Noosa Today - 02nd April 2020

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INDEPENDENTLY FAMILY OWNED THURSDAY, 2 APRIL, 2020 PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.COM/NOOSATODAY | ISSUE 406

VOTED COUNTRY QUEENSLAND'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2017 & 2018

NEWS

ELECTION LATEST PAGE 3, 6, 8

A TRIBUTE...

LIFE OF BRINE PAGE 17

COVER STORY

TOURISM ON HOLD

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PAGES 4-5

MORE TO LOVE The editor’s desk The COVID-19 situation continues to develop on a daily basis and this week the full nature of the impact of movement restrictions is being sheeted home to the tourism sector, although those operators were already assessing and very much aware of the wider impact.

Also this week the PM announced wage subsidy measures for Australian workers which while welcome are still unclear on some of the key details, particularly with regard to how the Jobkeeper subsidy will be applied to casual employees.

The devil will be in the detail but it is at least encouraging to see there are meaningful steps being taken to keep the economic wheels turning during these uncertain times. It’s vital to focus on COVID-19 recovery, however far away that may seem.

Jeremy Sollars

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PM Scott Morrison outlines wage subsidy assistance for employers, workers - details pages 10-11. ●

CARE AT HAND State Government 'mobilises care army' for seniors - details page 9.

GENEROUS DONATION Southern Cross Care contributes to 'Coronavirus Action Fund' research program - page 13.

WATER RULES Transport minister clarifies the situation on recreational boating during COVID-19 - page 15.

IN TRIBUTE ...

Farewell to a 'style master' - Life Of Brine with Phill Jarratt, page 17.

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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THIS WEEK WE’RE TALKING ABOUT…

Tony Wellington.

Clare Stewart.

MAYORAL RACE STILL CLOSE...

BY ROSE ASTLEY It is likely that the region's mayor won't be announced until early next week, with the Electoral Commission Queensland still to go through thousands of postal votes, as well as telephone results.

Both mayoral candidates are in with a fighting chance - but with only 59.55% of votes counted as of Wednesday, there is a long way to go.

Challenger Clare Stewart had as at Wednesday a current total of 11,918 votes (50.65%), with incumbent Tony Wellington not far behind with 11,612 (49.35%).

The lag in the Electoral Commission of Queensland's tally room - with website updates having hardly moved since Monday, 30 March - is leaving candidates anxious.

There are 40,274 voters enrolled for the Noosa Shire, but the number of electors who may not have voted last Saturday due to noosatoday.com.au

coronavirus fears is unclear."Some three thousand postal votes and an unknown number of telephone votes have yet to be counted, we should know the final results mid next week," Cr Wellington said.

"Meanwhile, I am keeping busy with my regular mayoral duties, and in particular as Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group.

"The LDMG has an important role to play in coordinating information-sharing and actions between different agencies, particularly local police and two levels of government.

"In between these duties, I am making sure that I get plenty of exercise, either by way of early morning surfing or else by walking in the national park near my home.

"Immersion in nature is a wonderful way to stay grounded."

Clare Stewart says she's relieved the campaign is over, and regardless of the outcome in this year's election says she'd do it all over again.

"It's all fairly unsure right at the moment, but I'm hoping for the best," Clare told Noosa Today.

"We just don't know what will happen and may not for a while yet.

"I'm relieved the campaign is over and confident I worked as hard as I could.

"Either way really, I'm seeing it as a win-win.

"The whole campaign has been a great experience where I've had an opportunity to meet so many amazing people, to better understand this community, and I have received incredible support.

"At the moment I'm homeschooling three children under the age of eight and that brings a whole new dimension.

"I'm exercising every morning at home, talking to the team, keeping an eye on the results and saying a prayer.

"My mother-in-law passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday.

"So that puts a different

perspective on things.

"Her name was also (Claire) Stewart and at one stage she was Mayor of New Plymouth in New Zealand.

"With social restrictions surrounding COVID-19 her funeral this week will be a very small affair."

Clare Stewart said the global pandemic has more than likely played a part in the election results.

"It's safe to say COVID-19 has probably played a role in this election, but ultimately the results we're seeing so far do indicate a community divided," she said.

"If you said to me five months ago, 'You will do all this and might still lose, I'd still go ahead and do it.

"It's been an invaluable experience." · Check out councillor count updates on pages 6 and 8. · For current updates on the count, keep an eye on Noosa Today's Facebook page and online at www. noosatoday.com.au ●

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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NOOSA TODAY 3

COVER STORY

Our stunning region will welcome visitors back with open arms when this crisis is over.

CALL TO HEED DIRECTIVES...

A

s the region's business community - in particular the Noosa tourism sector comes to terms with the economic impact of COVID-19, local State MP Sandy Bolton and Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson have called for unity and calm as we navigate our way through the crisis.

This week Sandy Bolton issued the following message to both the accommodation and real estate sectors in the Noosa region ...

"Recent Government directives have been issued in regards to people staying home during the COVID-19 crisis," Sandy said.

"These include a Direction from the Queensland Chief Health Officer from Sunday March 29 until the end of the declared public health emergency, which provides a Home 4 NOOSA TODAY

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Confinement Direction with the purpose to prohibit 'Persons from leaving their residence except for permitted purposes; and groups of more than two persons who are not members of the same household from gathering in any place except for permitted purposes.'

Sandy Bolton said the direction "outlines that everyone should stay home", unless you are · Shopping for essentials - food and necessary supplies · Medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements · Exercise with no more than one other person (unless from your household) · Providing care or assistance to an immediate family member · Work and study if you can't work or learn remotely.

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

"The Queensland Government have advised that Queensland tourism businesses in operation must do so within the strict guidelines of what is deemed as essential," she said.

"The interpretation for our accommodation and real estate industry is that this means that you cannot take on holiday visitors or people that just need a beach break.

"The only exemptions to this include · Extreme cases - front line nurses and doctors that are quarantining from family due to their work · Displaced from closed caravan parks or backpacker hostels and would need to be on a longer term basis · Extreme cases such as a family that has sold house and needs accommodation - would need evidence of any extreme

circumstances and use your judgement "Queensland Police have been given authority to issue on the spot fines of $1334.50 for individuals and $6,672.50 for corporations which fail to abide by the health directions."

Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson said "we collectively recognise the importance tourism provides to Noosa's economy and need the support of our industry in these unprecedented times".

"But now is the time to work together and comply with Government regulations and laws," Melanie said.

In his capacity as incumbent Noosa Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Tony Wellington acknowledged that "this is a difficult period for the accommodation and real estate sector". noosatoday.com.au

Like other employers tourism businesses in the region and trying theort best to navigate through the COVID-19 impact.

Major events will return to the region - for now restrictions hit all sectors of the economy.

Noosa State MP Sandy Bolton.

Melanie Anderson.

"There's no doubt that all of our tourism-related businesses are doing it very, very hard at the moment," he said.

"But combating this pandemic requires community-wide support, from businesses as well as individuals.

"The state borders are closed and everyone has been asked to stay home and not to travel.

"It is vitally important that we all follow the requirements imposed by the Federal and State Governments.

"As a community, we all have a part to play and we need to support each other through this challenging time.

Tony Wellington said he was aware of "some issues arising with backpackers congregating on beaches" but said he reassured the community that "this is being tackled by a special committee of tourism officials working with Queensland police".

Sandy Bolton while she knows "this is hard, including the new restrictions which prevent you from noosatoday.com.au

sunbaking or enjoying that coffee with a friend on the river, however, collectively we need to follow the above directives so that we can get on top of COVID 19 as quickly as possible, so that we can get back to our lives and businesses".

"It is extreme, however, to avoid a total lock down, we need to do this".

"Stay inside and stay well - we need to do this together as a community."

VIRUS TRACKING ...

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this week said in an "Australian first" her government will establish "a dedicated team to boost tracking in the government's fight against coronavirus".

The Premier said the enforcement team would form an important part of the Queensland Health's efforts to tackle the pandemic.

"My government is throwing everything we have got at Covid-19," the Premier said on Tuesday of this week.

"Law enforcement officials will now be able to assist the Public

Health Units with contact tracing people who have come into contact with a known coronavirus case.

"They will also lead the enforcement of people who have been ordered to quarantine, making sure they stay inside their homes, to protect others and slow the spread of coronavirus.

"The enforcement team will also assist with ensuring the selfisolation of people diagnosed with coronavirus.

"The vast majority are doing the right thing and following the rules, but we need to ensure there's 100 per cent compliance."

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D'Ath said the new unit would form an important part of Queensland Health's coronavirus contact tracing and monitoring efforts.

"This new enforcement unit has one purpose, and that's to protect public health - it will have strong powers and won't hesitate to use them," Ms D'Ath said.

Health Minister Steven Miles said

Queensland's Public Health Units, under the leadership of the Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young "have done an outstanding job in contact tracing and keeping in touch with those who have been diagnosed with coronavirus but are being treated at home".

"We have quadrupled the number of staff members working for our Public Health Units already and this announcement will significantly increase resources," he said.

"Self-isolation and quarantine means you can't go out for a walk, you can't pop down to the shops or get a takeaway coffee from your local cafe.

"While most people are following the rules, there are some people putting the public at risk.

"This new enforcement team will help ensure all Queenslanders are doing the right thing.

"We all need to work together to tackle this virus." â—?

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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NOOSA TODAY 5

NEWS

COUNCILLOR COUNT...

BY ROSE ASTLEY At the time of publication, these results are the most recent to date. With only 26.07% of overall votes counted, there is still a long way to go before we find out who our latest Noosa councillors are.

Some candidates have confirmed they have dropped out of the race due to their low scoring this far, including Nathanael Ford who has accumulated only 2.13% of votes.The Electoral Commission Queensland has counted 94695 councillor votes, just slightly over a quarter of overall votes for the Shire - keep an eye on Noosa Today for more updates on Facebook and online at www.noosatoday.com.au ● Continued to Page 8

Karen Finzel 5624 votes (6.05%)

Brian Stockwell 4596 (7.38%)

Janet Kake 2899 votes (4.66%)

Julien Cahn votes 1535 (2.47%)

Patrick Lloyd 4074 votes (4.39%)

Yanni Van Zijl 5551 votes (5.98%)

Phillip Moran 5706 votes (6.14%)

Greg Smith 2518 votes (4.04%)

Frank Wilkie 4566 (7.33%)

Alan Lander 2615 votes (2.81%)

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noosatoday.com.au

Important COVID-19 Update from your local paper

How Locals Can Help Locals!

Dear Readers, These are challenging times for our local community, as they are for all local communities around the world. Many of us are anxious, and unsure about many things, but one thing we know for certain is that we need to work together as a community to overcome the challenges this global pandemic has created.

ISOLATE AND AVOID INFECTION The Coronavirus is first and foremost a health crisis, and keeping our community safe and healthy is the number one priority. Please follow the government protocols and do all you can to avoid infection.

STAY INFORMED For 110 years, Star News Group, an independent family company, owner of this masthead has been the trusted source of local news, and we take our responsibility to inform the local community very seriously. For the latest government advice regarding COVID-19, see www.health.gov.au, and please beware that ‘news’ on social media is not regulated and many false and dangerous theories are being shared online.

PLEASE BUY LOCAL This health crisis has caused an economic crisis, and we need to do all we can as a community to save local jobs, and livelihoods in the long term. The best thing we can do (in addition to staying well) is buying from local businesses whenever possible. Buying locally has an amazingly positive multiplier effect on the local community because your money keeps being reinvested by other local businesses and employees. This is critical to keeping locals in jobs.

A NOTE TO OUR ADVERTISERS We understand these are very tough times for business – as we are also feeling the impact.

We are ready to assist you to change your advertising copy to keep the local community updated about any changes to your business operations, safety protocols, new service delivery models, messages of thanks/ support or other important news. We are also in the process of developing programs for our loyal advertisers to assist through these tough times, and we look forward to working together to see this through. Our readership is up, as people seek trusted news in a crisis.

THANKS TO OUR READERS We can’t thank you enough for your loyal support over that past 110 years, and we look forward to keeping you informed in the decades to come. Our journalists are doing an outstanding job, in very tough conditions, and by picking up the paper or subscribing online you are helping to ensure they keep us updated and informed. Thank you.

Finally, they say character is revealed in a crisis, and our local community is once again rallying and showing great strength and resilience.

Regards, Paul Thomas Managing Director

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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NOOSA TODAY 7

NEWS

Joe Jurisevic 3668 votes (5.89%)

Tom Wegener 5824 votes (6.27%)

Snezana Redwood 2335 votes (2.51%)

Jess Glasgow 2650 votes (4.26%)

Amelia Lorentson 3965 votes (6.37%)

Nathanael Ford 1976 votes (2.13%)

Meghan Halverson 4614 votes (4.97%)

Karen Cook-Langdon 3568 votes (5.73%)

Andrew Squires 3844 votes (4.14%)

David Fletcher 4363 votes (4.70%)

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NEWS

'CARE ARMY' MOBILISED A Care Army of professionals and volunteers will rally around Queensland's seniors, while a new telephone hotline is also being launched, to help ensure the wellbeing of older people during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases with age and the Queensland Government was mobilising the Care Army to protect up to one million seniors.

"Queensland's community spirit always shines through in times of crisis, as it did when the Mud Army went into action after the 2011 floods," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The Care Army may operate differently because of health and safety restrictions, but the spirit and effect remain the same.

"Many seniors will of course be supported by family, but others will need volunteers and community service organisations to help them stay home and stay safe and with things such as food or medicine drops. Even something as simple as a daily telephone call can make a huge difference.

"Older people, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease or a weakened immune system are most at risk of serious infection."

The government is today expanding the Community Recovery Hotline - a free call on 1800 173 349 - to link seniors and other vulnerable Queenslanders to essential services and support.

Queenslanders wanting to volunteer should also contact 1800 173 349.

A new COVID-19 Seniors Panel, led by Minister Kate Jones reporting directly to the Premier, will coordinate the Care Army and launch a community awareness campaign about how to help our seniors with Communities Minister Coralee O'Rourke assisting in the regions.

Ms Jones said she had already started working with Queensland Health, community organisations, supermarkets and pharmacies and would also work closely with Minister O'Rourke.

"When the Premier asked me to do this job I jumped at the chance because it's so critical," Ms Jones said.

"We will scale up care and support services for Queenslanders over 65 years of age with underlying health issues, all Queenslanders aged over 70 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50 with one or more chronic diseases. noosatoday.com.au

"The best place for seniors to be right now is in their own home.

Seniors should not be out and about doing errands that someone else can do for them.

"It is now up to every single Queenslander to show we care.

"Whether it's your mother, your grandfather, your next-door neighbour or a friend - we all know a senior in our community who will need us so they can stay safe from infection.

"If you don't have family or friends in this age group who you can help, we still need you to step up and help those people who will be looking for it and you can do that by contacting our 1800 number.

"We'll give clear advice to family members and friends about how to safely support seniors."

Ms Jones said Queensland Health had strongly advised Queenslanders to limit their interaction with people who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 - including seniors.

"We are urging Queenslanders to immediately work out a plan with their families and loved ones to ensure seniors have access to essentials without leaving their homes," she said "Being isolated from loved ones can be stressful for all of us.

"Switching to a chat over the phone, video call or email rather than visits face to face are recommended to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

"Grandchildren should not be visiting grandparents who are in the at-risk aged group.

"Instead of driving your grandparent to the shops, get their list and do the grocery shop for them."

Minister Coralee O'Rourke said there were a number of practical steps people could take to keep

seniors safe during the Coronavirus pandemic.

"It's not just about food and medicine. We need to keep people engaged during this tough time," she said.

"Pick up the phone and talk to your parents or grandparents. Ask how they're doing and if they need help.

"Queenslanders have gone through their fair share of floods, fires and cyclones because we've taken care of each other. We need to do the same during the coronavirus pandemic."

COVID-19 Seniors Panel · Minister Kate Jones (Chair) · Minister Coralee O'Rourke · Council of the Ageing Australia (Queensland) Chief Executive Mark Tucker-Evans · QCOSS Chief Executive Aimee McVeigh · Red Cross Queensland Chief Executive Garry Page · Community Services Industry Association Chief Executive Belinda Drew · Professor Peter Coaldrake AO · Department of Innovation and Tourism Industry Development Director General Damien Walker · Department of Communities Director General Clare O'Connor · Department of Communities Deputy Director General Barb Phillips · Smart Services Queensland Deputy Director General Andrew Spina ●

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NEWS

FEDERAL, STATE COVID HELP PM STATEMENT ON THE 'JOBKEEPER' PAYMENT THIS WEEK ...

Queensland Deputy Premier & Treasurer Jackie Trad.

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

The Morrison Government will provide a historic wage subsidy to around 6 million workers who will receive a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through their employer, before tax.

The $130 billion JobKeeper payment will help keep Australians in jobs as tackle the significant economic impact from the coronavirus.

The payment will be open to eligible businesses that receive a significant financial hit caused by the coronavirus.

The payment will provide the equivalent of around 70 per cent of the national median wage.

For workers in the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors it will equate to a full median replacement wage.

The payment will ensure eligible employers and employees stay connected while some businesses move into hibernation.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the JobKeeper payment would bring the Government's total economic support for the economy to $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP. "We will give millions of eligible businesses and their workers a lifeline to not only get through this crisis, but bounce back together on the other side," the Prime Minister said.

"This is about keeping the connection between the employer and the employee and keeping people in their jobs even though the business they work for may go into hibernation and close down for six months.

"When the economy comes back, these businesses will be able to start again and their workforce will be ready to go because they will remain attached to the business through our JobKeeper payment."

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the country was about to go through one of the toughest times in its history.

"Businesses will close and people will lose their jobs. That is why we have doubled the welfare safety net," the Treasurer said.

"However, today we are going even further. Australians know that their government has their back.

"That is why we are delivering an historic $130 billion JobKeeper

payment to support businesses and to help Australians in a job.

"This will keep Australian workers connected with their employer and provide hope and more certainty during these difficult and challenging times."

JOBKEEPER PAYMENT The JobKeeper Payment is a subsidy to businesses, which will keep more Australians in jobs through the course of the coronavirus outbreak.

The payment will be paid to employers, for up to six months, for each eligible employee that was on their books on 1 March 2020 and is retained or continues to be engaged by that employer.

Where a business has stood down employees since 1 March, the payment will help them maintain connection with their employees.

Employers will receive a payment of $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee. Every eligible employee must receive at least $1,500 per fortnight from this business, before tax.

The program will commence today, 30 March 2020, with the first payments to be received by eligible businesses in the first week of May as monthly arrears from the Australian Taxation Office. Eligible businesses can begin distributing the JobKeeper payment immediately and will be reimbursed from the first week of May. The Government will provide updates on further business cashflow support in coming days.

Eligible employers will be those with annual turnover of less than $1 billion who self-assess that have a reduction in revenue of 30 per cent or more, since 1 March 2020 over a minimum one-month period.

Employers with an annual turnover of $1 billion or more would be required to demonstrate a reduction in revenue of 50 per cent or more to be eligible. Businesses subject to the Major Bank Levy will not be eligible.

Eligible employers include businesses structured through companies, partnerships, trusts and sole traders. Not for profit entities, including charities, will also be eligible.

Full time and part time employees, including stood down employees, would be eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment.

Where a casual employee has been with their employer for at least the previous 12 months they will also be eligible for the Payment. noosatoday.com.au

An employee will only be eligible to receive this payment from one employer.

Eligible employees include Australian residents, New Zealand citizens in Australia who hold a subclass 444 special category visa, and migrants who are eligible for JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance (Other).

Self-employed individuals are also eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment.

Eligible businesses can apply for the payment online and are able to register their interest via ato.gov.au

INCOME SUPPORT PARTNER PAY INCOME TEST

PAYROLL TAX REFUND DELIVERS $50M The Palaszczuk Government's payroll tax refund initiative for businesses hit by COVID-19 has already seen more than $50 million land in the bank accounts of more than 2300 Queensland businesses right across the state.

The initiative was announced on Tuesday as part of a $4 billion in measures to support Queenslanders' health, their jobs and businesses.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the initial response was a strong start and encouraged other affected businesses to put their hands up to get their payroll tax back.

"We know that keeping as many companies operating and as many workers being paid as possible is noosatoday.com.au

Scott Morrison. the best way to nurse our economy through this downturn," Ms Trad said.

"We designed the refund this way because it's the quickest way to get back into the hands of small business owners."

"The feedback we're getting from businesses is that the process is straightforward, and just as importantly, it's delivering for them.

"What we want to see now are more businesses getting online and getting money back - because we know that they need support now, not in a week or a month."

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said she was pleased to see so many businesses were able to benefit from the payroll tax refund during the COVID-19 crisis.

"We want to continue to support our businesses to stay open and bounce back once the economy recovers," Ms Fentiman said.

"Our payroll tax refund is all about keeping Queenslanders in jobs and assisting our local business owners during this crisis."

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland's General Manager of Advocacy and Policy Amanda Rohan said this immediate access to finance relief is what businesses need to try and keep their doors open.

"We know businesses are currently overwhelmed as they deal with these unfolding and challenging conditions and financial strain is causing a lot of stress," Ms Rohan said.

"We encourage businesses to submitting their applications to have their payroll tax refunded as soon as possible, to help will alleviate some of that strain and enable them to plan their next moves."

In addition to the refunds, QRIDA had received more than 12,000 expressions of interest for the

Palaszczuk Government's interest free loans for COVID-19 impacted businesses announced last week.

A full list of support for Queensland businesses can be found at business.qld.gov.au â—?

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Over the next six months the Government is temporarily expanding access to income support payments and establishing a Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight.

JobSeeker Payment is subject to a partner income test, and today the Government is temporarily relaxing the partner income test to ensure that an eligible person can receive the JobSeeker Payment, and associated Coronavirus Supplement, providing their partner earns less than $3,068 per fortnight, around $79,762 per annum.

The personal income test for individuals on JobSeeker Payment will still apply.

Every arm of government and industry is working to keep Australians in jobs and businesses in business, and to build a bridge to recovery on the other side.

The Government will continue to do what it takes to ensure that Australia bounces back stronger.

FOR ENQUIRIES ON ASSISTANCE TO ACCESS THE NEW MEASURES CONTACT THE OFFICE OF LLEW O'BRIEN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WIDE BAY, ON 4121 2936 or visit the ATO WEBSITE at www.ato.gov.au

Editorial newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au 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.

For our terms and conditions please visit noosatoday.com.au/terms-and-conditions/

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

|

NOOSA TODAY 11

NEWS

MORE IN EFFORT TO SLOW VIRUS The National Cabinet moved this week to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods.

Here's an abridged version of the PM's statement...

"We will be living with this virus for at least six months, so social distancing measures to slow the spread of this virus must be sustainable for at least that long to protect Australian lives.

We need to ensure Australia keeps functioning, to keep Australians in jobs.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy provided an update on the measures underway on the latest data and medical advice in relation to coronavirus.

There are more than 4,200 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 18 people have died.

Of the newly reported cases in the last week, the majority have been from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

National Cabinet noted that the vast majority of cases in Australia

are imported from overseas or are locally acquired contacts of a confirmed case.

Testing keeps Australians safe.

Australia has one of the most rigorous coronavirus testing systems in the world with more than 238,000 tests completed.

National Cabinet noted the successful implementation of enhanced border measures including the 14-day mandatory quarantine period for international travellers.

The Chief Medical Officer advice is that following the scaled up social distancing measures over the last week, Australia has now achieved significant behavioural change and that the message to "stay at home unless doing limited essential activities" is being heeded.

It is clear the epidemiology curve is beginning to flatten. But it is too early to determine whether such movements will be significant or sustained.

Stronger adherence to social distancing and new quarantine arrangements for returned travellers will take a number of days to show maximum effect.

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

The biggest single concern remains the evidence of cases where there are no known local links.

The Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Commonwealth Treasury also provided an overview of the economic outlook and the medium and longer term financial risks.

National Cabinet strongly endorsed the Commonwealth's JobKeeper package and urged its support through the Commonwealth Parliament to provide much needed financial support to the Australian economy. They noted that the medium and long-term financial risks were manageable.

National Cabinet agreed to meet again on Friday 3 April 2020.

National Baseline Restrictions Following agreement of a national baseline for social distancing and business restrictions, National Cabinet agreed to adopt the advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) that: •Supports the long-term nationwide maintenance and enforcement of the restrictions currently in place; •Local circumstances may prompt states and territories to introduce additional measures for a period to further control community transmission; and •Local decisions should be on the advice of the local Chief Health Officer informed by the local epidemiology at the time.

The factors influencing such a recommendation include consideration of: •the overall number of new cases, and particularly the rate of change •the proportion of locally acquired cases without known links to other cases •multiple outbreaks in vulnerable populations, including remote Indigenous communities and residential aged care facilities •capacity of laboratory testing and the health system to respond to current and predicted load.

Clarifications - Vulnerable people in the workplace National Cabinet endorsed the AHPPC advice on vulnerable people in the workplace, specifically that the following people are, or are likely to be, at higher risk of serious illness if they are infected with the virus: •Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions •People 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions.

Conditions included in the definition of 'chronic medical

conditions' will be refined as more evidence emerges.

•People 70 years and older •People with compromised immune systems (see Department of Health website).

National Cabinet noted that the new AHPPC advice on the higher risk categories for people 65 years and older with chronic conditions had changed based on more up to date medical advice.

In addition, National Cabinet endorsed the AHPPC advice that: •Where vulnerable workers undertake essential work, a risk assessment must be undertaken.

Risk needs to be assessed and mitigated with consideration of the characteristics of the worker, the workplace and the work. This includes ensuring vulnerable people are redeployed to non-customer based roles where possible. Where risk cannot be appropriately mitigated, employers and employees should consider alternate arrangements to accommodate a workplace absence.

•Special provisions apply to essential workers who are at higher risk of serious illness and, where the risk cannot be sufficiently mitigated, should not work in high risk settings.

•Excluding healthcare settings where appropriate PPE and precautions are adhered to, the AHPPC considers that, given the transmission characteristics of the virus, the following settings are at higher risk of outbreaks of coronavirus - correctional and detention facilities and group residential settings.

The AHPPC advice is that there is limited evidence at this time regarding the risk in pregnant women.

Truck Stops National Cabinet agreed that truck stops can remain open with social distancing and hygiene measures in place, to the satisfaction of local state and territory health authorities.

Early Childhood and Childcare Previous advice on schools has not changed. National Cabinet agreed to consider arrangements for early childhood and childcare facilities at their next meeting on Friday 3rd April 2020.

Commercial and residential tenancies National Cabinet agreed to consider advice from Treasurers on commercial and residential tenancies at their next meeting on Friday 3 April 2020". ● noosatoday.com.au

NEWS

GENEROUS RESEARCH AID The Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ), Jason Eldering, is pleased to announce that SCCQ will donate $10,000 to the Coronavirus Action Fund.

The Coronavirus Action Fund was established by the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) Foundation to raise funds for vital medical research and clinical trials, hospital trials and hospital staff support. University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Director and Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician at the RBWH Professor David Paterson

said Queensland researchers are set to begin clinical trials of a potential treatment for COVID-19.

Professor Paterson has praised the RBWH Foundation and the launch of its Coronavirus Action Fund for its efforts in helping to raise funds to begin the clinical trials. CEO Jason Eldering said that the donation demonstrates the commitment of SCCQ to working in partnership with the community, particularly when facing challenging circumstances.

"When we unite to achieve a common goal, we can achieve the extraordinary, particularly when we need to find ways to protect our

community," said Jason.

"Supporting researchers to find a treatment is just one way we can demonstrate that the health and wellbeing of our residents, staff and volunteers is our absolute priority."

SCCQ would also like to thank the residents, staff, families and the public for their support as restrictive measures have been rolled out across our communities.

"To our wonderful families who have been very supportive and understanding, I'd like to say thank you," said Jason.

"To our amazing staff, who do such a great job looking after our residents every day, I'd like the say thank you.

"To the broader community who have been so encouraging and generous toward us, I'd like to say thank you.

"I understand that this is a challenging and worrying time for residents and their families, and I'd like to reassure you that we're doing everything we can to protect, love and care for our residents."

If you'd like to donate to the Coronavirus Action Fund, you can do so here: https:// www.rbwhfoundation.com.au/ coronavirus-action-fund/ and Jason is encouraging anyone who is able to donate now. ●

NOOSA LANDCARE GROWING WITH THE CHANGES Noosa Landcare are doing their utmost best to keep their staff (all 50 of them) safe and in a job moving forward.

As with most businesses in this unprecedented time, they have had to make sweeping changes across our not-for-profit entity to keep their staff and the community safe to #slowthespread.

From closing their retail outlet, to postponing all of their popular workshops, things have changed and probably will continue to be modified over the coming months.

As one of the largest employers in the hinterland, they pump a lot into the economy each year - at the hardware, mechanics, petrol station, shops, cafes etc. They have always supported local businesses first in their supply chain and now it is more important than ever to keep doing so.

Their nurseries are still growing plants and with the closure of the retail outlet, they are now offering both pickup and delivery service (socially distanced!) for plant orders over $20. A delivery fee applies based on the distance from Pomona.

So while we are all spending time at home a little bit more than we all expected to right now - get out into the yard aided by the good soil moisture happening right now and spruce that garden up, revegetate that slope or creek bank down the back.

Help us keep their staff and the hinterland economy ticking over.

Plant orders can be placed by phoning (07) 5485 2155 or 0419 377 423, or email to nursery@ noosalandcare.org. 7am to 3.30pm Visit our online species list to check out what we have in stock. ●

Noosa Landcare have adapted a way to keep their staff working, and customers planting.

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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NOOSA TODAY 13

LETTERS “HUMANS ARE SOCIAL BEINGS” Nothing beats live, candid conversation with everyone from our coworkers in the staffroom to cute strangers on the bus.

Sadly, lighthearted exchanges with the barista who prepares our usual as soon as we walk in the door are now remembered with an air of nostalgia.

Sure, we can text or Facebook message each other to keep up to date, but there is no substitute for the face-to-face everyday interaction.

A mobile phone or computer screen cannot recreate the warmth of laughter, eye contact and body language that accompany live interaction. We simply don't notice the way in which a person's eyes glint and change colour with their mood through a screen, nor can we attain the comfort of a friendly hug. Without human touch, life is pretty empty.

Being ordered to isolate makes us crave company even more.

And yet, we began the process of social distancing years ago. This occurred around the same time we started carrying smartphones. We found ourselves having fewer in-person conversations; we visited each other less; we had fewer parties, dinner parties; and one-on-one social interactions. It seemed easier to just not deal with each other.

Send your letters by email to newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au

Perhaps one positive that will come out of COVID-19 is that once the opportunity arises we will disconnect from our phones and truly reconnect with each other, and social distancing will be replaced by social solidarity.

Brigid Muir Noosa

TOURISM ON MARS...

Prime Minister Morrison has called for enterprise to adapt their business models to meet the challenges of the times. Many are already doing so in the food service sector. Landlords and tenants are being urged to work together towards mutual survival.

Tourism Noosa's eventual repromotion of this place will depend on the adaptability of surviving infrastructure and skilled workers to restart services. But hidden behind raw immediate survival is another opportunity for a united tourism sector following the defeat of COVID19.

Shouldn't we also use the opportunity to leapfrog ahead to a new frontier created because we can make it so.

Never waste the opportunity offered by a good crisis." these words can be traced back to Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527). Used by others, famously Churchill, they seem prescient in the tourism industry's current terrible predicament.

Machiavelli understood that crises shake people out of their complacency, create opportunities to challenge conventional wisdom and give leaders some room to take on vested interests and achieve transformative change. (extract Alex's blog) So, I challenge tourism leaders to seriously regard the current virus crisis as presenting a new landscape where innovative and substantial practice-change towards restoration of enterprise and jobs is more likely to be accepted and in accommodating it give rise to a potentially restructured industry.

Approach the challenge as if it were analogous to starting Tourism on Mars. Looks hopeless, but ... what are the possibilities?

In planning a fix, a work-around, a solution or replacement to what is currently broken, step outside of the box and explore new possibilities first. Seek those silly ideas to find new ways of business recreation, new jobs, new training and new markets.

Now is the time for 'game-changer' ideas and proposals. What leadership guru Daniel Goleman describes as a BHAG - Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

Who else can contribute different perspectives - the arts, tech and others who see tourism with different eyes? Create a Wish-List - wouldn't it be great too ... ? There appears

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to be Federal and State funds coming.

What 'big stuff ' might be on Noosa's Shopping List? Where do we want to be in say three-to-five years? Be different, be challenging, get excited.

Positioning change which is fair, works in partnership and rewards well, would be a start. Think about challenging some of the sectors 'sacred-cows'. Restructure and re-design services and supply chains.

In Noosa, tourism partially drives the real estate market. In this, is an unexplored opportunity for brand leverage. Resist blockages from your own who are too timid to remake the future. And, how might a new Council become more entrepreneurial to support, partner or underwrite?

Let me close with a warning from the master political commentator Machiavelli. Not to deter, but to watch out for and to resist nay-sayers "It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new."

Michael Donovan Former Tourism Industry CEO and Chair

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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NEWS

‘ESSENTIAL’ BOATING ONLY UPDATE APRIL 1: Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey clears up confusion around recreation boating and federal restrictions.

Queensland boaties can still take their boats out locally to fish or travel for essential reasons.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey clarified the rules for boaties as the evolving COVID-19 response restricted a range of activities.

"If you own a boat and want to head out in the water in your local community to fish for food this weekend, you can," Mr Bailey said.

"If you need your boat to travel locally in your community, you can still do that.

"If you want to head out on your kayak or stand up paddle board for exercise, you still can.

"State Government boat ramps will remain open to boaties.

"We want people to continue living their lives as normally as possible under the current circumstances, but the advice of the Chief Health Officer needs to be followed.

"This isn't a special rule to let people out on the water for nonessential reasons this weekend," Mr Bailey said.

"There's no reason for anyone to be taking the boat out unless it's for essential travel to get to work, to and from your home, to local shops for provisions or catching fish for your family.

"Even then, there should be no more than two people, or immediate family members on board, and the social distancing rules everyone is being asked to follow still apply.

"Boaties should also be mindful of hygiene when putting boats in the water at public facilities."

Mr Bailey encouraged boaties to continue monitoring the national health advice on COVID-19.

"As the nation works together to stop the spread of the virus, there is new advice daily.

"Boaties should be aware of the current restrictions on boat use, and be prepared for that advice to change again, should tougher rules to limit public movements and interaction come in." ●

Recreational boating is to cease under the new federal restrictions.

"No one should be leaving their home unless it's absolutely necessary."

Mr Bailey said recent national

directives limiting public gatherings to two people or less and limiting travel to essential purposes still applied.

PUZZLES Quick Clues

9 4

6 3 4 6 1 2

9

3

ACROSS

Cryptic Clues

8 4 7

7

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7609 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Burn with love. 8, Street (anag.) 9, See-the.

10, Cracked. 12, Tempo. 15, Spray. 16, Hear-say. 18, Pastor. 20, Di-the-r. 22, Excercise book.

Down - 1, Butter up. 2, On-c-e. 3, D-itt-ies. 4, C-has-e. 5, F-oreb-ear. 6, Bet-h(ot). 11, C-hatt-ier. 13, Played on. 14, Red-dish. 17, Grace. 19, Ap-ex. 21, Tubs (anag.)

2

4 1 9 8 3 7 6 5 2

7 5 2 9 4 6 1 3 8

6 2 9

1 9 5 4 8 3 7 2 6

3 7 4 6 2 9 8 1 5

2 6 8 7 1 5 3 9 4

5 4 7 1 9 8 2 6 3

6 2 3 5 7 4 9 8 1

Solution No.4271

9 8 1 3 6 2 5 4 7

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

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

2

5 1 8

8 3 6 2 5 1 4 7 9

noosatoday.com.au

(6). 22. A keep fit manual? (8,4).

DOWN 1. Prepare the toast that will be flattering? (6,2). 2. As soon as one rings the number (4). 3. Songs from the wild tit inside, flying (7). 4. To pursue, is forced to enter the church (5). 5. Fear the terrible bore inside is a relation (8).

6. Put your money on a hot tip from a lady (4). 11. Saying more about that terrible rice pudding (8). 13. Got oneself dismissed, but continued to bat (6,2). 14. One of the national foods of Russia: quite colourful (7). 17. A prayer for a famous cricketer (5). 19. Pop back, once at the top (4). 21. Bust out of the containers (4).

3

ACROSS 7. As your old flame used to, for you? (4,4,4). 8. The way to train a setter (6). 9. Are furious, you notice, at the end (6). 10. Touched when broke (7). 12. The speed of play depends on it (5). 15. Wet flowers (5). 16. Be told to inform people it’s only rumour (7). 18. A previous or subsequent minister (6). 20. Can’t decide about the free return (6). 22. A keep fit manual? (8,4).

DOWN 1. Prepare the toast that will be flattering? (6,2). 2. As

Fill the gr every row 3x3 squar the digit 8 4 9 7 1 3 5 2 6

Solution 5 6 2 9 8 4 7 3 1

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7609 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Discriminate. 8, Starch. 9, Clover. 10, Aniseed. 12, Heady. 15, Stout. 16, Blanket. 18, Rabbit. 20, Excise. 22, Mulligatawny.

Down - 1, Distinct. 2, Scar. 3, Fighter. 4, Pinch. 5, Napoleon. 6, Mere. 11, Squabble. 13, Dressing. 14, Illegal. 17, Stair. 19, Army. 21, Clay.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7609

8

How to Sudo

|

NOOSA TODAY 15

3 5 7

DOWN 1. Clear (8) YPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7609

7 3 1 7 1 7 5 8 2

9 7

3

6

6

2

DOWN Clear (8) Mark (4) Pugilist (7) Steal (5) French emperor (8) Nothing more than (4) Quarrel (8) Sauce (8) Forbidden (7) Step (5) Service (4) Earth (4)

9

3

1

1

ACROSS 7. Differentiate (12)

11.

13.

14.

17.

19.

21.

7

4 7 2

Flavouring (7) Intoxicating (5)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

No.4

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

5 1

ferentiate (12)

SUDOKU How to solve Sudoku!

ACROSS Differentiate (12) Stiffen (6) Plant (6) Flavouring (7) Intoxicating (5) Corpulent (5) Covering (7) Animal (6) Tax (6) Soup (12)

9 1 3

7.

8.

9.

10.

12.

15.

16.

18.

20.

22.

SUDOKU No. 4271

8

QUICK QUICKPUZZLE PUZZLENo. NO. 7609 7609

1 7 3 2 5 6 8 9 4

2 1 8 6 3 7 9 4 5

6 5 4 8 2 9 3 1 7

TALKING SPORT

RON LANE

NO MORE FLAGS Not only does he wear the red and yellow, but away from the beach he continues to go in harms way by wearing the uniform of the Queensland Police. This makes him essential an service worker; by wearing both hats it puts him amongst the elite of our community.

On the weekend the lifeguards took control of Noosa Sunshine and Peregian Beaches; no flags just looking and advising- stay home.

Noosa senior lifeguard Adam McKane said there were just a few people having a short swim then going home.

"It looks as though the message is finally getting through; we don't want a repetition of what happened at Bondi. Because of ever changing info things will stay as is till further notice. All we can do is ask people to heed the advice and I am sure we will work through this together.''

Surveillance by our shire lifeguards will now be the order of the day. It is to be hoped that those few souls who go for a quick swim will show respect and obey the advice of the lifeguards.

However, for some of our lifesavers such as Craig Law of the Sunshine Beach club, the months ahead will indeed be very trying.

VALE BERT WANSLEY After living in Noosa for some time I have come to the conclusion that the world should be full of six o'clock people. It is these folks who assemble every morning on Noosa's Main for their morning swim or walk. The short, the tall, the fat the fit; they are, despite their different appearance, basically all the same; every morning they flash a million dollar smile and a wave of the hand that says it all, "Morning, good to see you; have a nice day."

Unfortunately, last week we lost one such soul; an outstanding man of our community. Such was the respect for this man, that despite

the passing years the greeting he received remained the same.

"Morning Bert, good to see you."

His response was always the same: "Good morning," a smile and a nod of the head.

The subject of this respect was Bert Wansley, ex-Army Colonel (saw service in the New Guinea campaign) and former Mayor of Noosa Shire. His wave and his smile were not just for the local oldies, but also for our lifeguards and lifesavers, who were in the process of setting up Noosa's Main Beach for another day of patrols.

Our greeting was slightly different. "Morning boys how's the club going?" "Good thanks Bert."

The young rookies just out of basic training would often ask, "Who's that?"

The reply was always the same.

"That's Bert Wansley, retired army Colonel and former Noosa Mayor, and to you son-- its Mr. Wansley."

HOOK, LINE & SINKER

With our involvement in tourism and council being a relatively new field, we were still a bit distant.

However, he quickly came to understand the important role to be played by the lifesaving association in the ever-expanding Tourist Industry.

During discussions he always showed respect; and with his military background he addressed our representatives as equals and was always ready to listen. In the words of a media executive: "His involvement in the introduction of Town Planning in Noosa as well as his contribution towards other government projects of high priority, spoke volumes for the respect in which this man was held."

From all the six o'clock people and the senior members of the Noosa Surf Club, we send best wishes to the family; and to the Colonel we say; "Rest in peace old soldier, you served us well." ●

JACK MANGROVE

CRACKING FISH OFFSHORE From light breezes and glass out conditions to winds and rain from Monday, the week was a mixed bag.

The weekend was a great example of this with some cracking fish caught offshore for those who had a shot.

The wider reefs of Double Island and Barwon Banks and the Hards have seen bigger currents due to the new moon but this also congregated bigger fish around deep water bombies.

Included snapper, huge tuskies, jewfish and other big reef species, some of which could not be stopped!

Mid water schools of cobia were also reported with these fish taking soft plastics on the drop.

Sunshine Reef saw some cracking Coral trout caught as well as longtail tuna and both of these fish are some of the hardest fighting fish. Short powerful rods work best for trout with 60lb leader and 30lb braid a minimum. Other fish included Spanish mackerel, sweetlip, tuskies, pearlies, juvenile red emperor and some solid cobia.

Halls reef heading north is still

Tide Times Thursday 2nd april To Wednesday 8Th april 2020 Time

height

Time

26 / 20 °C

Fri 3 APr

1.68 m 0.85 m

3:08 pM 8:56 pM

1.26 m 0.75 m

More sun than clouds

4:27 pM 10:17 pM

1.37 m 0.65 m

sAT 4 APr

5:26 pM 11:20 pM

1.52 m 0.52 m

sun 5 APr

6:15 pM

1.69 m

12:58 pM 7:01 pM

0.33 m 1.83 m

Fri 3rd APr 3:57 aM 10:46 aM

light rain. More sun than clouds

Height

Thurs 2nd APr 2:41 aM 9:42 aM

noosA WeATher ForeCAsT Thu 2 APr

1.76 m 0.73 m

28 / 20 °C Morning clouds 28 / 21 °C

sAT 4Th APr 4:58 aM 11:34 aM

1.87 m 0.59 m

sun 5Th APr 5:50 aM 12:17 pM

1.97 m 0.45 m

Mon 6Th APr 12:15 aM 6:37 aM 12445978-FA14-20

Tues 7 1:05 aM 7:22 aM

Th

0.39 m 2.03 m

APr 0.29 m 2.05

1:38 pM 7:46 pM

Thunder storms early.

Clearing skies 30 / 21 °C

0.25 1.95 m

light showers. Clearing skies 25 / 20 °C

Wed 8 APr

0.23 m 2.01 m

16 NOOSA TODAY

28 / 20 °C

Mon 6 APr

Tue 7 APr

Wed 8Th APr 1:54 aM 8:06 aM

showers late.

Morning clouds

2:18 pM 8:30 pM

|

0.21 m 2.01 m

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

sprinkles late. sunny 25 / 19 °C

Jack Decourt with a nice spanish mackerel. seeing big Spanish mackerel. As always these fish are getting caught primarily on slow trolled dead baits such as bonito and pilchard. Pre rigged troll rigs work best for these baits and are suitable for our species.

Surf fishing has many new gutters formed from last week’s swell. Fish you can expect to find include whiting, bream, dart, flathead, grunter and even some trevally especially around the river mouth and down toward castaways.

Rock fishing has been on hold due to the swell but inside the points you can expect to find some protection from the winds and swell.

Best baits include bonito, mullet, prawn and beach worm.

The Noosa River is holding some great fish and upriver trevally, jewies, bream and flathead can be found. Try the mouth around Lake Cooroibah and give soft vibes, soft plastics and lightly weighted baits a

go. Work these along the sandy drop offs for the best results.

Further down through the ski run expect bream, trevally, flathead and the odd school sized jewie and jack sitting in the snags. This is a great place to drift and flick soft plastics or soft vibes for jewies and trevally especially on the turn of a tide.

Back down toward the mouth you can find plenty of smaller flathead and bream. These fish are smashing soft plastics in the 2-3 inch size range with 1/8th-1/4oz jigheads best. If stuck for a go to soft plastic try any of the prawn profiles as all fish love a good prawn.

With the rain we are still seeing some crabs on the move so if you have pots the coming neep tides should be great. As always don’t forget to mark your pots and keep them away from the main boating channel for safety reasons.

Freshwaters of Lake MacDonald and Borumba dam are closed. All SEQ water governed lakes and dams are off limits to all boating, fishing and land based activities including picnic areas. This all part of controlling the Covid-19 virus so in the interest of public safety please be sure to follow these rules.

So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures! ● noosatoday.com.au

LIFE OF BRINE

PHIL JARRATT

FAREWELL TO A STYLE MASTER I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing last week of the renowned architect Gabriel Poole. Although I hadn’t seen Gabe for far too long, he and wife Liz Frith were huge friends and allies when we set up a publishing business in Noosa in the early '90s.

Following the success of our Noosa Blue lifestyle magazine, we started a Queensland-wide house and garden magazine called Casa. It was a fairly short-lived title (worth a column of its own, watch this space), but through it we championed the ground-breaking functional yet stylish architecture of Gabe and his acolytes John Mainwaring and Lindsay Clare, which was becoming known as “Noosa style”, and that was the title we gave to our 1998 book on the subject, written by my wife, Jackie.

In it she wrote: “In the 1960s a young architect named Gabriel Poole put up his shingle in Buderim. Poole, a member of that rare species, the genuine Queenslander, had worked under the eminent Brisbane architect Robin Gibson while he completed his degree, but of equal importance in shaping his architectural vision was the time he spent jackerooing in the bush, observing how shelter had to work in conjunction with the elements. After several years…

Poole became disillusioned by the increasing number of ‘low quality, no-design’ buildings springing up and began to look towards Noosa, where a new wave of entrepreneurs were prepared to consider exciting new plans. Over the next two decades Gabriel pioneered a regional style of architecture which has come to be known as the Noosa style, although Gabriel simply calls it ‘architecture that works’.”

Gabe may have been an eminent architect by the mid-1990s, but in those, his drinking days, he was also a loveable rascal. We lunched well at his favourite haunts, like Eats At Eumundi and notably Steve Cross’s Saltwater on Hastings Street, and I never failed to be amazed by his capacity for blending bawdy humour with homespun wisdom.

When I interviewed him (over lunch, of course) in 1993, Gabe confessed that he’d been “a bit of a smartarse” in his early years as an architect, then corrected: “Hell, I still am! I just can’t go off and turn a blind eye or do it for the money, I have to tell people what I think.

The main problem is people coming up from down south and building without thinking. You have to do what you can to stop them.”

The somewhat self-indulgent noosatoday.com.au

Gabe Poole as I choose to remember him. I took the photo over the lunch table at Eats At Eumundi, November 1993. Cheers, Gabe. term “Noosa style” may have been forgotten, but Gabriel Poole won’t be. You just have to look beyond the McMansions of Noosa at the enduring buildings of quality and you’ll see his vision everywhere.

COVID NOTES Closing the highways and motorways to keep tourists out of Queensland was never going to be easy to police, but you’d expect the Force to give it a red hot go, at least until people got the idea that recreational travel was no longer on.

And certainly, TV news footage of the first day traffic jams seemed to indicate that checks were in place and people were being turned back.

But a Sydney mate heading for a few months of isolation at his Fraser Island shack (A Gabriel Poole design, by the way) reports that he was waved through at the M1 border crossing at Tweed Heads.

Then on the Inskip Point ferry he was asked if he was a returning resident but not to prove it. First day on empty Orchid Beach the coppers turned up and asked the same question. This time he offered to show proof of residence but was waved away with a “she’ll be right, mate”.

So much for Fortress Queensland.

Meanwhile, from New Zealand my recent host reports that the national lockdown is being taken very seriously indeed. He’s isolated at his Mahanga bach, and even at that remote spot, the police do regular rounds to ensure that residents don’t

While digging in the vault for the Gabriel Poole photo, I came across this classic from 1996 by Greg Nolan. Two of Noosa’s greatest longboarders share a party wave at First Point. This was probably the last time that Jai Lee ever wore a leggie, and a punkish Josh Constable was still 10 years away from a world title. stray from their homes beyond the allowed few hundred metres of recreational space.

Fortunately for him, that includes the surf break in front of his house, where he and a few neighbours have been enjoying beautiful clean conditions for a week now, with enough peaks to socially distance from each other. And the crays are plentiful and the kahawai are running.

These are weird and scary times around the world, to be sure, but

there are worse places to be isolated than Fraser Island, Mahanga or Noosa. We should count our blessings.

FOOTNOTE: As this column goes to press the mayoral race is down to the postals with the challenger ahead by a handful of votes. It could be weeks before we know, but at this stage it looks like some interesting times ahead. In the council vote, incumbents Stockwell and Wilkie are home and hosed and new blood Wegener and Moran look strong. ●

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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LIFE OF BRINE

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LIFE OF BRINE

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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.

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

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Mini Chef Sessions

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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

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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