Milne, second from left, has a personal connection to Sunshine Butterflies.

EPIC RIDE AIDS

BUTTERFLIES

BY ROSE ASTLEY

erbalife Nutrition Foundation (HNF) is only days away from its seventh annual Bike Ride fundraiser, where 21 cyclists will travel 840 kilometres, on an epic journey which will take them from Torquay in Victoria to the heart of Adelaide.

Herbalife Nutrition is global nutrition company that runs the not for profit event to raise funds for organisations that help provide better lifestyles for young people.

The HNF Bike Ride has raised more than $440,000 since 2014, funds which go to supporting health, nutrition and education for young Australians and New Zealanders.

The foundation uses this opportunity to raise funds for numerous support programs throughout the country, including our very own Sunshine Butterflies, a boutique, not for profit organisation that provides information, support and resources for individuals and families that live with disabilities.

Last year, some of the funds raised from the HNF Bike Ride enabled Sunshine Butterflies to extend onto the dwelling at their five acre hobby farm in Cooroibah, giving them a brand new veranda complete with enough outdoor seating for 40 people with views of

H

4 NOOSA TODAY

|

Sunshine Butterflies outdoor area. their backyard.

Sunshine Butterflies has received roughly $150,000 over the years from fundraising through HNF and in turn have been able to

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

provide young people access to an environment where they can learn about cooking and gardening.

“We have people of all abilities and levels of cooking in the ‘Social

Kitchen’ who are involved from the growing of herbs and vegetables to the preparation, cooking and serving of delicious and nutritious meals. noosatoday.com.au

The Sunshine Butterflies social kitchen.

“Participants are always learning new skills and making new friends in the ‘Social Kitchen’, the program has been extremely successful thanks to the generous donations,“ Lucy Mills, Grants Writer Sunshine Butterflies.

Herbalife Nutrition’s funding has allowed Sunshine Butterflies to create a kitchen space that all abilities can use and enjoy, as well as giving access to healthy and nutritious ingredients to be used within the kitchen.

Not only have Herbalife delivered financially, their volunteers are also very active within the Sunshine Butterflies community as they have helped out on cooking days, been involved in social groups activities where Herbalife members and Sunshine Butterflies members enjoy a day of yoga, outdoor games and cooking.

One of those members is Sharon Milne, who has a personal connection to Sunshine Butterflies.

Sharon participated in last year’s massive cycling journey, and will this year be assisting the cyclists with all the support they need to make it through the gruelling, but rewarding experience.

Sharon, who is a carer for her intellectually impaired brother, feels a strong connection to Sunshine Butterflies, her fundraising efforts will go directly to supporting Sunshine Butterflies and five other organisations around Australia and New Zealand.

“My role for this year’s ride is that of crew member, I support all riders and other crew members,” Sharon said.

“Up at 3.30am to help riders prepare for their gruelling days ride, see them off at 5am.

“The three crew teams then work together manning the required rest stops along the ride, we alternate stops at approximately 25km intervals, have refreshments and water for riders and encourage them to keep pushing through the pain and heat.

“At the end of the day, we gather as a big group to discuss how this day went and plan ahead to the next day, make sure all washing is done noosatoday.com.au

and all riders are fed, early to bed and ready to do it all again the next day,” Sharon said.

Sharon got involved in the fundraiser when she heard that HNF supports Sunshine Butterflies, a charity that she believes is an asset to our community.

“I chose to do the ride when I heard that the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation supported Sunshine Butterflies.

“I have a brother with [an] intellectual disability and to see what amazing work Leanne Walsh does at Sunshine Butterflies ... I believe his earlier lifestyle and challenges could have been a lot different if he had access to this awesome environment.

“I had the pleasure in visiting Sunshine Butterflies in September and saw the extension veranda that HNF raised funds had helped with making that happen, giving me more inspiration.

“I am very positive that this year’s ride will be a very big success, looking forward to rekindling old mateships and forming new bonds with the new members,” Sharon said.

Peter Hurley, Herbalife Nutrition Australia and New Zealand’s General Manager, will be riding the last leg of the journey.

“We are so proud of our members and their generosity.

“Our members really want to help provide better nutrition and education to kids around Australia and New Zealand, and their fundraising initiatives like the HNF Bike Ride are helping us deliver on that promise,” Mr Hurley said.

In Australia and New Zealand, Herbalife supports the Infants’ Home in Sydney, Lighthouse Foundation in Melbourne, Children’s Hospital Foundation in Perth, Sunshine Butterflies Noosa, Power Community Limited in South Australia, and Life Education Trust in New Zealand.

The ride will leave Torquay this Saturday 11 January and will arrive in the Adelaide CBD five days later on Thursday 16 January. ●

Members of all abilities are encouraged to make healthy snacks in their Social Kitchen.

2016 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE AUTOMATIC TURBO DIESEL 4WD SUV - Sat Nav - Leather Seats - Loads of Extra’s - Log Books & History

ONLY 69,000km

$48,990 DRIVE AWAY 2014 HOLDEN COMMODORE EVOKE AUTOMATIC SPORTWAGON - One Owner EX-Company Lease - Bluetooth - Reverse Camera

& Sensors - Log Books & History

ONLY 44,000km

$16,990 DRIVE AWAY I don’t normally write reviews.. I am generally a cynical person. But the service I received from NVA was by far the best service I have ever received. I have looked… at dealers all over SEQ and nothing compares to the quality of vehicles and service they provide… I cannot speak highly enough of this business and the people within and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone!

-Steve W 12438141-SG02-20

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

|

NOOSA TODAY 5

NEWS

NOOSA SHARES TOURISM CASH

BY ROSE ASTLEY Noosa and the Sunshine Coast are part of the areas that are expected to receive a share of a $6 million tourism recovery package in hopes to restore visitor numbers after the recent bushfires, other areas that will share the grant are the Scenic Rim and the Southern Downs.

The jointly funded package from the federal and Queensland government comes under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements scheme.

Minister for Natural Disasters and Emergency Management David Littleproud said that the funding will hopefully get more visitors into the region, and see the money flowing into the regions again.

"This will put $1.5 million into tourism marketing and $500,000 for industry recovery officers.

"It also provides $1 million to restore trails in the renowned

Lamington National Park.

"The best ways to help a community recover is to get the local economy moving, Mr Littleproud said.

Minister for State Development Cameron Dick who is responsible for the grant says that it's crucial to attract visitors back into the bushfire impacted areas.

"In Queensland, most of our tourist trade is centred on the natural environment: national parks, wildlife, vineyards," Mr Dick said.

"This $6 million funding will support operators, improve infrastructure and help promote the best of southern Queensland to bring visitors back.

"It will build on the strengths of these regions and boost local economies," Mr Dick said.

Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington says even though tourism in Noosa hasn't suffered greatly from the fires, he is hopeful that the money will be

spent targeting international and interstate visitors.

"The marketing component will be delivered by Tourism and Events Queensland in collaboration with Regional Tourism Organisations across affected areas.

"That means any money for our region will likely go to Visit Sunshine Coast to distribute.

"Given that the Sunshine Coast fires had a significant impact on Noosa, I would hope that Visit Sunshine Coast will see the sense in providing some of that marketing assistance to our local tourism organisation, Tourism Noosa.

"Noosa is enjoying a strong summer holiday season that appears largely unaffected by the recent fires in terms of accommodation bookings.

"Of course any additional assistance in marketing, most particularly to international and interstate visitors, would be

welcome," Mr Wellington said.

Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson says that their team will be working closely with Visit Sunshine Coast to ensure funds are distributed where they are most needed.

"Noosa Tourism intends on working closely with Visit Sunshine Coast, as the RTO, on how the funds for marketing are spent.

"Tourism Noosa will ensure that the businesses and the specific regions that suffered from the fires are the beneficiaries of the marketing dollars.

"Noosa Tourism and Noosa Shire Council are grateful to the Queensland Government and to Tourism and Events Queensland for its recognition of the investment required post the recent fires and look forward to working with Visit Sunshine Coast to develop specific campaigns," Ms Anderson said. ●

LAKE MCDONALD UPGRADE TO START IN 2020 Lake Macdonald Dam is scheduled to be upgraded as part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program.

In a statement Seqwater said the work “will be the first major upgrade to the dam since the wall was raised in 1980”.

“The upgrade will involve building a new concrete spillway and reconstructing the embankments to better protect the structure against extreme events of nature,” the statement said.

“Seqwater has been looking at ways to reduce the environmental and social impacts of the construction project and redesigning the spillway to better protect aquatic life.

“The new design includes an ‘ogee style’ spillway which will improve the passage of fish and turtles downstream when the storage is full.

“We are also looking at ways to reduce construction traffic during project implementation.”

Seqwater says it will commence the construction of “early works” for the project this year - including replacing the existing bridge to the Noosa Water Treatment Plant and relocating existing services and utilities - but has not as yet provided a detailed timeframe.

“Improvements to the SEQ Water Grid will also be undertaken so that we can continue to provide water to the Noosa region during the construction period,” Seqwater says.

“These upgrades will deliver the long-term benefit of permanently 6 NOOSA TODAY

|

Artist's impression of the revised spillway design for Lake Macdonald Dam. (Seqwater image) improving water supply security for Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

“To safely build the new dam we will first need to temporarily lower the water level in the lake.

“The lake lowering is scheduled to take place in 2021, weather permitting.

“However, should the current dry conditions continue, the lake lowering and overall project timing will be subject to further water supply security assessments as required.

“An aquatic management plan is

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

being developed to prepare for the relocation of aquatic life during the lake lowering timeframe.

“The lake will now remain open to recreation activities in 2020, including fishing and paddling.”

DAM LEVELS...

As of the start of this week dams within the Seqwater South East Queensland Water Grid were collectively at 56.3% of full capacity, with minimal rainfall recorded over the Christmas-New Year period.

The Grid makes up nearly 90% of

South East Queensland’s total water storage volume.

Dam levels... · Wivenhoe - 513,732 ML, 44.1% · Somerset - 245,722ML, 64.7% · North Pine - 123,410ML, 57.6% · Hinze - 259,441ML, 83.5% · Baroon Pocket - 48,405ML, 79.4% · Leslie Harrison - 7233ML, 54.8% · Ewen Maddock - 12,145ML, 73.2% · Cooloolabin - 5816ML, 71.1% · Lake Kurwongbah - 7945ML, 56% · Lake Macdonald - 6135ML, 76.5% · Little Nerang - 4935ML, 73.6% · Wappa - 4318ML, 92% ● noosatoday.com.au

NEWS

MAYOR FIGHTS ROADS SLUR

BY ROSE ASTLEY Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington has fought back on accusations from Independent Counsellor Candidate Karen Finzel who claimed that the amount of resources available to those living in the Hinterland are “unfair.”

“Councillor Candidate Karen Finzel has released a media statement accusing me of scare tactics regarding hinterland roads and of misrepresenting the truth.

“Unfortunately, this forces me to yet again defend myself,” Cr Wellington said.

“Karen Finzel’s inexperience results in the mistake of confusing on-going budget allocations with total budget allocations.

“At no stage has Noosa Council reduced agreed budget allocations for hinterland roads as Finzel suggests.

“What we do, and all councils do this, is to allocate capital works projects through the financial year according to which capital projects require priority at different stages of that year.

“The actual timing of spending may change depending on which projects are shovel-ready and which require further design or preparatory work.

“That means funds get juggled, but the overall capital budget allocations remain the same to ensure Council’s financial sustainability is maintained,” Cr Wellington said.

Karen Finzel said that nearly half of the Shire’s population lives within the Hinterland, and the number of dollars spent in the Hinterland compared to the coastal region were not mentioned in Cr Wellington’s statistics.

“Cr Wellington quoted per capita numbers, was misleading on the children’s playground extravagance and attacked my suggestion that council divisions should be a subject of community debate,” Ms Finzel said.

“Why shouldn’t the community have a chance to discuss whether it wants to have divisions or not?

Ms Finzel said the Mayor could have asked the State Government to better apportion the $2.8 million in funds it is providing for the Cooroy children’s playground.

“These state funds plus the council money could have been spread over three projects in the hinterland and done much more good for the community.

Ms Finzel said the mayor had conceded that 65 percent of the shire’s roads are in the hinterland but had offered no explanation of why noosatoday.com.au

Mayor Tony Wellington the council has no program to seal the area’s 200 km of unsafe gravel roads.

“The council really has a lot to answer for in its neglect of this basic infrastructure.

“It’s only a couple of years ago that substantial funds allocated to hinterland roads were diverted to a road in Noosaville.

“The mayor’s words about ‘backroom deals’ were interesting, given that scores of council meetings each year are held in secret.

“Cr Wellington said he could put his hand on his heart and say that a non-divisional system provides the best results for residents.

“Well I’ll put my vote where my mouth is and, if elected to council, give residents a say on this matter,” Ms Finzel said.

Mr Wellington said that Ms Finzel is wrong about his councils long-term program for updating the roads in the area, claiming that council have an adopted document that identifies how these works should be prioritised to ensure gravel road sealing can be delivered responsibly.

“This provides methodology for ranking roads according to set criteria, such as traffic volume, crash history, number of dwellings serviced by the road and various other issues. Council has thus identified the top 30 roads requiring sealing in a prioritisation list.

“If Karen Finzel thinks the council can commit future councils to sealing hinterland roads, she is wrong. Existing councils can’t force future councils to include capital works projects in their annual budgets,” he said.

Cr Wellington said that each year the elected council will determine what it’s spending priorities will be, and that this council has prioritised the sealing of gravel roads within urban townships, with the current budget that includes the sealing of Teewah Street, Boreen Point and Ambulance Street in Pomona. ●

Picture: MARIE PRYCE

2017 FIAT DOBLO LOW ROOF SWB AUTOMATIC TURBO DIESEL VAN - One Owner - Bluetooth - Reverse Camera & Sensors

ONLY 20,000km

$20,990 DRIVE AWAY 2012 FORD RANGER XL SINGLE CAB MANUAL TURBO DIESEL 4X2 UTILITY - One Owner - Colour-coded Canopy - Tow-Bar - Tinted Windows

ONLY 94,000km

$12,990 DRIVE AWAY I flew up from Hobart, Tasmania and I was extremely happy with the vehicle when I arrived, it was exactly as described and at a very competitive price, definitely worth the trip up and back…the car is in excellent condition and I couldn’t be happier with it.

I highly recommend this company and the good people who work there Honest, friendly, reliable and as good as their word -

Chris H 12438149-NG02-20

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

|

NOOSA TODAY 7

NEWS

Renee Black and local fire service members.

Picture: GROUND GLASS PHOTOGRAPHY

Erin Green, Renee Black and Alan Taylor, event coordinators.

Picture: SUPPLIED

COOROIBAH’S HEARTFELT THANKS On a Sunday afternoon late last year, a small group of Cooroibah residents held a special community event to give their sincere thanks to all the

Rural Fire, QFES, Wildlife rescuers and other emergency services for their tireless efforts at fighting the Cooroibah fire.

2015 HOLDEN COLORADO LS DUAL CAB

The event was attended by a staggering 200 residents and many rural fire volunteers, the children were thrilled that the fire trucks attended and sounded their sirens upon arrival. Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington was also in attendance and was thanked by residents for his support.It was a wonderful afternoon under the trees where residents could share their stories and also meet other people to create new friendships and strengthen old ones.

A few of the resident

coordinators, Renee Black, Alan Taylor and Erin Green were truly humbled by the number of residents whom attended and the generous amount of food and drinks that residents brought along to share with their fire heroes.

A donation bucket was passed around during the evening, and a remarkable $1344 was raised for the local rural fire service branches.

Overall a wonderful evening was had by all.

- Story contributed by Erin Green, co-coordinator. ●

MANUAL TURBO DIESEL 4WD UTILITY - One Owner Ex-Lease - Fibreglass Canopy - Loads of Extra’s - Log Books & History

ONLY 89,000km

$27,990 DRIVE AWAY 2015 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ACTIVE 7 SEAT TURBO DIESEL AUTOMATIC 4WD SUV - One Owner Ex-Govt - Bluetooth - Reverse Camera - Log Books & History

ONLY 47,000km

$27,990 DRIVE AWAY This is an excellent business with exceptional and very professional staff, high quality vehicles and attention to detail.

They are so good in fact that I travelled all the way from North West NSW to buy through them. I couldn’t be happier……I highly recommend this business -

Dave S 12438156-LB02-20

8 NOOSA TODAY

|

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

Picture: GROUND GLASS PHOTOGRAPHY noosatoday.com.au

NEWS

CAMPGROUND MAKEOVER The revamped Noosa North Shore Beach Campground started taking bookings from Friday 20 December 2019 after a $3.2 million facelift.

The popular holiday spot will take its first visitors from January 20.

Mayor Tony Wellington said the work had resulted in “significant improvements”.

“We are noticing a growing demand for nature-based tourism,” Cr Wellington said.

‘So this upgrade will allow more people to enjoy the picturesque Noosa North Shore and experience its wonderful environmental values.

“There are additional powered and unpowered sites, improved toilet and cooking amenities.

“A total of 43 powered sites are now available along with nearly 50 unpowered camping spots. Defined camp sites are now in place to better manage the camping locations.

“A new camp kitchen has been built along with beach showers, boardwalks and seating areas.

“The bulk of the work focussed on upgrading the wastewater and water treatment systems.

“Due to its pristine location, we

The Noosa North Shore Beach Campground has undergone a $3.2m upgrade. really focussed on improving the way effluent and wastewater was treated on site.” · To book a site, visit website https:// www.noosaholidayparks.com.au/ noosa-north-shore

BEACH AMENITIES...

New public facilities with 12 toilets, an outdoor shower and baby changing room opened at Peregian Beach just in time for the busy Christmas holiday season.

The $500,000 project is on one of the most high-profile delivered this year by Noosa Council and local firm Ri-Con. The work involved demolishing the old toilets, building temporary disability compliant toilets during construction, plus demolishing an old, and installing a new waste enclosure with an environmentally responsive waste water diversion system.

Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie said facilities aimed “to complement the low-key coastal setting of Peregian village”.

“The timber design is intended to maximise use of space and natural light, be highly functional, preserve and blend in with the existing vegetation and complement the look and feel of Peregian village,” he said.

Cr Wilkie said there was a focus to ensure the amenities were environmentally responsive.

“Fittings are energy efficient and the new waste bin enclosure has a first-flush system, which diverts initial run-off into the sewer and clean water into the stormwater,” he said.

“Local firm Ri-con has had a major presence in Peregian this year, having just completed the upgraded 35-space Rufous Street car park.

“The 35 extra carparks are part of the Rufous Street Masterplan, created in collaboration with Peregian community members.

“It will create a new Community House, landscaped parklands and an expanded Digital Hub.” ●

FOODIE FUNDRAISER

BY ROSE ASTLEY Looking for a meal and to support a good cause?

A couple well-known Noosa River restaurants will be offering special meals this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with 100% of the profits going directly to rural fire services.

The restaurants participating include Whisky Boy, Jimmy Fox, Frenchie Brasserie, and Sushi Monster.

"Every community in Australia is indebted to its firefighters. This season, we have seen them go above and beyond. Giving a little back is the least we can do."

Given the diverse range of restaurants participating, it will be

possible to purchase one of these special meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

"Even though we are new to the community, we are excited to have the opportunity to give back and provide support to the heroic firies who have given so much," Frenchie Brasserie said.

Special meals will be offered during opening hours on Friday 10 January, Saturday 11 January and Sunday 12 January.

If the event proves to be a success, it will be extended and will hopefully inspire other businesses to do the same.

All benefits and donations will go to NSW Rural Fire Service donation fund. ●

RATE NOTICES IN MAIL Noosa ratepayers will receive their Noosa Council rate notices in the mail the week starting this Monday 13 January 13.

A council spokesman said Noosa Council "encourages ratepayers to make their payment by the February 14 due date to take advantage of the 5% discount on the general rate".

Council offers ratepayers a variety of payment options.

Council's Corporate Services Director Michael Shave said more noosatoday.com.au

than 28% of property owners now receive their rate notice electronically - either by email or direct to their online banking platform by registering for BPay View.

"Property owners who wish to change to electronic delivery can do so by visiting "Council's website to register for email delivery, or through their online banking platform to register for BPay View," Mr Shave said. ●

2015 NISSAN JUKE ST X-TRONIC 2WD AUTOMATIC URBAN SUV - Climate Control - Bluetooth - Alloy Wheels - Log Books

ONLY 22,000km

$16,990 DRIVE AWAY 2018 HYUNDAI KONA ACTIVE AUTOMATIC 2WD SUV - App Connect Navigation - Reverse Camera & Bluetooth - Alloy Wheels

ONLY 43,000km

$21,990 DRIVE AWAY Had a fantastic experience buying a car thanks to the awesome team at Noosa Village Autos….

These are people with integrity. Their cars are top quality with fantastic prices.

A huge thankyou to Grant, Tyson & Debbie for making a daunting task into a pleasant and enjoyable one - Angi J 12438159-CG02-20

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

|

NOOSA TODAY 9

LETTERS

Post your letters to: 36 Mary St, Noosaville, 4566 or email: newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au

BURNING NEED Australia is burning, and Tewantin residents had their own ’scare’ a few weeks back from the Noosa North Shore fires, when Cooroibah and Noosa Banks were affected, and residents north of the Noosa-Cooroy Road were advised to evacuate.

Living adjacent to Heritage Park, the ‘fuel load’ has been a concern for many years, as all the supposed waterways and ponds are fully choked by debris from palms fronds, fallen branches and leaves, up to the level of the (wooden) bridges.

I’ve lived here for over 12 years, and no clearing efforts have been undertaken during that period, to the best of my knowledge.

Dozens, if not hundreds of homes would be directly affected if a fire raced through there, which could have easily happened if the Cooroibah/Noosa Banks fires had headed south.

It’s a potential disaster waiting to happen.

Whilst I don’t think we should be treated as a ’special case’, I believe council should undertake a serious review of all such affected areas in the light of recent local and national events, and implement a robust fire mitigation prevention strategy.

If millions of dollars are available for a park in Cooroy, it suggests that the funds are there; all that’s needed is the political will.

Name withheld

WE NEED A MAGIC WAND It is a fact that, whether we like it or not, there is absolutely nothing we can do to change the weather to suit our requirements.

So rather than complain and search for someone to blame, all we can really do is accept the situation and continue to try to live a nice life!

As my grandmother taught me well before I became a teenager, “you just press on remorseless, and with any luck it will not be rewardless”.

Geoff Cass, Tewantin.

INDEPENDENTLY FAMILY OWNED

36 Mary Street, Noosaville, QLD 4566 12428947-DJ41-19

Digital version available for FREE Subscribe at www.noosatoday.com.au/subscribe Editorial newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au Advertising sales@noosatoday.com.au Classified Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au READERSHIP: Engaging with a weekly audience across Online: Digital and Social Platforms Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only.

For our terms and conditions please visit www.starcommunity.com.au

10 NOOSA TODAY

|

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

LENSCAPE

Sunset from Laguna Bay across to Noosa Beach.

ALONE WITH NO IPHONE I wonder whether any of your readers have experienced an event similar to the one that I recently encountered?

I was walking my dog on Gympie Terrace when a young girl, probably in her late teens, came running towards me.

She was not carrying an iPhone.

I checked and saw that there was no phone strapped to her arm, around her waist or in a back pocket.

I was intrigued. Had she mistakenly left her phone at home or in her car?

A run would more than likely take 30 or 40 minutes, maybe longer.

Surely she had not planned to be without it for so long.

What if one of her friends wanted to contact her regarding a vital matter?

They would be distraught, something must have happened to her.

Could she or her friends regularly take a run or walk with no contact with the world?

The river was at at its peaceful best, there was a beautiful sunset, a cooling breeze and the birds were happily chirping.

And all without an iPhone.

Mervyn Mudal.

NOT WORTH A CRACKER Has Australia become so obsessed with cricket and fireworks that we have completely lost our soul?

I am angry at those who have the power to lead and who won’t.

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

Those who would rather focus on appearances and self-interest, and who lie to us, rather than actually doing anything useful for this country.

My heart breaks for the wildlife that has died; the dry river beds and the burnt and dying vegetation.

I'd happily insert the fireworks up the cricketers for all the interest I have in either. The fireworks are a waste of money; they are bad for the environment and terrifying for animals.

Rather, we should have a quiet night to reflect on the unimaginable devastation we have caused and how we must, as a nation, move forward, acting as responsible custodians and not the scourge of mass destruction.

Brigid Muir.

YES MINISTER! Over the next three months of so you are going to hear a lot of empty motherhood statements from aspirants to the mayoralty and council.

Have a close look at them. Most of them are completely empty rhetoric. Things such as, council must be: · More transparent (my personal favourite). · Business friendly · Responsive to residents · Welcome visitors, but not upset locals · Improve traffic flow at peak periods And on, and on.

It’s all nonsense, and straight from the ‘Yes Minister’ play book.

All of the above are vacuous unless backed with some substantive policies to back them up.

Picture: SANDI VAN DER STER In your conversations with aspiring mayors and councilors insist they tell you the biggest issues they aim to fix, but more importantly, exactly how they are going to fix them.

This is how you will sort the ‘mother hood’ from the ‘mother load’!

Greg Reddaway, Tewantin.

COOK BOOK English immigrant and regular local correspondent Ernest Wright asks whether there has ever been a record of bushfires in many states at the same time.

Well Ernest, coincidentally another Englishman did record in his journals that he saw smoke from bushfires burning all along Australia's East Coast.

His name was James Cook and the year was 1770.

John Mikkelsen, Noosa.

ABC WORTH Blacked out, mobile coverage out, landlines out, power out, internet out. By transistor and car radios, ABC radio has given reliable, vital information round the clock to victims trapped in fire storms across the nation.

Through live coverage reporting, ABC brought emotional relief to relatives of the victims. More funding and many thoughts and praise for the ABC. Margaret Wilkie, Peregian Beach.

Continued page 13 noosatoday.com.au

LIVE

PARK SOUNDS IN EUMUNDI

BY ROSE ASTLEY Pack your picnic and your dancing shoes on Sunday 19 January when Eumundi hosts the next Park Sounds event - a fabulous afternoon of free live music in Dick Caplick Park, right in the center of town, from 2pm-5pm.

The January line-up will see Jack and Paris Smith, Marshall Boys and Joe Man Murphy take to the stage.

This is a free event, but Park Sounds will be passing around a donation tin to help raise funds for the Rural Fire Service, The Red Cross and the Sunshine Coast and Eumundi Wildlife Rehabilitation centers.

This will start a week of fundraising events initiated by the Imperial Hotel and Eumundi Brewery.

Enjoy an evening of good vibes, great music and help support a good cause.

When: Sunday 19 January between 2pm-5pm.

Joe Man Murphy.

Where: Dick Caplick Park, Eumundi.

Please note that this is a family event and alcohol in not permitted. ●

Jack and Paris Smith.

PUZZLES Quick Clues

8 3 CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7606 9 5 2 DOWN ACROSS 1. Expand (6) Unemotional (13) 2. Room (5) 3. Sale (7) 6 4. Satisfy (4) 5. Bid (5) Shopping complex 6. Mean (7) (6) 1 3 7 7. Paint (6) Sheep-like (5) 13. Tramp (7) 15. Colour (7) 4 16. Condition (6) Uncomplicated (6) 17. Find out (6) 19. Anaesthetic (5) 3 7 21. Beat (5) Amusement (13) DOWN 22. Song (4) Expand (6) YPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7606 1 9 ACROSS

2 6 3 1

8 4 9 3 7 5 2

Cryptic Clues

5

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7606 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Band of robbers. 8, Cards. 9, Praised(anag.)

10, Loaded. 11, R-egret. 12, Screw. 14, Spa-de(cember).

18, Sa-ndal. 20, I-ndoor. 23, E-last-ic. 24, Ex-ile. 25, Dangerous bend.

Down - 1, Buckle. 2, Nor-ma(rev.) 3, Obs-c-e-ne. 4, Rapt(anag.) 5, Brake(break). 6, En-sure-d. 7, Sedat(Sept)e(mber). 13, Contain(anag.) 15, Pun-nets. 16, As-c-end. 17, Fr-i-end. 19, Ar-ti-e(rev.) 21, O-live. 22, (th)e-cho-(rus).

8

9 7 6 5 8 3 2 4 1

5 6 3 2 1 7 4 8 9

5

1 8 9 4 3 5 6 2 7

7 4 2 6 9 8 3 1 5

6 5 1 3 7 4 8 9 2

8 2 4 1 5 9 7 6 3

Solution No.4268

3 9 7 8 2 6 1 5 4

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

Fill the gr every row 3x3 squar the digit

Solution N

6 2 9 1 7 8 4 3 5

5 4 8 3 6 2 9 1 7

4

7

2 3 8 9 4 1 5 7 6

noosatoday.com.au

going mad if you go round it? (9,4).

DOWN 1. Curl up on a shoe? (6). 2. She ups and says she’s a man!

(5). 3. Notes the bones heaped outside. It’s disgusting!

(7). 4. Engrossed in setting the trap (4). 5. Stop for the said interval (5). 6. Guaranteed beyond doubt in the end (7). 7. The proper date’s arranged: mid-September (6). 13.

Hold I can not break away from (7). 15. For a joke, standing the gun on the baskets (7). 16. It is, in the Andes, terribly cold when you climb (6). 17. Father and I will stop with a companion (6). 19. In time, he’ll take it back (5).

21. Is her love not dead? (5). 22. Repeat a fragment of the chorus (4).

4 1 5 7 6 2 9 3 8

ACROSS 1. Do they steal a march? (4,2,7). 8. The characters issuing the invitation? (5). 9. Said how good a spider is at weaving (7). 10. Charged with being drunk (6). 11. Feel sorry for the river bird (6). 12. The guard provides security (5). 14. You’ll see it in the garden from spring to the beginning of December (5). 18. When back on land, change the footwear (6). 20. The one playing the rondo inside (6).

23. Packed in cracked ice to keep supple (7). 24. He’s banished at once: a lie is concocted (5). 25. Do you risk going mad if you go round it? (9,4).

DOWN 1. Curl up on a shoe? (6). 2. She ups and says she’s a man!

2

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7606 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Dispassionate. 8, Lilac. 9, Taffeta. 10, Tennis.

11, Arcade. 12, Ovine. 14, Screw. 18, Eaglet. 20, Simple.

23, Teacher. 24, Salve. 25, Entertainment.

Down - 1, Dilate. 2, Salon. 3, Auction. 4, Sate. 5, Offer. 6, Average. 7, Enamel. 13, Vagrant. 15, Crimson. 16, Fettle.

17, Detect. 19, Ether. 21, Pulse. 22, Aria.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7606

2 9

How to Sud

3

1

7 6

4

1.

9 5

9 4 6

ACROSS 1. Unemotional (13)

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

8 9 3

12.

14.

18.

20.

23.

24.

25.

SUDOKU

MED No.4

How to solve Sudoku!

ACROSS Unemotional (13) Plant (5) Material (7) Game (6) Shopping complex (6) Sheep-like (5) Twist (5) Bird (6) Uncomplicated (6) Educator (7) Ointment (5) Amusement (13)

4 2 1 3 4 9 8 8 2 5

1.

8.

9.

10.

11.

SUDOKU No. 4268

5 1

QUICK QUICKPUZZLE PUZZLENo. NO.7606 7606

|

NOOSA TODAY 11

3 1 7 4 5 9 6 2 8

8 3 2 9 4 7 1 5 6

7 5 1 8 2 6 3 9 4

LIVE

GET TANGLED IN CHARLOTTE’S WEB If Charlotte was writing a review of Little Seed Theatre Company’s latest production, she’d use one word: “Magical”.

From 16-18 January, Little Seed’s troupe of talented performers will stage the much-loved children’s classic Charlotte’s Web at the Eumundi School of Arts Building.

Written by E. B. White and first published in 1952, Charlotte’s Web tells the story of Wilbur, a livestock pig, and his friendship with barn spider Charlotte.

When Wilbur (William Law) is soon to become someone’s dinner, Charlotte (Emily Potts) hatches a plan.

A gifted wordsmith, Charlotte weaves messages of praise for Wilbur in her web: “Some Pig”, “Terrific”, “Radiant” and “Humble”. Charlotte’s stroke of genius starts a victorious campaign that saves Wilbur’s life and ends with Some Pig helping his arachnid friend.

Audiences can expect another high energy and engaging production characteristic of Little Seed, with enchanting costumes and exuberant performances from

some of the best young talent on the Sunshine Coast.

“Little Seed is proud to perform rich, full-length versions of plays and musicals that challenge our young performers and delight audiences,” says Creative Director, Johanna Wallace.

“I loved reading Charlotte’s Web when I was a child and Little Seed is thrilled to share this story on stage

to inspire a whole new generation of children and their families,” Johanna adds.

Little Seed’s production of Charlotte’s Web follows on from other successful outings at the Eumundi School of Arts Building, most recently Seussical Jnr and Fantastic Mr Fox. The cast of talented actors are complemented by an orchestra of

young musicians who have created an original ‘soundscape’ that supports the action on stage.

Don’t miss this outing of family fun at its finest. Charlotte’s Web will be staged on 16 January at 6.30pm, 17 and 18 January at 2.00pm and 6.30pm, and 19 January at 6.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased online ●

PLAY NOOSA AND TEE UP A $13 LUNCH SPECIAL.

Enjoy our $13 Lunch special, served with a golf course on the side.

For details go to noosagolf.com.au, to book call 5447 1407(ext 2) or simply come along to 46 Corooy Noosa Rd, Tewantin.

12427683-SN39-19

12 NOOSA TODAY

|

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

noosatoday.com.au

LETTERS From page 10

TRAFFIC CHAOS FIX Today I’ve been out at the Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve and on Noosa Parade looking at how we could deal with the traffic chaos of Hastings Street and the follow-on traffic problems along Noosa Drive.

I’ve had a lot of suggestions about building a bridge to link the Noosa Woods area with Noosa Parade and making Hastings Street either a one was street or making it pedestrian only.

Obviously nothing would happen

Post your letters to: 36 Mary St, Noosaville, 4566 or email: newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au

without significant public consultation, so I encourage everyone to comment their thoughts on the issue and the suggestions in the images.

We need affirmative action on the traffic problem, not costly Band-aid fixes.

Nathanael Ford, Candidate for Noosa Council.

FACE UP TO REALITY People on the ground in the Far South Coast of NSW tell me that in Eden, about 30 kilometres from the fire front, stranded tourists and others are camped on the football oval;

the local supermarkets have run out of food; the only way out is via Canberra, and people wanting to go there have been fighting at the petrol station to get the last of the fuel. The sky is red, and the air is a blanket of smoke. Locals are calling it Armageddon.

All over Australia, other towns are far worse off, with already over 1200 houses and 17 lives lost.

In the face of this the Prime Minister thinks the it is fine to go to India and round off the Adani coal deal.

This is not alright.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Email your community news to: newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au

FIND A FROG

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING

Find a Frog in February with Eva Ford, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee.

Become a Citizen Scientist and learn how to contribute to the knowledge and future of our species fauna group - amphibians. Join us to learn about the peculiar habits and different types of frogs we have in the Noosa area. Eva will also tell us about the 'Find a Frog in February' program. · When: Thursday 23 January 2020 5-7pm. · Where: Rural Futures Centre, 65 Pavilion Street, Pomona. · Cost: Free to Noosa Landcare members and Bush Carers. $10 for all other attendees. · Bookings: https://noosaanddistrict landcaregroupinc.wildapricot.org/ event-3646418

Every Tuesday evening from 7 pm to 9.30 pm Pat and Norm Young organise a Social evening at the Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall. The cost is $4, which includes supper. It is a very enjoyable evening as Pat and Norm provide New Vogue as well as Old Time Dancing.

Come and be a spectator, and see if you will enjoy it. Everyone is welcome. Phone 0407 456 939 for more information, or come and visit.

The first dance for 2020 is on Tuesday 14 January.

ISLAND FASHION TOUR

GOOD VIBRATIONS Good Vibrations A Cappella Choir is seeking new singers - singing mostly “popular” songs in four part harmony.

They sing on Monday evenings in Cooroy, starting again in midFebruary 2020.

Email andrew andrewjemmet@ gmail.com for info or phone 5474 1498.

DANCE LESSONS Regular lessons recommence with an experienced teacher at Tewantin Masonic Hall, Sunday, 12 January, 2020, 1pm to 5pm beginner to intermediate. Learn old favorite dances ie Gypsy tap, Oxford Waltz, Quickstep, Cha etc.

More info:- website www. andrewsclassdance.com or ring or text Andrew 0429 829 328. All welcome, with or without a partner.

Tea break included.

ORCHID AND FOLIAGE Come along each month and enjoy noosatoday.com.au

Negotiating to double the CO2 output of this nation - which is what the end product of mining the Galilee Basin, is - is not alright.

Morrison has to face up to the reality of what is happening in the world. This is not a one off. This is the way the world is heading because the planet is heating up, and it is now up to world leaders to do everything that they can to decrease carbon output. If he can’t stand the heat, he needs to get right out of the kitchen.

Joy Ringrose, Pomona.

Members of the Tewantin Noosa Probus Club enjoy a champagne breakfast in Lake Macdonald Park. Beside the lake, beneath the trees, chattering and laughing in the breeze. the friendship between like-minded people interested in learning how to grow and care for their orchids.

On display are members Orchids and Foliage plants that are entered into a mini show and judged on the day. All in attendance are also given the opportunity to vote for their favourite plant and the winners receive points toward an Annual Award and there are plants for sale and members to consult on any growing issues you may want to know about. After our guest speaker, enjoy afternoon tea and then winners are drawn for the many fabulous raffle plants.

The Noosa District Orchid and Foliage Society next monthly meeting is 1 February at 1pm in the

Tinbeerwah Hall. Visitors more than welcome. For further information please contact Valerie 0419 202 867.

NOOSA TOASTMASTERS Would public speaking and leadership skills help you with your 2020 goals?

Noosa Toastmasters is a fun loving, supportive group of people who are all learning together.

The next meeting is Monday 27 January 6.30-8.30pm at the CWA Hall in Poinciana Ave, Tewantin.

The first two visits are free so you can come and see if it's the place for you. For enquiries phone Ian Davies on 0410750651 or email noosatoastmasters@gmail.com

The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre is delighted to present ‘Island Fashion on Tour’, a Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) regional touring project for children and families.

Opening from 2 Januaray, ‘Island Fashion on Tour’ features a range of free, hands-on art making activities created by QAGOMA in collaboration with Australian and Pacific artists Grace Lillian Lee, Maryann Talia Pau and Ranu James and Letila Mitchell.

Grace Lillian Lee’s activity Get Your Weave On 2019 encourages audiences to use simple folding techniques with strips of brightly coloured paper to create wearable accessories such as paper bracelets, neckpieces and head-pieces.

While Maryann Talia Pau and Ranu James’ activity Ula Taim 2019 encourages the creation of elaborate neckpieces, wristbands and anklets using hand-drawn patterns and weaving with paper.

Letila Mitchell’s activity Sasi, Pera, Lagu - Of The Ocean, Land and Sky invites children to create their own textile design using patterns created by the artist. ●

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

|

NOOSA TODAY 13

NEWS

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

1300 666 808

Find your trades and services in our LITTLE BLACK BOOK

MOWING & LAWN CARE

SOLAR ENERGY

MATES RATES

homeandenergy Your Solar and Battery Specialist

MOWING

‡ &RPSHWLWLYH SULFLQJ ‡ 3URYHQ TXDOLW\ ‡ /RQJ WHUP SHUIRUPDQFH ‡ *RYHUQPHQW LQFHQWLYHV

Big or small, we do it all!

Julian 0402 630 687 Ben 0421 288 717

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

julianslavin@hotmail.co.uk benjaminslavin@hotmail.com PLUMBING

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE

NEW HOMES RENOVATIONS CHRIS REEVE & CO MAINTENANCE ServingSolicitors the Noosa community GAS INSTALLS since 1979 in all areas of law Suite 15 Tewantin Plaza AND REPAIRS LEGAL

113 Poincianna Ave. Tewantin Q. 4565

QBCC- 1301345 PHONE TRENT 0431 159 729

Ph: 5449 7500 E: reeve@chrisreeve.com.au

GARDEN/ OUTDOOR

TOP SOIL FOR SALE

Rubbish Removals, including Furniture, Green Waste and site clean ups No job to small and are happy to give a no obligation free quote on all work

Call Brad 0419 570 933 Thursday, 9 January, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

1300 666 808

Specialise in Household

|

07 5403 7969 (OHFWULFDO &RQWUDFWRU /LFHQFH 1R

Rubbish Removal

14 NOOSA TODAY

A local solar company you can trust

www.homeandenergy.com.au

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Cutting the ribbon, officially opening the centre.

&DOO XV WRGD\ WR DVN ZKDW ZH KDYH GRQH IRU \RXU QHLJKERXUV DQG ZKDW ZH FDQ GR IRU \RX

12428604-LB40-19

Get inspired and informed with Hasting Street's new information centre.

The Hasting Street Information centre recently underwent a stylish refurbishment and name change and was yesterday opened officially as the Noosa Inspiration Centre by Tourism Minister Kate Jones.

The new look information centre hopes to welcome, inform and inspire all visitors to Noosa.

Featuring a mural painted by a local Noosa artist, as well as a four metre installation of greenery as a nod to Noosa's biosphere, the centre is now an exciting new hub for visitors to get a true taste of what Noosa has to offer.

Stepping inside, visitors will be treated to a selection of locally made products available to purchase from Big Heart Bamboo, Noosa Black Coffee, Barenut Macadamias, Hello Honey and much more.

Ms Jones spoke on the re branding of the information centre and is hopeful that this investment will allow for great returns.

"I think calling it an inspiration

centre is a great idea because Noosa is one of the most recognised and loved brands anywhere in Australia, and the fact that you now have this amazing interactive space where people can come have a deeper experience.

"This is an amazing investment by tourism Noosa- I know that this will encourage more visitors to come, stay longer and spend more in this local economy, which means more jobs for local people.

"We know each and every year around 200,000 people come through the visitor centre, and now that we have new model facilities right in the heart of Hasting Street we expect that number to grow," Ms Jones said.

Ms Jones, along with Tourism Noosa's CEO Melanie Anderson, Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton, Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington and Tourism Noosa's Chair Drew Pearson were all present for the cutting of the ribbon, officially opening the trendy and inviting new space.

The Noosa Inspiration Centre will be open daily from 8am to 5.30pm every day except Christmas. â—?

฀

12421869-RC28-19

Clean Top Soil & Noosa White For Sale Doonan Area

CAN DELIVER (POA)

12436571-LB51-19

BY ROSE ASTLEY

฀

฀

12429610-SN43-19

NOOSA´S NEW LOOK INFO HUB

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12436388-NG51-19

Drew Pearson, Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson, Tourism Minister Kate Jones, local MP Sandy Bolton and Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington.

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12421870-RC28-19

฀

:H RIIHU D KROLVWLF DSSURDFK WR HQHUJ\ HIÂżFLHQF\ WDLORUHG IRU WKH XQLTXH QHHGV RI \RXU KRPH RU business.

Phone Andrew 0409 896 915 CALL US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR ADVERTISING!

1300 666 808 noosatoday.com.au

HOOK, LINE & SINKER

JACK MANGROVE

FISHING THE NEW YEAR IN! Happy New year to all of our readers and we hope you are managing to get out amongst some fishing action.

For those looking to throw a line, the stretch along Gympie Terrace between the boat hire jetties is a great spot to catch a few whiting and bream.

Another spot that offers some shade from the sun and wind is Weyba Bridge. Here you can also expect to find trevally, bream and flathead. These fish will take worm, pilchard, mullet and pipi baits fished on light running sinker rigs with a size 4 worm hook. For the anglers flicking lures then smaller poppers work well here for trevally and tailor in the lower light periods.

Woods Bay and the dog beach is also a great place to swim and fish for flathead and bream. If using lures try stepping down to 6lb leaders and lighter one-eighth jigheads and smaller plastics.

For those chasing jacks then getting your bait or lure deep into the snags and structure Noosa has to offer is key. Be sure to run heavier leaders of 30lb or more and be on

the water early before the sun rises.

If headed up the river then stopping off at the mouth of Lake Cooroibah is a great place to find flathead.

Be sure to drop a few crab pots in the water this time of year as some cracking crabs have been caught.

Mullet chunks with a little tuna oil is a great bait.

Offshore consitistant swells continue to hit the Noosa bar last week giving a couple of anglers a bit of a fright. There was a better window last weekend with plenty of boats finding their way over the bar.

For the most part anglers got into the pelagic’s and the spotty mackerel were dominating around the closer reefs of Sunshine, Jew Shoal, Halls reef and down toward Castaways beach. These fish are still relatively small and are taking 20-30g slugs cranked back to the boat at speed.

For these fish you can use estuary sized rods of 6ft10-7ft and spin reels loaded with 12-15lb braid and 20lb leader to keep it really fun.

For those targeting spanish mackerel then floated or down rigged livies are best especially if

Mathew Woods got this very nice jack in the canals on six pound leader on a long shank hook fishing for whiting. staying in the shallower waters of 12-25 meters. The headlands, Jew Shoal and northern end of sunshine are great places to find them.

Besides mackerel there are some solid coral trout on Sunshine Reef, some line burning cobia as well as various tuna species. There are also a mixed bag of reef fish getting caught on paternoster rigs with chunk and

flesh baits working best for sweetlip, cod, snapper and pearlies.

Freshwater has been quieter with the early mornings and late afternoons the better times to get out there. If fishing off the top then larger lures in the 90-110mm size are calling up the bigger saratoga along the edges. Make sure you are running 14lb leaders or more to ensure the bigger ones don’t break you off as they know how to find the submerged timber.

Out in the deeper water then smaller spinner baits, vibes and blades are getting the hits from the bass with reports of mid 40’s coming from Borumba deep in the trees around the entrances to the main arms. If out before first light try casting out into the open as the bigger fish will patrol around looking for fallen insects and stray baitfish.

So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures! ●

NOOSA GOLF CLUB RESULTS O'Brien 69 C/B, Joseph Barbaro 69 C/B, John Sharp 69 C/B, William Fogg 69 C/B, Brian Priebe 69 C/B, Brian Kingdom 69, Ralph Webster 70 C/B, Mark Chapman 70 C/B, Peter Anderson 70 C/B Nearest to Pin: A Grade: Paul Neate, Doug Reynolds, Phillip Fortington, Jason Finn. B Grade: Richard Townsend, Graeme Brown, Chris Misios. C Grade: Michael O Reilly, David Draper, Christian Pearce, Robert Mackenzie

SATURDAY There were 248 players in the Saturday Men’s Monthly Medal Stroke at Noosa Golf Club on 4 January. Scratch rating (M) 71.0 Winners: A. Josh Maddison 63, Miles Richardson 65, Paul Neate 66.

B. John Purdue 63, Jorma Rusanen 68 C/B, Robert Upham 68 C/B. C. Rodney Allen 65, Peter Croasdaile 67 C/B, Tom Mulligan 67.

Placegetters: Alec Graham 67 C/B, Peter Andrew Walker 67 C/B, Michael Napier 68 C/B, Warren Brewer 68 C/B, Rex Achurch 68 C/B, John Stephens 68 C/B, Chris Cahill 68, Rex Lawn 69 C/B, Adam Grant 69 C/B, John Henshall 69 C/B, Peter

TUESDAY There were 229 players in the Tuesday Club Single Stableford on 7 January. Scratch rating (M) 70.0 Winners: A Grade: Peter Zipf 41,

Tide Times Thursday 9Th january To Wednesday 15Th january 2020 Time

height

Time

0.40 m 1.96 m 0.33 m 2.06 m

28 / 21 °C

Friday 10 jan 1:24 PM 6:54 PM

0.63 m 1.47 m

showers late. Morning clouds

2:08 PM 7:40 PM

0.54 m 1.49 m

saTurday 11 jan

2:51 PM 8:26 PM

0.47 m 1.51 m

3:36 PM 9:13 PM

0.42 m 1.51 m

4:21 PM 10:03 PM

0.40 m 1.51 m

Fri 10Th jan 12:55 aM 7:40 aM

Morning clouds

Height

Thurs 9Th jan 12:13 aM 6:59 aM

noosa WeaTher ForeCasT Thursday 9 jan

29 / 22 °C Mostly cloudy 30 / 22 °C

saT 11Th jan 1:38 aM 8:22 aM

0.27 m 2.13 m

sunday 12 jan Light showers. Mostly cloudy

sun 12Th jan 2:22 aM 9:05 aM

0.24 m 2.16 m

Mon 13Th jan 3:08 aM 9:50 aM

0.24 m 2.13 m Th

12438178-LB02-20

Tues 14 3:56 aM 10:36 aM

0.36 m 1.95 m

noosatoday.com.au

26 / 21 °C

5:08 PM 10:56 PM

0.40 m 1.50 m

5:59 PM 11:54 PM

0.42 m 1.48 m

rain showers. Partly cloudy 26 / 23 °C

Wednesday 15 jan Light showers. Breaks of sun late 26 / 22 °C

Mal Condon 36 C/B, Tom Healey 36 C/B, Lionel Mcelroy 36 C/B, Robert Beencke 36, John Tidy 35 C/B, Gary Tye 35 C/B, John Henry 35 C/B, Michael Morgan 35 C/B, David Cameron Mills 35 C/B, John Curtiss 35 C/B, Brian Cooper 35 C/B, Brian Holmes 35 C/B, Mervyn Neilson 35 C/B, Lyndon Bruggy 35 C/B Nearest to Pin: A Grade: Alex Officer, Peter Zipf, Chris Misios, Grant Baker B Grade: Anthony Jedynak, Peter Baynes, Peter Baynes, Gregory Strang C Grade: John Brough, Brian Tymms, John Stenson, Geoff Smith ●

NOOSA PAR 3 GOLF Results of January Monthly Mug, 4 January 2020.

A Grade Nett 1st : Dave Francis - 52 A Grade Nett 2nd : Kim Gunness - 53 B Grade Nett 1st : Keith Blackmore - 51 B Grade Nett 2nd : Gary Rogers - 53 A Grade Gross : Kim Gunness - 60 B Grade Gross : Keith Blackmore - 65

Tuesday 14 jan

Wed 15Th jan 4:48 aM 11:25 aM

Monday 13 jan showers late. Mostly sunny

jan

0.28 m 2.06 m

28 / 23 °C

John Hillis 40, John Mulquiney 39 C/B, Grant Baker 39. B Grade: Joseph Barbaro 38, Graeme Brown 37 C/B, Dennis Hildebrandt 37, Mark Ostwald 36 C/B. C Grade: John Brough 41, Michael Davenport 40, Frank Mcintyre 38, Roger Chaffey 37 C/B Placegetters: Alec Graham 38 C/B, Colin Kinnaird 38 C/B, Wayne Raison 38 C/B, Jason Toohey 38, Brett Hunter 37 C/B, Peter Buhk 37 C/B, Chris Misios 37 C/B, Michael Munt 37 C/B, David Hood 37 C/B, Brian Tymms 37, Peter Cossins 36 C/B, Dave Tebbutt 36 C/B, David Alsop 36 C/B, Alex Officer 36 C/B, Bradley Juillerat 36 C/B, Bruce Watt 36 C/B,

Greens Hit A Grade : Darren Simmonds - 6 B Grade : Rob Kirikino, Shaun Tierney - 6

NTP Hole 1 - Pam Walker, Hole 3 - Ella Angelides, Hole 5 - Dave Francis, Hole 16 - Fran Hansen, Hole 18 - Rob Kirikino.

Ball Run Down Tracey Skeppstrom - 54 Gwen Whitehead, Pam Walker, Maria Kirikino, Rob Kirikino, Bert Hofer, Neil Beasley, Ray Edgar, Richard Poutu - 55 Members Draw - Rayce Dunlop Draw for Par - Frank Hansen (Unsuccessful) ●

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

|

NOOSA TODAY 15

BETWEEN THE FLAGS

RON LANE

A TIME TO REMEMBER

The Mollymook Dinner Party for stranded lifesavers from Noosa, Wanda, Avalon, Yepoon and Marawei in NZ.

KIDS PLAY NOOSA FOR FREE SUNDAY AFTERNOONS.

Bring the kids to play NoosaÕs only Championship Golf Course set in a nature reserve. For all the details go to noosagolf.com.au or call 5447 1407. We are located at 46 Corooy Noosa Rd,Tewantin.

12428831-RC41-19

16 NOOSA TODAY

|

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

For the members of the Noosa Heads SLSC veteran boat crew, it was supposed to be a trip to remember, the George Bass Marathon Boat Race; the biggest and toughest surf boat race in the world.

For the veterans, who for the first time had competed in this event two years prior, it presented the utmost challenge-- to improve on their last performance. For the new members of the team, it was the challenge of being able to say that they not only competed, but also completed the rugged course.

However despite having the best preparation, a tough fitness program, correct diet and backed up by the best management team available, the one aspect that they did not expect was a violent and dangerous about face by mother nature; possibly the biggest and most dangerous outbreak of fires in the history of this great nation.

Regardless of previous experiences this was one problem for which there was no answer.

A spokesman for the team Steve (Frecko) Freckleton said: “This was, of course, totally unexpected. In some ways a big disappointment, but on the other hand it was a great reminder of what it means to be part of the Australian lifesaving movement.”

The start was planned for Sunday 29 December, 9am Batemans Bay and the finish, Saturday 4 January, at Snug Cove in Eden.

The first leg Batemans Bay to Moruya Beach (31km) was completed with just a little smoke; second day Moruya to Tuross Heads (19km) still no major problems.

However on the third day Tuross to Narooma Surf Beach was cancelled due to rough seas.

Then later in the morning the whole event was cancelled, owing to the fires and the impact it had on race (surf club) officials: many of whom were involved in local evacuation, RFS and SES duties.

The Noosa team then broke camp headed north and reached Mollymook (NSW,) only to be told that the road at Nowra was closed.

As a result of a phone hookup between Noosa official Steve Kelly and Mollymook President Rod Austin OAM, Kelly was informed that Moolymook surf club was an open house for any stranded surf club members.

This resulted in both male and female clubbies from Noosa, Wanda, Avalon, Yeppoon and Muriwai (a New Zealand club,) all accepting the offer. The club provided sleeping space and all facilities.

Once settled on New Year’s Eve a

A restored surfboat in Mollymook Surf Club.

Trans-Tasman game of beach cricket was organised and in the evening nibbles and drinks were provided.

However, for those stranded at Moolymook, the evening of New Year’s Day was the highlight. A big evening meal was prepared by Chris Beauford (of Noosa) and helpers, for some 40-plus people.

Seating requirements were that club mates did not sit together-you were asked to sit next to members from other clubs, thus creating inter club friendships.

As many Moolymook lifesavers were called away for fire support work, the stranded clubbies all pitched in and did the patrol work and any other duties as required; in some cases locals took clubbies into their homes.

For example, any suffering from asthma were offered accommodation in air condition homes. One such person was Noosas Steve Freckleton a sever asthmatic. “The helping hand and support was incredible; the local surf club families couldn’t do enough to help. This is a great example of what it really means to be a surf lifesaver.”

The present crises facing our people has produced many stories of Aussies helping Aussies, even dead set strangers and happy to say this is still alive and well in some regions of our surf club movement. It is to be hoped people learn and remember: many thanks to our mates and their families in Moolymook Surf Club.

We will remember them. ● noosatoday.com.au

LIFE OF BRINE

PHIL JARRATT

THE ANGRIEST SUMMER Last weekend Kelly Slater, the most famous surfer in the world, posted to his 2.6 million Instagram followers a horrific image (shown here) of one of the 480 million animals that have perished in the worst bushfires in Australian history, along with the words: “I’m not sure a picture could better sum up the fear and devastation more succinctly. I’m no expert but from the messages and reading I’ve done on the subject, mismanagement of forest underbrush back-burning in the winter months and overall water resources have helped create a perfect storm in the face of this drought.”

I don’t know the provenance of the heart-wrenching photo of a juvenile kangaroo trapped on a fence while trying to escape the fires, other than it was published last week in News Limited media, but I do know a little of Kelly, and that his intentions in spreading awareness of our horror would have been noble. (In fact he posted links to fundraising pages.)

Unfortunately, however, his scattergun midnight Google research, revealing that mismanagement of “back-burning” was the main culprit, put him squarely (if unwittingly) in the camp of the fossil fuel corporations and the climate change deniers.

Like the great man said, “I’m no expert…” But perhaps he may have been better informed if he’d included in his reading Australian Nerilie Abram’s report, Australia’s Angry Summer: This Is What Climate Change Looks Like, published on New Year’s Eve in the online edition of Scientific American.

Abram began: “Of course, unusually hot summers have happened in the past; so have bad bushfire seasons. But the link between the current extremes and anthropogenic climate change is scientifically undisputable.”

Spelling it out for her American readership she continued: “The fires raging across the southern half of the Australian continent this year have so far burned through more than five million hectares. To put that in context, the catastrophic 2018 fire season in California saw nearly 740,000 hectares burned.”

While this should not be a time for political point-scoring, I thought Abram’s conclusion was the most succinct summary of this horrific situation that I have read thus far: “The angry summer playing out in Australia right now was predictable.

The scientific evidence is well known for how anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are causing long-term climate change and altering climate noosatoday.com.au

The image from Slater’s Instagram post: “summing up fear and devastation”. variability in ways that increase our fire risk. The role of climate change in the unprecedented fires gripping Australia is also well understood by our emergency services. Sadly, though, this summer has occurred against a backdrop in which the Australian government has argued, on the world stage, to scale back our greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction targets. Our leaders are literally fiddling while the country burns.”

Meanwhile, as Australia’s East Coast burned last weekend, Kelly’s Insta post played out to middling reviews. Be Noble responded: “Please don’t spread this misinformation. There’s only one reason this is the worst fire season ever - warming, drying climate.”

Lewis Bassett was even more brutal: “Didn’t you read about climate change bro, or d’you feel too guilty about constantly flying around the world to go there?” Ouch.

But the one comment that brought tears to my eyes was from Mark Rabbidge, a surfer/shaper who has toiled valiantly and with great integrity in the trenches of the surfboard industry for as long as I

can remember. Mark brought it all down to what is real at ground zero with these words from the front, clearly pumped into his phone with angry, ash-covered fingers: “I’ve been stuck at my surfboard shop at Bendalong for six days fighting this fire it’s come at us from all points of the compass yesterday was real bad felt like the end of the world we saved everything I’m over it”.

Like all of former world champion Pam Burridge’s friends and followers, I’d been biting my nails as Pam posted updates daily over the New Year period on her frantic efforts to first get supplies to husband Mark at Bendalong, then just to contact him to know he was alive, as fires raged around the Conjola area, claiming nearly 100 homes. Thankfully it was a happy ending for the Rabbidge/ Burridge family. For so many others it was not.

For me, safe in Noosa (although this long bushfire season that hasn’t always been the case) and watching the red flame icons on the TV maps, concerned about friends and family still in that part of the world, every image of an Armageddon sky brought

A frightening New Year’s Eve on the beach at Malua Bay. back vivid memories of so many happy times in places now on fire. So many weekends surfing Green Island, just down the hill from where Mark Rabs and friends were holding back the flames; surfing alone at sunset near Mallacoota, not far from where 4000 frightened people huddled on the beach waiting for rescue.

It’s almost impossible to reconcile those memories with the images on the TV news, but we must, because sadly we are going to see a lot more of them.

Sorry to be so morose, especially if you’re still enjoying a well-earned holiday. Next week I’ll lighten up with a special 20-20 vision edition of Old Phil’s Almanac. ●

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

|

NOOSA TODAY 17

DIGITAL Subscribe to the

Noosa Today Digital Edition

FREE NOO SATO OUR TOW N,DAY.C U YOUOM.A R PAPE

R Picture: Andrew Maccoll

NOOSATOD OUR TOWN, AY.COM.AU YOUR PAPER Picture: Andrew Maccoll

INDEP ENDE THURS FAMIL DAY,NTLY Y OWNE 5 SEPTEM BER, 2019 D PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.

COM/NOOSATODAY | ISSUE 378

VOTED COUNTRY QUEEN SLAND'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWS PAPER 2017 & 2018

NOOSATODAY.COM.A OUR TOWN, YOUR PAPER U Picture: Andrew Maccoll

INDEPENDENTLY THURSDAY, FAMILY

5 SEPTEMBER, OWNED 2019

PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.COM/NOOSATODAY

INDEPENDE THURSDAY,NTLY FAMILY

5 SEPTEMBER, OWNED 2019

PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.COM/NOOSA TODAY | ISSUE 378

VOTED COUNTRY QUEENSLAND 'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2017 & 2018

NEWS

| ISSUE 378

VOTED COUNTRY QUEENSLAND'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2017 & 2018

NEWS

WEEPING TREE WOES

NEWS

WEEPING TREE WOES

WEEPING TREE WOES

PAGE 3

LIFE OF BRINE

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR

PAGE 3

PAGE 3

LIFE OF BRINE

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR PAGE 16

PAGE 16

LIFE OF BRINE

COVER STORY

POWER OF AN

COVER STORY

POWER OF AN

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR

IMAGE PAGES 4-5

Mini Chef Sessions Join us for mini chef sessions at Noosa Civic these upcoming school holidays.

You’ll also get your own mini chef hat and apron to take home as our gift to you!

Dates: Monday 23rd September to Friday 4th October daily Times: 9am and 11am Cost: $5 donation to Slow Food Noosa Location: Outside Red Rooster Bookings essential.

Visit noosacivic.com.au for details.

IMAGE

PAGE 16

Big W Woolworths 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Ph 5440 7900

PAGES 4-5

Mini Chef Sessions

12426847-LB37-19

12427908-RC39-19

Join us for mini chef sessions at Noosa Civic these upcoming school holidays.

You’ll also get your own mini chef hat and apron to take home as our gift to you!

Dates: Monday 23rd September to Friday 4th October daily Times: 9am and 11am Cost: $5 donation to Slow Food Noosa Location: Outside Red Rooster Bookings essential.

Visit noosacivic.com.a u for details.

Big W Woolworths 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noo

VISIT

noosatoday.com.au

/subscribe

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE FREE noosatoday.com.au/subscribe 18 NOOSA TODAY

|

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

noosatoday.com.au