Southern Free Times - 02nd April 2020

THURSDAY, 2 APRIL, 2020 13,200 COPIES DELIVERED WEEKLY

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ISSUE 1,008

COVER STORY

“RESTORE TRUST” PAGES 4-7

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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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THIS WEEK WE’RE TALKING ABOUT…

FINALLY, SOME GOOD ON COVID-19

BY JEREMY SOLLARS

ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK ...

Rose City Premium Meats plans to re-open this Saturday 4 April. Pictured are coowners Peter Wright (left) and Paul Carey.

Picture: THE WIFE CREATIVE "And we also want to emphasise we'll be ramping up our home deliveries as well as another option for our customers

- all of whom we thank from the bottom of our hearts for their support and their encouragement." ●

In addition to changes made to school arrangements by the Queensland Government, these key directives on COVID-19 were issued by the Federal Government this week ...

•฀ Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people.

•฀ Everyone should stay home unless you are: shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education.

•฀ People aged over 70, aged over 60 with pre-existing conditions, or Indigenous people aged over 50 should stay home wherever possible for their own protection.

•฀ Evictions will be put on hold for 6 months by the states and territories.

Landlords and renters are encouraged to talk about short term agreements.

•฀ A safety net package of $1.1 billion has been announced by the Prime Minister to expand mental health and telehealth services, increase domestic violence services and provide more emergency food relief.

•฀ All travellers returning home from overseas will be quarantined in a hotel or designated facility for 14 days.

•฀ Pubs, licensed clubs and hotels (excluding accommodation), gyms, skateparks, indoor sporting venues, cinemas, beauty salons, play centres and outside playgrounds, places of worship and other public places must be closed. There are restrictions on attendance at weddings, funerals and outdoor fitness classes. Supermarkets and pharmacies remain open.

THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION IS CHANGING DAILY - THE FREE TIMES WILL CONTINUE TO POST UPDATES ON FACEBOOK AND ON OUR WEBSITE - www. freetimes.com.au A GOOD SOURCE OF INFORMATION - INCLUDING ON GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES - IS THE SOUTHERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL COVID-10 'PORTAL' FOUND AT www.sdrc.qld.gov. au ●

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If you thought it was time for some good news on the coronavirus front, one local business which has well and truly borne the brunt in the last few weeks is Rose City Premium Meats - at time of printing of this week's Free Times they were expecting (all things going to plan ... ) to be open for business again this Saturday 4 April.

Co-owner Peter Wright tested positive for COVID-19 resulting in the closure of the butchery on Monday 23 March. His last contact with staff and his last day at work was the previous Thursday 19 March. By Tuesday of this week Peter was symptomfree, recovered and hoping to stay that way.

Not only that but neither co-owner Paul Carey nor any of their staff - who all went into home quarantine - have displayed any symptoms, and not least Peter's wife Michelle, who perhaps by some small miracle did not contract the virus from her better half.

Peter and Paul have spent most of this week trying to understand how to access government financial support on offer for their business but were confident of re-opening this Saturday - with all the appropriate social distancing and other hygiene controls in place.

And to reiterate - COVID-19 cannot be transmitted by food products, but of course social distancing and proper hand hygiene remain essential.

"I'd just really like to thank everybody who has sent messages of support both to me personally and to the business via social media and phone calls and elsewhere in the last couple of weeks," Peter said.

"Opening Saturday is our plan - I will not be back on deck immediately but we're confident we will re-open, obviously there will be some changes in how we interact with customers and those social distancing requirements and hand-washing and so on remain critical.

"I also want to thank Queensland Health - they have been brilliant to work with, they've given us incredible support and treated us with compassion during what's been a very difficult time.

"I cannot thank our staff enough - they've complied with the isolation requirements and it's just so pleasing to report none of them have shown any symptoms at any time.

"We're now focussing on getting everything ship-shape to re-open.

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 3

COVER STORY

Vic Pennisi says he is "not daunted" by becoming mayor during the upheaval of COVID-19.

"RESTORE TRUST"

BY JEREMY SOLLARS Vic Pennisi is the new Mayor of the Southern Downs Regional Council - and has promised to immediately set about "restoring trust" in local government across the region.

From the start of vote counting last Saturday night Pennisi established a strong lead over Tracy Dobie and in recent days

with its website displaying the results of counting last Saturday night and early this week was pushing the Commission to finalise the mayoral results in councils across Queensland, conscious of the need for re-elected or new mayors to get on with the job of council governance.

For his part, Vic Pennisi is under no illusions about the enormity of the task at a

local level of responding to COVID-19 as he takes up the mayoralty.

He declared he was "not feeling daunted at all" by coming to the office during a global pandemic, and said councils have a crucial role to play in responding to the fallout from a business and employment perspective, and from a wider community standpoint.

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has been preparing for office - and doing so in the midst of the economic and social upheaval of the COVID-19 crisis.

A formal 'declaration' of the mayoral result was expected yesterday - Wednesday - but from the start of the count a clear voter trend emerged in Pennisi's favour.

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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Former Southern Downs deputy mayor Ross Bartley led the councillor race from the start. Bartley stood unsuccessfully for mayor against Tracy Dobie in 2016 but has made a major comeback and has been tipped as likely deputy mayor. That post will be decided by a vote of the newly-elected councillors at their first meeting, expected within the coming fortnight. at the rates and the revenue from rates and understand the impact on the council's own operations - what are the essential services and the ones that are non-essential for now.

"And how the rates situation is going to impact on the business community and residential ratepayers.

"As I say, those are conversations we'll need to have quickly."

Another immediate issue for the new council is a restriction on meetings and the number of people in the one room due to COVID-19.

As a result, the first meeting of the new council - required under state law to be held within 14 days of the 'declaration' of the election, which at the latest will be declared this coming Tuesday 7 April - will involve remote tele-conferencing of some kind.

Another initial task will be for the new councillors to choose a Deputy Mayor.

Many people think this is automatically the councillor candidate who polls highest - almost certain to be Ross Bartley - but in fact the councillors choose the '2IC' via a vote amongst themselves at their first meeting.

The Stanthorpe-based Pennisi said this week his strong preference would be for the deputy to be a Warwick-based councillor.

LONG COUNT ...

Neither Vic Pennisi nor Tracy Dobie gained the 'magic' '50 per cent plus one' vote in the first few days of counting which meant an early declaration of the mayoral poll did not happen.

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Pennisi consistently polled close to 45 per cent of the first preference vote, with Dobie's margin hovering around the 36 per cent mark.

At time of printing of the Free Times this week, Tracy Dobie had made no public announcement about the election result and was not returning calls to the Free Times.

It is understood council staff have been preparing for a new administration in recent days.

Throughout last Saturday night and Sunday Pennisi maintained a strong lead of between 1600 and 1700 votes ahead of Dobie in the mayoral count, with his supporters remaining quietly confident that "the trend is your friend", meaning the overall trend of votes for Pennisi from the Warwick 'end' was consistent, as well as his strong performance among Stanthorpe voters.

Without the benefit of specific data for individual polling stations across the region it appeared, at least at the start of the week, that as well as on the Granite Belt itself Pennisi had polled well in rural areas of the former Warwick Shire and had picked up votes in the Warwick 'town area' as well, although Dobie herself polled strongly among those voters. But more analysis in the coming days.

The effect of Peter Kemp's mayoral campaign has also been discussed in recent days - Kemp himself polled more strongly than anticipated by some, garnering around 15 per cent of the mayoral vote, leading some to speculate on the likely outcome had

Sheryl Windle.

Kemp not stood as a mayoral candidate.

Ultimately that's one for the pundits to ponder - but even by simply splitting Kemp's vote half-and-half between Pennisi and Dobie the Pennisi win would still have resulted.

Joe Doepel, the remaining mayoral contender, was polling just under five per cent during counting at the start of this week.

For her part, Tracy Dobie ran a campaign based around her track record as mayor during the 2016-2020 term, in particular what she said was the strength of the council's financial position on her watch. She also stated she was the best leader to guide the region through the COVID-19 crisis.

Pennisi campaigned strongly on bringing a 'grass-roots' style of leadership to the mayoralty, with a focus on "building and restoring trust" in the council and ongoing "open-door" decision-making and communication. His campaign was also characterised by a down-to-earth approach which likewise appeared to resonate well with voters.

COUNCILLORS ...

No fewer than 26 candidates stood for the position of councillor, with eight to be elected.

At time of printing this week, it appeared three sitting councillors - Rod Kelly, Yve Stocks and Marika McNichol - would lose office, but Cameron Gow, Jo McNally and Sheryl Windle appeared certain to finish in the 'top 8'.

Continued next page 12446068-FA14-20

He said one of the priorities for the new council - more on the councillors later - would be to look at the rates situation in particular, both from a council revenue perspective and also the ability of commercial and residential ratepayers to meet their rates obligations next financial year.

Without having been formally sworn in as mayor at time of printing this week it was perhaps too early to expect an answer from Pennisi on the question of a potential ratesfreeze for a period of time.

But one of the first tasks of the new council will be to finalise the 2020-2021 budget. The budget is at this stage due to be adopted in mid-June but council staff have already been working on it while the council has been in 'caretaker' mode during the election campaign.

Since the start of that campaign the impacts of coronavirus have become much clearer and along with the budget Pennisi's first task will be to galvanise the community response to that crisis.

"As a council and like other levels of government we need to look at what we can do to trigger recovery from the COVID-19 crisis," Pennisi said this week.

"Obviously we all need to comply with the health directives coming from the country's chief medical officers and we need to stay as calm as we can as a community and not be panicked.

"But from a council point of view we need to focus on the recovery and the council budget will be part of that.

"Business is hurting, employers and employees are hurting across the region commercial landlords are going to struggle with their rates and businesses with their rents.

"That's a whole new area of conversation we as a council will need to have and have quickly.

"We as a council will have a role to play in the economic recovery from the coronavirus.

"My heart is breaking for local businesses and employees and I probably have 100 questions of my own right now about all the implications of this crisis.

"But I also believe problems are solutions in disguise.

"I think there's two things the council is going to have to do as a priority.

"The first is we need to be mobile and we need to help business in particular to access the state and federal assistance that's being made available - there's some complex processes there and we need to assist employers with navigating through that.

"The second thing we need to do is look

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SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 5

McDonald and Stephen Tancred it would mean a 'Warwick-Stanthorpe split' of six to two - with Gow and Tancred the Stanthorpe representatives. But of course,

Tracy Dobie had made no annoucement about the election by time of printing of the Free Times this week.

ELECTION IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS ON THE FREE TIMES FACEBOOK PAGE AND ON OUR WEBSITE AT www.freetimes.com.au

the community expects that whatever the 'geographic' breakdown all councillors will work for the entire region ... · CHECK FOR UPDATES ON THE

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94 Palmerin Street, Warwick QLD 4370 Phone: (07) 4661 9800 Fax: (07) 4661 8881 admin@freetimes.com.au www.freetimes.com.au Editorial: Jeremy Sollars jeremy.sollars@freetimes.com.au Phone: 0427 090 818 Advertising: (07) 4661 9800 sales@freetimes.com.au Classified Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 sales@networkclassifieds.com.au FREE community newspaper published every Thursday Circulation – 13,200* Readership – Over 22,000* Delivered FREE to households, businesses & farms throughout the Southern Downs region.

Peter Kemp polled more strongly than some had expected, garnering around 15 per cent of the mayoral vote.

12360622-CG32-17

From previous page A final declaration of the councillor results could still happen as late as this coming Tuesday but the following five candidates appeared almost certain to take office (in order of the latest available vote count) · Ross Bartley · Cameron Gow · Jo McNally · Andrew Gale · Sheryl Windle After those, Marco Gliori and Cynthia McDonald had also polled with consistent strength. Stephen Tancred and former councillor Glyn Rees were battling for the eighth position but Russell Wantling was still in the race, with Rod Kelly not far behind but possibly facing 'a bridge too far'.

As of counting on Tuesday, the remaining candidates were in this order · Michael Jensen · Julie Keogh · Yve Stocks · Amanda Harrold · Marika McNichol · Max Hunter · Greg Grant · Sue Laws · Marion Carrick · Scott Christensen · Paola Cabezas · Barbara Marsden · Robert Ettery · Jenn Greene-Galloway · Gregory Johnson Should the 'final eight' be Ross Bartley, Cameron Gow, Jo McNally, Andrew Gale, Sheryl Windle, Marco Gliori, Cynthia

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NSW ELECTIONS ...

Local government elections in New South Wales - including for Tenterfield Shire have been postponed until September 2021.

A statement released by Tenterfield Shire Council said advice "has been received from the NSW Electoral Commission that the Minister for Local Government has postponed the September 2020 Local Government elections for a full year following amendment of the Local Government Act 1993".

"What this means for Tenterfield Shire Council: · Local Government elections will now be held in September 2021 · The current Council will remain in place to September 2021 · The subsequent Local Government election will still proceed in September 2024. Tenterfield Councillors currently elect the Mayor for a two year period. As Mayor Peter Petty was elected in 2018, a further Mayoral Election is required to be held in September 2020 to elect the Mayor for the period until 2021." ●

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SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 7

OFFICIAL MEDICAL ADVICE

Coronavirus: You must take action to save lives in your community.

Stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Banks, supermarkets/groceries, petrol stations, medical services and suppliers will remain open. You must avoid non-essential travel.

If you can, work from home. If going to work, avoid groups. Use phones for meetings and stop handshaking. Tap to pay where possible instead of using cash.

You must stay 2 arms lengths away from others and wash your hands for 20 seconds.

Exercise away from others.

Make sure you stay informed by visiting australia.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

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FOCUS ON … Granite Belt Banter

SDRC CUSTOMER SERVICE CHANGES The Southern Downs Regional Council last week implemented temporary work from home arrangements for "a significant number of its workforce amid community health concerns and social distancing restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak", a spokeswoman said.

"From Friday 27 March, approved staff who have the capacity to undertake their duties remotely will work from home," the spokeswoman said.

"Many other local government agencies have also adopted similar work arrangements with their staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. "'Business as usual' will remain council's key focus and the temporary work arrangement will not impede council's capacity to deliver essential services to the community.

"Council continues to be guided by State and Federal Government advice and requirements in making decisions regarding its facilities and keeping the community and staff safe.

"Residents looking for further information can visit Council's COVID-19 Portal, available on the front page of the Southern Downs Regional Council website.

"Residents can rest assured that kerbside rubbish and recycling collection will continue as normal and waste management facilities will remain open.

"Council has implemented only minor changes to ensure that residents still

receive the usual level of service while also following Government health and safety precautions.

"Effective immediately, cash will no longer be accepted at Council's waste facilities, and the Endeavour Foundation has decided to close its tip shop at the Warwick and Stanthorpe Waste Facilities until further notice.

"The decision to move to a cashless model at the waste facilities is based on hygiene concerns and social distancing restrictions as per Government advice and requirements.

"The facilities will now only accept EFTPOS (credit cards and debit cards)

and account payments.

"Council will continue to be guided by advice from State and Federal Government with its decisions regarding the operations of these facilities to keep the community and staff safe."

SERVICE CENTRES CLOSED The council says due to health and safety considerations surrounding COVID-19 the council has closed public access to council administration buildings.

A spokeswoman said this includes public access to Customer Service centres in Warwick (Fitzroy Street) and Stanthorpe (Marsh Street).

"Residents can still access customer service assistance by phone, email, the SDRC website or via the MySDRC app," the spokeswoman said.

"Council is also currently organising secure document drop-off points.

"To contact customer service please use the following methods · Phone - 1300 697 372 · Email - mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au · Website - www.sdrc.qld.gov.au · MySDRC app - available through Google Play or the App Store; search for 'MySDRC' ●

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SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 9

NEWS

WATER SUPPLY UPDATE... LIMITS REMAIN SOUTHERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL WATER UPDATE - CURRENT AS OF MONDAY 23 MARCH

CURRENT LEVELS AND EXPECTED RUN OUT DATES Stanthorpe · Current level and volume 19.3% and 398 ML. · Water remains in Storm King Dam as a contingency for emergency events and to provide a habitat for aquatic life. Based on current usage, Storm King Dam would reach it's minimum operating level in 4 months if water for Stanthorpe was being sourced from the dam.

Warwick · Leslie - current level and volume 14.04% and 14,918 ML (as of Tuesday 31 March) · Connolly - current level and volume 87.9% and 1903 ML · Based on the latest data and current targeted usage (100 l/p/d), Leslie Dam will take approximately 30 months to reach it's minimum operating level. Connolly Dam will be able to supply water for 24 months based on current water usage. This includes the supply of water to Stanthorpe and will be dependent on water quality.

WATER RESTRICTIONS · In light of current circumstances and to give residents confidence that they have access to sufficient quantities of water to protect themselves against COVID-19 through good hygiene practices, Council further relaxed water restrictions to 120 litres per person per day as of 18 March 2020. · Extreme level water restrictions will be enforced by Council through the Southern Downs Region, including the township of Jennings in NSW. · The target for residential properties is 120 litres/person/day (l/p/d) · Council will continue to assist residents and businesses to reduce their water consumption. · Drinking water supplied by Southern Downs Regional Council is only available for use by Southern Downs Regional Council residents. · Whilst some rainfall has been received in parts of the region, critical water restrictions remain in place. Council urges people to do all they can to meet the extreme level water consumption target of 120 l/p/d. · Warwick around 120 l/p/d (Feb 2020) 111 l/p/d (Jan 2020) · Stanthorpe around 149 l/p/d (Feb 2020) 138 l/p/d (Jan 2020) · Water must not be taken from a fire hydrant without the permission of the service provider unless it is for the purpose of fire fighting.

WATER RELEASE FROM LESLIE DAM BY SUNWATER · As a holder of a high priority water allocation, Council is entitled to use the last 15,000 ML of the Leslie Dam water for town water supply. · Water allocation above 15,000 ML dam volume is managed by Sunwater in accordance with the user agreements between Sunwater and licence holders.

Sunwater controls how and when this water is released.

OPTIONS REPORT Stanthorpe emergency supply · Full time water carting is still underway from Connolly Dam raw water line in 10 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

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Warwick to Stanthorpe · Water is transferred into 2 x 1 megalitre tanks which will gravity feed the water into the existing raw water line at the wall of Storm King Dam. · Based on daily use of 1.6ML per day, between 40 and 50 truckloads of water per day are required. · Council upgraded the turn into Storm King Dam access road from Eukey Road, as well as Storm King Dam access road. · Additional treatment units are in operation at Stanthorpe Water Treatment Plant to treat the water from Connolly Dam. · Filling points are now being used to fill with raw water from the Connolly Dam raw water line. · The State Government has committed $2.4 million to the upgrade works as detailed above. The State Government is also paying the cartage costs of $800,000 per month ongoing until February 2021. · It is important that the water continues to be conserved and that the community remains vigilant in their water use to

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

ensure the minimal amount of water is carted and the transportation costs are kept down. · Contingency arrangements are in place for water carting to minimise any risk to Stanthorpe water supply from unforeseen events such as road closures due to bushfire, road accidents or to manage weather driven water quality changes. · Water carting to Stanthorpe will continue until a sufficient water level in Storm King Dam is restored.

Warwick emergency supply · Leslie Dam - Recent rain has restored the water level in Leslie Dam which has restored the Warwick/Allora/Yangan water supply. · Investigation to source supplementary water will continue to source backup water for future use. · Council is in discussion with Toowoomba Regional Council and Seqwater to supply water to Warwick via a new pipeline.

Wallangarra emergency supply · Recent rainfall has restored the water level

·

·

·

·

in both the Beehive Dam and The Soak to full capacity. Current storage in both these dams has sufficient water to supply water to Wallangarra and part of Jennings for over 18 months. Water is currently sourced from the Beehive Dam. Work associated with sourcing emergency water supply for Wallangarra will continue to ensure future back-up supply.

Emergency water supply for Wallangarra will be sourced from an existing, un-used production bore at Paling Yard Road. The bore was recently pump tested and results confirmed that the bore will be able to provide adequate supply to the town should the dams run dry.

Bore pump is now commissioned and is on standby ready to be used if required in future.

An emergency water permit has been issued by DNRME to allow Council to take water from this bore.

Water will be pumped to the Wallangarra water treatment plant from the Soak to be treated prior to distribution to the town. ● freetimes.com.au

NEWS

SALEYARDS CONTROLS TIGHTEN The Southern Downs Regional Council says following the announcement of stricter public gathering rules this week by the Federal Government, tighter control measures will be implemented at the Warwick Saleyards for Tuesday's cattle sale and Wednesday's sheep and lamb sale ongoing.

A spokeswoman said these measures will remain in place until further notice · The main access gate will be manned throughout the sale and only buyers with a genuine intent to purchase will be admitted. It is highly advised that buyers use their preferred agent or commission buyer for foreseeable purchases if they are wishing to purchase from the saleyards.

Each person will have to answer a series of questions and sign a health declaration prior to entering. Persons over 70 years of age and those over 60 considered to be in the vulnerable category are strongly urged not attend the sale and to self-isolate as

·

·

·

·

·

per the recent recommendations of the Federal and State Governments.

All persons attending the Warwick Saleyards will be required to wear disposable gloves. Council will distribute the gloves upon entry to avoid contact with all steel surfaces, double handling of paper etc. Anyone who does not adhere to the protocol will be asked to leave the premises.

All vehicles will enter via a manned gate to allow Council to record attendee's details, distribute mandatory disposable gloves and advise of social distancing requirements.

The canteen operator will supply only take-away meals. No sit down meals will be available.

There is restricted access to catwalks only auctioneers and essential staff will be allowed in the catwalk area.

The weighing process will be slower due to staff shortages and tighter control

measures that have been implemented to safeguard our saleyard industry. Council requests the patience of those attending during these changing times. · The server window will be closed and any reports for agents will be provided through the pigeon holes in order to reduce any unnecessary contact. · Any persons observed to be unwell or have a cough will be asked to leave. · Only agents, yard staff and buyers with a genuine intent to purchase will be allowed entry. All other non-essential persons will NOT be able to enter the yards. Social distancing throughout the sale will be continually monitored and strictly enforced by Council staff and local law officers i.e. a minimum of 1.5 metres between each individual. ●

property LOT 4 GLENTANNA ROAD, DALVEEN hills to a hill-top with 360 degree views.

Land has been selectively cleared and is easy to manage. Water is supplied by waterholes on gullies.

Well-suited for sheep/goats/cattle and horses or recreational vehicles. For sale now at $290,000 plus GST if applicable contact David Schnitzerling on 0418 717 979.

•฀Price $290,000 •฀ Property ID 965 •฀ Land Area 104 ha •฀ Agent details - David Schnitzerling 0418 717 979 ●

Saturday 2nd May 2020 On Site 23 Britannia Street Stanthorpe Qld 4380 •฀3฀bedroom฀rendered brick฀veneer฀home •฀Open฀plan฀living฀dining •฀Family/ofice฀room฀plus฀sunroom •฀2฀bathrooms •฀860m2฀allotment

12445312-CLG13-20

LOT 4 Glentanna Road, Dalveen. Beautiful views, loads of space, rewind and enjoy 257 acres of undulating rolling hills with stunning house and cabin sites - an ideal property for a change of lifestyle or as a weekend retreat with the ability to run some livestock.

Located just minutes west from the village of Dalveen and 25 minutes north of Stanthorpe and just a couple of hours from Brisbane. This property has very easy access and tracks throughout the property. Offering some of the best views the Stanthorpe region has. The country ranges from lower flats to undulating

AUCTION

www.davidschnitzerling.com.au freetimes.com.au

PHONE 0418 717 979

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 11

NEWS

PLAGROUNDS, BARBECUES CLOSED Following the announcement of new public gathering by the Federal Government, Southern Downs Regional Council has temporarily closed all outdoor playgrounds, gyms, skate parks and barbecues on the Southern Downs and Granite Belt from Monday of this week.

A limited number of public toilet facilities will remain open and a list of these locations will be available at www.sdrc.qld. gov.au on the COVID-19 Portal.

Open space areas, parks and fields are still open and can be used for exercise, fresh air and enjoyment. Council is asking the community to practice social distancing and good personal hygiene at this time and wishes to remind residents of the following protocols: · Do not visit a park if you are unwell. · Observe social distancing rules and stay 1.5m apart. · Do not hold gatherings of more than two people. · Wash and/or sanitise hands.

Council will continue to be guided by advice from State and Federal Government with decisions regarding the operations of its facilities to keep the community safe.

Council appreciates the community's understanding during these times of change.

CAMP SITES CLOSED ...

Further to the decision made on Thursday 26 March to close the Washpool Reserve and Connolly Dam camp sites, Southern Downs Regional Council has closed its

overnight camp sites at Dalveen and Allora, as well as the 72 hour camping place at Leyburn.

A spokeswoman said this was "in line with the Queensland Government direction that all campgrounds are to close from 26 March 2020".

"The direction lists campgrounds

as a non-essential business, activity or undertaking," the spokeswoman said.

"Similarly, caravan parks are considered non-essential, except for those where people live permanently or are staying as interim abodes where their primary residence is not available.

"The camp sites will remain closed until

further notice.

"Council will continue to follow best practice advice from Queensland Health and the State and Federal Governments regarding its actions relating to COVID-19 and make decisions that are in the best interest of the community and its staff." ●

PUZZLES Quick Clues 7.

8.

9.

10.

12.

15.

16.

18.

20.

22.

7.

ACROSS Mental (12)

1.

SUDOKU No. 4290

ACROSS Mental (12) Drink (6) Neigh (6) Struggle (7) Prime (5) Bird (5) Condiment (7) Luck (6) Poser (6) Foreboding (12)

ME No

How to solve Sudoku!

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

How Su

9 3 1 9 2 5 CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7627 5 3 4 1 DOWN 1. Surround (8) 2. Jump (4) 1 8 9 5 3. Old (7) 4. Frown (5) 5. Runaway (8) 3 1 8 2 6. Scheme (4) Condiment (7) 11. Fish (8) 13. Bird (8) 3 14. Shake (7) Foreboding (12) 17. Make merry (5) 19. Expectation (4) 4 2 9 21. Coin (4) DOWN YPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7627 Surround (8) ACROSS 6 9 7 2 4 2

Fill the every ro 3x3 squ the d 4 8 5 3 7 1 6 2 9

Cryptic Clues

7 1 2

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7627 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Devil of a time. 8, Pull up. 9, A-gat-es. 10, Mi-nar-et. 12, Court. 15, Write (right). 16, Stretch. 18, Assume. 20, Pa-lli-d. 22, Case the joint Down - 1, Peculiar. 2, Will. 3, Coup-l-es. 4, Sa-lad. 5, Pin-a-fore. 6, Peke (peak). 11, Al-truist. 13, Ructions (anag). 14, Stop-per (rev). 17, Bert-h 19, Sack 21, Lo-ok.

6 2 5

8

3 8

freetimes.com.au

7 3 5

1 4

9 2 5

1 8 9 6 4 3 7 2 5

4 5 7 8 2 1 3 9 6

2 7 8 3 5 4 1 6 9

5 1 3 7 6 9 2 4 8

9 6 4 2 1 8 5 3 7

3 9 5 4 7 6 8 1 2

8 2 6 1 3 5 9 7 4

Solution No.4290

7 4 1 9 8 2 6 5 3

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

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

6 3 2 5 9 7 4 8 1

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4 7 9 8 2

12 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

noitre while you plaster a broken hip? (4,3,5).

DOWN 1. Rum of one’s very own (8). 2. The man that got locked in the solicitor’s office? (4). 3. It’s at least four fifty when the cars come round (7). 4. When up, the youth has something to eat (5). 5. Take a drink back to the van and something for the child (8). 6. An animal with a crest, you say (4). 11. The man, I trust, turned out to be someone unselfish (8). 13. In courts, terrible scenes (8). 14. Bung up the stuff to take shots at (7). 17. For the man, a hospital bed (5). 19. Don’t keep on. It’s only wine (4). 21. Search for and see, all right (4).

3

ACROSS 7. How long it takes to become adept at black magic?

(5,2,1,4). 8, Gain ground when you stop (4,2). 9. With an arm in the water, turned over the stones (6). 10. Bumped into, when I ran back into the tower (7). 12. Woo at the palace? (5). 15. Put down as it should be, you say (5). 16.

For a while, expand (7). 18. Suppose to mean “adopt” (6).

20. Wan and ailing, goes back into the flat (6). 22. Reconnoitre while you plaster a broken hip? (4,3,5).

DOWN 1. Rum of one’s very own (8). 2. The man that got locked

9 3 6 2 5 4 8 1 7

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7627 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Intellectual. 8, Tipple. 9, Whinny. 10, Scuffle.

12, First. 15, Heron. 16, Vinegar. 18, Chance. 20, Riddle.

22, Presentiment.

Down - 1, Encircle. 2, Leap. 3, Elderly. 4, Scowl. 5, Fugitive. 6, Plan. 11, Flounder. 13, Starling. 14, Vibrate. 17, Revel. 19, Hope. 21, Dime.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7627

Soluti

4 5

QUICK QUICKPUZZLE PUZZLENo. NO. 7627 7627

1 7 2 6 8 9 3 4 5

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79 Oxenham Street, Warwick QLD 4370

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C1082079-JL28-13

ALUMINIUM DOG Crate. Fits Holden Rodeo Ute. $300.

Phone 4666 3030.368.00

Insulated Patios Colorbond Patios

Rob Laney Ph: 4661 5968

m: 0418 153 584 f: 4661 5988

Servicing Warwick, Stanthorpe & Tenterfield.

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Garage/Garage Doors

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Massage Therapists

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Trades & Services

ROOMS, clean, comfortable, at O'Mahony's Hotel, Warwick.

Budget accommodation from $180 per week. Includes use of kitchen and laundry. Linen supplied. Ph: 4661 1146.

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Land For Sale

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LAND FOR SALE

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.

Motoring

Maryvale Where:

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L 21, 33-40, 902-905 ML 2305; L 1 SP 299729 Wienholt St, Ramsay St & Unnamed Rd; Maryvale

Travel

Professional

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Real Estate

SUGARCANE TOPS Round bales.

Suit livestock mulch. $80 Warwick 0427 762 868

V

Ph Trevor & Letitia Smith at Applethorpe (07) 4683 2483

A X

Garage Sales

ENDEAVOUR RE-USE SHOP. Warwick Waste Facility, open Wednesdays 12pm-4pm and Saturdays 8.30am-4pm. Rifle Range Rd, Stanthorpe, open Thursdays 12pm-4pm and Saturdays 8.30am-4pm

V OUTDOOR SETTING Nullabor Timber 4 seater lounge, 8 seater table, 2 seater with small table, lay back lounge, all with cushions. $1,500. Phone 0417 645 416

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General Classifieds V

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Taxation/ Accounting

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Servicing Aratula, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Tenterfield & Surrounds.

Email: warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au

QBCC No: 1210672

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12441492-NG09-20

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Septic Tanks Cleaned by Your Local Man 4685 2396

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0430 540 438

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C1104093-JL49-13

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(1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)

Deadline for all classifications is 11am Tuesday.

Public Notices and Event

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12438017-NG03-20

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Caravans & Trailers

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Farm Vehicles /Machinery

The opportunities: Build your dream home / rural retreat Single or multiple small rural holdings ✓ Development opportunity ✓ Retirement block option ✓ Agriculture / Grazing ✓ Land bank option ✓ Suit multiple uses ✓

CALL NOW FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE!

Details and Amenity:

Leon Bruggemann Travel Advisor m: 0437 344 312 p: 1300 365 688 Ext 292 e: lbruggemann@mtatravel.com.au www.mtatravel.com.au/lbruggemann ATAS A10541 IATA 0235190-4

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 2 to 10,200 m2 ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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OZTRAIL Camper Trailer. Very good condition. Queen bed. The Summit. $2,500. Please phone 0447 974 709.

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FERGUSON TRACTOR with carry all & as new Kanga 4ft Slasher For Sale. $4,000 the lot. Ph 4666 3030

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Motor Vehicles

FALCON TRAYBACK Ute. Rego 044XCJ. 6 months rego, low kms, excellent condition, receipts for recent work. Price $3,500. Ph 4661 7489. 285 East Street

฀ ฀

Price: $385,000 (plus GST if applicable) Single or multiple lot options available Call owner direct on 0409 921 415

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DREAMHAVEN Crusader, poptop 2006, 19ft 6", 7mths reg, roll-out awning plus annex, AC, 3-way fridge, microwave, gas cooktop and grill, wireless TV, d /bed, driving mirrors, lighting plant, $15,500. Ph 0427 349 584.

12446003-SN14-20

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12408848-CG03-19

12445041-LB12-20

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Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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MOBILE PANEL BEATING AND SPRAY PAINTING RUST REPAIRS & RESTORATION PAUL

0438 038 674

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 13

NEWS

‘JOBKEEPER’ MEASURES OFFER SUPPORT PM STATEMENT THIS WEEK ON WAGE SUBSIDY...

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 14 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

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to recovery on the other side.

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

MENTAL HEALTH, MEDICARE...

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. An employee will only be eligible

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

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 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

More help will be given to millions of Australians battling the devastating impacts of coronavirus with a $1.1 billion package which boosts mental health services, domestic violence support, Medicare assistance for people at home and emergency food relief.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said more support would be rolling out immediately to deal with the secondary effects of the health and economic crisis caused by coronavirus.

"As we battle coronavirus on both the health and economic fronts with significant support packages in place and more to come, I am very aware many Australians are understandably anxious, stressed and fearful about the impacts of coronavirus and what it brings," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

"We are focused on saving lives and saving livelihoods and this new support package will provide much needed care and help to so many Australians facing hardship at no fault of their own.

"We will get through this crisis by staying together, by supporting each other and ensuring that no Australian, even though we have to be isolated, should have to go through this alone."

Medicare support at home - whole of population telehealth To provide continued access to essential primary health services during the coronavirus pandemic, $669 million will be provided to expand Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians, with extra incentives to GPs and other health practitioners also delivered.

Australians will be able to access support in their own home using their telephone, or video conferencing features like FaceTime to connect with GP services, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, services to people with eating disorders, pregnancy support counselling, services to patients in aged care facilities, children with autism, after-hours consultations and nurse practitioners.

Providing the opportunity to get health services at home is a key weapon in the fight against coronavirus while limiting unnecessary exposure of patients and health professionals to the virus, wherever treatment can be safely delivered by phone or videoconferencing. This will take pressure off hospitals and emergency departments and allow people to access essential health services in their home, while supporting self-isolation and quarantine policies.

The GP bulk billing incentive will be doubled for GPs and an incentive payment will be established to ensure practices stay open to provide face to face services where they are essential for patients with conditions that can't be treated through telehealth. The new arrangements will be in place until 30 September 2020, when they will be reviewed in light of the need to continue the fight against coronavirus.

FOR ASSISTANCE WITH ACCESSING FEDERAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS CONTACT THE OFFICE OF MARANOA MP DAVID LITTLEPROUD ON 4661 2494. ● freetimes.com.au

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SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 15

2016 HOLDEN COLORADO DUAL CAB 2017 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5I-S

2014 MAZDA BT-50 XTR 4X4 DUAL CAB

$108pwk**

105pwk**

$

105pwk**

$

2019 PAJERO SPORT MY19 BLACK EDITION

PRICED TO CLEAR! WAS $32,999

DRIVE AWAY

DRIVE AWAY

$21,999

• Auto • Alloy tray

NOW $27,999 WAS $29,999

•4x4

127pwk**

$

68pwk**

$

DRIVE AWAY

$15,999

• Auto • Turbo Diesel • 100,000Kms • Towbar • Elect brakes • Log books

2016 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5I-L WAGON

DRIVE AWAY

$26,999

$23,999

$

2012 NISSAN NAVARA ST DUAL CAB

$44,999

2006 KIA RIO HATCH

• Canopy and lots of extras • 82,500kms

2017 MITSUBISHI PAJERO EXCEED

• Auto

$7,999

DRIVE AWAY

$49,999

• Auto

DRIVE AWAY • Only 36,000kms • Leather • Sunroof etc

$29,999

2017 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R WAGON 130pwk**

$

179pwk**

• Leather seats • Sun roof, • Tow bar • Electric brakes • UHF • 20,000kms

102pwk**

• 20” Alloy wheels • Towbar • Snorkel • Soft tonneau • Protectors • Mats

$25,999

108pwk**

DRIVE AWAY

$21,999

2019 MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX+ D/ CAB AUTO 4X4

DRIVE AWAY

$

$

$

DRIVE AWAY

2018 KIA SPORTAGE SI $

• 6 Cylinder • Log books • Eyesight safety tech & vision assist

$

• Auto • Soft tonneau • Tubliner

$38,790

• ONE ONLY!

2013 MERCEDES BENZ C250 2013 FORD FALCON XR6 UTE ADVANTGARD

83pwk**

150pwk**

DRIVE AWAY • 13,000kms only • Hard Cover etc.

• Auto

DRIVE AWAY

$21,999

89pwk**

DRIVE AWAY

2018 MITSUBISHI TRITON MR GLS PREMIUM

DRIVE AWAY • Auto • 6,944km

$45,790

2019 MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT QE MY19 GLX WAGON

83pwk**

$

103pwk**

• 3 ONLY!!! DO NOT MISS THIS!

$

2018 MITSUBISHI ASX LS

$

• Auto • AWD • 50,000Kms

NOW $29,999

DRIVE AWAY

$32,999

DRIVE AWAY

DRIVE AWAY

2019 MG ZS EXCITE-PLUS 4D-WAGON

2015 MITSUBISHI PAJERO GLX 4X4

2015 VW GOLF TSI HATCH

• Auto • 63,000kms only

• 57,000km • Eyesight Technology • Heated Seats • Sunroof etc

DRIVE AWAY

$47,999 1 ONLY

2015 SUBARU FORESTER LUXURY LIMITED EDITION

77pwk**

$

83pwk**

DRIVE AWAY

DRIVE AWAY

$21,999

$22,999

2016 MITSUBISHI PAJERO GLX

2016 HONDA JAZZ

127pwk**

96pwk**

$

$

DRIVE AWAY

DRIVE AWAY

DRIVE AWAY

$33,999

$32,999

• Only 19,000km’s

$13,999

12445991-NG14-20

20 Alexandra Drive, Warwick QLD 4370 07 4661 2533 www.casselsauto.com.au

16 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

**Based on commercial hire purchase. Payments in arrears. 10% deposit 60 months 30% balloon. To approved applicants T & C’s apply subject to lenders credit criteria. |

Thursday, 2 April, 2020

freetimes.com.au