Southern Free Times - 04th June 2020

THURSDAY, 4 JUNE, 2020 13,200 COPIES DELIVERED WEEKLY

■

ISSUE 1,009

NEWS COUNCIL BUDGET PAGES 12-13

BUSHFIRE LESSONS? PAGE 15

COVER STORY

SIGNS OF

RECOVERY PAGES 4-8

• Log Book Servicing • Automotive Air Con

• Diagnostics • Repairs

12450789-LB23-20

COME IN AND SEE OUR CLEAN AIR BURNING DISPLAY, NOW WARMING OUR PREMISES 12444241-DL11-20

We stock a full range of AC Delco Batteries Ranging from mower & automotive to truck & agricultural applications

64 Maryland St, Stanthorpe

Ph: 4681 1000 Servicing Stanthorpe, Warwick, Tenterfield and surrounding districts

Email: adminmwf@mwfplumbing.com.au

[07] 4681 1289 35a Railway Street, STANTHORPE Q 4380 • Commercial Motor Insurance • Business Insurance • Liability Insurance • Rural Insurance • Professional Indemnity Insurance • Personal Insurance including: • Home and Contents • Motor Vehicle • Caravan • Boat

Specialising in Commercial, Industrial and Domestic Sheds.

Made from Bluescope Australian Steel Full service - Slab, Erection & Councils QBCC1197750 NSW237076c

.au com .au .com rokers. gbib granitebeltinsuranceb

Granite Belt Insurance Brokers ABN 32 054 247 666 is an Authorised Representative 271148 of Insurance House Pty Ltd ABN 33 006 500 072 AFSL 240954

Phone Neal Simpson on

07 4661 9835 warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au

12444079-SG11-20

QBCC 12733597

6945913aa

/SouthernDownsMechanical

12450767-SN23-20

MWF PLUMBING

1 Freestone Rd Warwick 07 4661 1255

MORE TO LOVE The editor’s desk The team here at the Free Times is excited to be back in print this week after a period of print ‘hibernation’ thanks to COVID-19.

It was always our intention and our hope to be back in print since our last edition on Thursday 2 April. Since then we’ve maintained an online news and social media presence for readers - which continues - and we thank the advertisers who’ve supported our website over the past couple of months.

Like many other businesses we’ve been commercially impacted by COVID-19 but we felt the time was right to resume print operations. This was partly in response to a recent decision

by News Corporation to cease printing non-metro publications across Australia at the end of June, including here in our own region. But it’s also because our local economy is showing strong signs of recovery, granted that it’s early days.

We believe in our publication.

But more importantly we believe in our community, and the role we can continue to play as a news outlet and as an advertising platform for our region’s business sector, both online and in print.

Jeremy Sollars

THE LATEST IN NEWS

��

EVENTS

��

WWW.FREETIMES.COM.AU

ENTERTAINMENT

��

GARDENING GOOD FOR THE SOUL...

LIFESTYLE

��

SPORT

NEWS

Like many locals Johannes and Judy Spijkers have found gardening to be a great form of COVID-19 ‘therapy’ - here’s a sunflower gracing their veggie patch to brighten up your day... ●

DRAFT BUDGET Southern Downs Regional Council seeks public comment and feedback on Draft Budget for 2020-2021 - pages 12-13.

BUSHFIRES LESSONS? Council makes a submission to the Royal Commission on National Natural Disaster Arrangements - page 15.

GARDEN TIME Free Times gardening guru BEATRICE HAWKINS shares her latest musings - and some gardening trivia to lighten your mood - page 19.

CASEY’S SPIN Free Times sports columnist CASEY O’CONNOR gives us his take on the sporting world during COVID-19 - pages 20-21.

Ea s

ing

ndly.Ba e i r nk y.F

Why Choose Us?

We are YOUR local banking solution!

We offer the same products as the ‘BIG’ banks,but with friendly face-to-face customer service you might struggle to find elsewhere.

Call us today for more information on how we can help you reach your inancial goals!

1300 724 433

www.wcu.com.au

Warwick Credit Union Ltd ABN 98 087 651 116. Trading as Warwick Credit Union, Gympie Credit Union and Dalby Credit Union, AFSL and Australian credit licence 240556.

2 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

12450450-SG23-20

freetimes.com.au

NEWS

DAM TENDER DUE JULY

BY JEREMY SOLLARS The Granite Belt Irrigation Project - the commercial entity driving the proposed Emu Swamp Dam near Stanthorpe - says civil contractors “have been given a shot of good news with confirmation one of Queensland’s first new dams in a decade will be releasing construction tenders from the middle of this year”.

In a statement released back in May GBIP chairman Dan Hunt said the group “plans to release the dam construction tender in July with (tenders for) the pump stations and pipelines following later in the year”, with those tenders together worth an estimated $60 million.

GBIP says it expects construction of the dam to commence in early 2021.

The project has been decades in the making and has long been the subject of political power-plays between state and federal governments, with the Queensland Palaszczuk Government saying its total funding share of $13.6 million will be dependent on the dam being delivered at the estimated overall cost of $84 million, without cost “overruns”.

Earlier in 2020 the Queensland Government released $6 million of its funding share to kick-start the construction tender process.

“The Granite Belt Irrigation Project (GBIP) will deliver a 12,000 megalitre dam at Emu Swamp, south-west of Stanthorpe, and 117km of pipeline to provide water to 51 agribusiness customers,” Mr Hunt said in May. “With committed government and private funding, high levels of community support and significant local subcontracting capacity we are anticipating strong contractor competition to deliver infrastructure that will transform the Granite Belt’s water security.

“This project is desperately needed in a premium food bowl region that virtually ran out of water in early 2020.

“As a result of our thorough work, we have committed funding of $23.4 million from local irrigators - the highest proportion of private investment in water infrastructure in Queensland’s history - $47 million from the Australian Government and a conditional commitment of $13.6 million from the Queensland Government.”

Mr Hunt said “pre-tender milestones delivered by GBIP to confirm the project’s viability include a $3 million detailed

NO DATES AS YET FOR KMART

The Emu Swamp Dam will provide irrigation water to 51 primary producers on the Granite Belt. Producers have committed $23.4m of their own money to the project, the highest private water investment in Queensland’s history. Picture: FILE PHOTO business case approved by the Federal and State governments, environmental approvals secured, and irrigator commitment to purchase water entitlements for the 3900ML scheme”. · Interested contractors can source additional information before the tenders are released by emailing info@ granitebeltirrigationproject.com.au

NO NEWS ON PIPELINE ...

Meanwhile there’s no update from the Queensland Government on a proposed pipeline to connect Warwick and Stanthorpe to Toowoomba’s water supply from Wivenhoe Dam. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited

Warwick in January and announced her government would seek to “fast-track” the project using its powers through its Coordinator-General’s office.

The Premier stopped short of fully committing to the 90km pipeline - she did not release any detail on costings during her January Warwick visit - and said any further announcements would be made as part of the 2020-2021 Queensland Budget, which had been due for release in April.

The State Budget will instead be replaced by a ‘COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review’ due in September. Ms Palaszczuk has not made any further statements about the Toowoomba-Warwick pipeline since the beginning of the year. ●

PICK UP A COPY IN STORE NOW

Target Country stores in Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi will be converted to Kmart outlets as part of a major retail shakeup within the Wesfarmers group which owns both chains.

While it’s good news for our region, around 75 Target outlets across Australia will close for good causing thousands of job losses.

The Target brand nationally - and Target Country, smaller-format stores in regional areas - has struggled financially in recent years and compounded by COVID-19.

The Kmart re-brandings and store closures affect about two-thirds of Target’s 284 stores nationally.

“The actions ... reflect our continued focus on investing in Kmart, a business with a compelling customer offer and strong competitive advantages, while also improving the viability of Target,” Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott said in a statement in May. “For some time now the retail sector has seen significant structural change and disruption, and we expect this trend to continue.”

Wesfarmers has given no specific timeframe for the new Kmart openings in Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi other than stating that the Target closures will happen in “early 2021”. · FUTURE PLANS FOR BIG W DC STORY PAGE 14. ●

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR CATALOGUE DOWNLOAD A COPY ONLINE

OUT NOW

www.wilshireandco.com.au/end-of-financial-year-catalogue-2020/ STANTHORPE PH 0746 812 055 TENTERFIELD PH 0267 361 406 12450430-LB23-20

freetimes.com.au

DEEPWATER PH 0267 345 081 TEXAS PH 0746 531 400

MINGOOLA PH 0267 375 312 INGLEWOOD PH 0746 521 499

www.wilshireandco.com.au 93A Folkestone St Stanthorpe ph 46 812 055

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 3

COVER STORY

COVID-19

The border will remain closed until at least the end of June, the Premier has said while standing firm this week. The border has become something of a political free-for-all, with a State election in October.

COVER PHOTO - Rachel Gaske and Stephen Domjahn from ‘The Condy’ are looking forward to welcoming more patrons into the iconic local Club.

- WHERE WE’RE AT...

BY JEREMY SOLLARS

Q

ueensland for the Queenslanders - that’s the short summary of the State Government’s announcements this week on where we’re at in the Sunny State on COVID-19.

As of this week restrictions have been lifted off travel within Queensland - it’s now unlimited - and in some great news for tourism operators here in our region overnight accommodation stays are now permitted.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last Sunday moved part of the ‘Stage 2’ of her COVID-19 ‘Roadmap for Queensland’ forward by a couple of weeks, in what she said was a recognition of the “great work” Queenslanders have done in keeping the curve flat.

But - and no real surprises here - the border will remain firmly closed until July, and possibly longer.

With a State election due in October of this year the border issue has perhaps been more highly-politicised than it might

otherwise have been, and pollies and parties of all shades have been utilising it as rich political capital.

That includes Pauline Hanson who wants the issue decided by the High Court, while the Premier has been under significant pressure from the tourism industry on the Gold and Sunshine Coast and in North Queensland.

Ms Palaszczuk has been walking what seems to be a fine line between appealing politically to Queenslanders’ sense of state self-identity and precautionary health principles by hinting that the border could stay closed until September - or beyond.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the ‘Roadmap’ she issued back in early May did indicate the Queensland border could be re-opened by 10 July, but “subject to further planning and review”.

The next school holiday period is from Monday 29 June to Friday 10 July which will also have been a factor in her decisionmaking.

Federal MP for Maranoa David Littleproud has said medical advice to the Morrison Government is that borders should be opened, saying Annastacia Palaszczuk’s

stance is “totally at odds” with the advice from the nation’s chief medical officers and is a “political manoeuvre gone wrong”.

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi says the council will be guided by the latest medical advice and supports the border re-opening when the medical advice to the Queensland Government supports such a move.

State Member for Southern Downs James Lister shares Cr Pennisi’s view and says the border closure “has helped stop the spread of coronavirus”.

“But the border closure has come at a huge cost to our state’s economy and to the people of our electorate who live along or have business, family or farming links spanning the state line,” Mr Lister said this week.

“As soon as expert medical advice indicates we can we must re-open the border, because if we dither, long term economic damage to jobs and small business here and throughout Queensland will continue to mount.”

Mr Lister has been vocal about the particular impacts the border closure has had on rural communities in electorates like

Southern Downs and says there are “still not enough checkpoints along the closed border”.

“Many people, primary producers and small businesses are authorised to cross the border, but have to travel long distances to reach a checkpoint, which costs time and money,” he said.

“And it’s potentially disastrous that ambulances rushing to a car crash or heart attack can be faced with an extended round trip because of concrete barriers across our border roads.

“I have strongly lobbied Premier Palaszczuk, and twice raised the need for more checkpoints in parliament, but so far the state government hasn’t budged.” · The Southern Downs and Granite Belt regions have had no active COVID-19 cases since early April - and only the one case, long-since recovered, within the council region. · As of the start of this week Queensland had 5 active cases, with a total of 1058 confirmed cases to date, and just under 197,367 tests carried out. The Darling Downs region of Queensland Health has to date recorded 42 cases, with two deaths.

32-42 Ivy Street, Killarney

Phone 07 4664 1188 www.killarneycoop.com www.facebook.com/killarneycoop info@killarneycoop.com

Coffee Shop 12426868-CG38-19

4 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

freetimes.com.au

Granite Belt Wine & Tourism president Martin Cooper - and friends - at Ridgemill Estate.

Light on the horizon? Granite Belt tourism operators have been encouraged by bookings for overnight stays.

Spare a thought for those on the midnight shift at the border - that fire drum is a necessity...

Queensland Police, TMR officials and Army Reservists remain on duty at the border just south of Killarney.

delighted,” Martin said.

“When the (roadmap) was first announced we were looking at travel within the state being eased by June 12 and as a result of that we’d already taken some bookings.

“In fact there was an immediate response at that time.

“But to have the intra-state travel easing brought forward a couple of weeks is great.

“It did take us a little by surprise and it’s meant operators are now rushing to get their safety plans in place to meet the visitor demand but that’s a good thing.

“As far as the border is concerned it’s not such a big impact for the Granite Belt, but we do have a certain amount of visitation from people in northern New South Wales.

“But overall I think the tourism sector here is feeling a lot more positive - obviously with wine tastings people will need to be seated at a table and served that way but we’ll work within that.”

GBWT hasn’t been resting on its laurels during COVID-19 - the organisation has offered 12 months free membership

to all tourism businesses in the Granite Belt region and has been pro-active in promotion, including hosting a tour in February for more than 20 travel writers and social media influencers from the Australian Society of Travel Writers, resulting in numerous travel stories appearing in major tourism publications and in travel influencer social media posts.

“We didn’t stop our activity during the Covid-19 travel restrictions, but we took on a new message, encouraging online purchases of Granite Belt products, plus encouraging visitors to remember the Granite Belt fondly, with imagery and stories about ‘Granite Belt My Happy Place’,” Martin said.

“Other initiatives during this time have included ‘Granite Belt Delivered’ promoting products and drinks produced on the Granite Belt to be ordered online and delivered across Australia.

“Initiatives such as Granite Belt Delivered have really helped businesses to generate some much needed cash flow during this time.

Continued page 6

Condamine Sports Club manager Stephen Domjahn is looking forward to welcoming more locals back through the doors.

ENCOURAGING SIGNS...

While the wider political debate over the border is set to ramp up further, the most recent easing of restrictions has been greeted warmly by tourism operators on the Granite Belt.

Unlike the coastal and northern tourism sectors of Queensland - who are screaming for southern visitors to be allowed north to chase the sun and the warmth - on the Granite Belt this is a time of year when visitors seek the unique pleasures of our cooler climate.

Marketed as ‘Brass Monkey’ season, the attraction includes the opportunity for visitors to cosy up next to a fire with a glass or three of the Granite Belt’s fine wines and make the most of winter, as well as visiting National Parks and taking country drives.

With the key ‘target market’ for Granite Belt tourism operators being South-East Queensland and Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba in particular, the continued border closure could in fact turn out to be something of a bonus - in that Queenslanders seeking a cool weather getaway will have to stay inside their state, at least for the time being.

Those operators do also draw visitors from northern New South Wales and

elsewhere from interstate, but by all accounts bookings at Stanthorpe region accommodation venues are up as a result of the most recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

And for businesses at the Warwick end of the region any increased visitation to the region as a whole will have positive spin-offs, as those visitors do plenty of daytrips using Stanthorpe as a base, plus those driving through en route.

The other good news is that wine tasting - another staple activity for Granite Belt visitors - is once again available, albeit seated at a table rather than at the bar or counter of the winery cellar door sales area.

Martin Cooper is the president of tourism promotion and advocacy body Granite Belt Wine & Tourism (GBWT) and is owner-operator of Ridgemill Estate, a winery and vineyard offering luxury cabin accommodation.

He told the Free Times this week he and other similar operators are now feeling far more optimistic as a result of the intra-state travel easing - and his own phone has been ringing hot with bookings for the coming weeks of winter.

“The Premier’s most recent announcement is tremendous, everyone’s

ROSEWOOL UGGS & RUGS KEEP WARM THIS WINTER!

ALL COWHIDES NOW $379

‘’Brass Monkey Season’’ is a key tourism drawcard for the Stanthorpe region.

Ironically, Queenslanders travel there for the cold, unlike southerners wishing they could head north to escape it. freetimes.com.au

12450790-NG23-20

MOCCASINS ONLY $49

Ugg฀Boots฀&฀Slippers฀•฀Moccasins฀&฀Scuffs Ladies฀fashion฀print฀boots฀•฀Beautiful฀Sheepskins

SALE NOW ON. OPPOSITE POST OFFICE, WARWICK

Find us on Facebook Rosewool Uggs & Rugs

CALL 0438 615 321 FOR VIEWING Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 5

COVER STORY From page 5 “We’re even encouraging visitors to purchase vouchers and book ahead with our latest campaign, ‘Behind Closed Doors’, where we’re taking virtual tours through accommodation and attractions to whet the appetite to our target markets”.

Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce president Graham Parker said there was a sense of “lots of enthusiasm” in the wider Stanthorpe region business sector as a result of the intra-state travel easing.

“We’re in that positive position of being close to Brisbane and a lot of businesses in the Stanthorpe area are really going to benefit from the premier bringing that decision forward,” Graham told the Free Times.

“It’s also fair to say many businesses had been preparing for that easing in anticipation and while this week’s announcement was a little short notice we have to be agile enough to respond accordingly.

“Is it time yet to have an outdoor winery event with 100 people in close proximity to each to each other, probably not.

“But the easing of restrictions in stages overall is a positive thing.

“As far as the border goes I personally wonder if there’s a need to wait another month or so to re-open it, I wonder if it’s a bit of overkill.

“But it has to be said those working the border - the police, the transport

LATEST EASING...

Here’s the Premier’s statement on the most recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions from this week Queenslanders will be able to undertake unlimited travel including overnight stays throughout the entire state.

The easing of intrastate travel restrictions - by road, rail and air within Queensland - will come well in time for the next school holidays and would significantly kick-start the state’s tourism industry which had experienced an unprecedented downturn under strict but necessary Coronavirus restrictions.

Queenslanders’ outstanding response to the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed the travel restrictions to be lifted ahead of a planned move to Stage Two of the Roadmap to easing Queensland’s Restrictions originally scheduled for June 12.

Under the updated plan, there will also be a further easing of restrictions at pubs, cafes and restaurants.

The only reason we are able to move

department guys, the army, they’ve been doing a tremendous job.”

Graham said it was important to bear in mind Stanthorpe in particular has strong social and economic links with Tenterfield Shire.

“We do business there and we have lots of friends and community connections over the border and they get a lot of visitation from Queensland,” he said.

“Effectively we’re all part of the same region economically.

“But like everyone else I’ve been watching how governments at all levels have been responding to COVID-19 and I’m finding it hard to be critical.

“Let’s face it, we haven’t had the number of deaths in Australia as we’re seeing internationally and there’s no doubt in my view that’s attributable to our approach in this country.

“We got through the GFC and we’ll get through this although the economic fallout will continue for some time and we all know that.

“It’s all about how you deal with the challenge and how you respond to it.

“The concern is the possibility of those ‘cluster-type’ COVID outbreaks and we still need to be mindful of that.

“Personally I’m looking forward to enjoying a drink at the Ballandean Tavern this weekend - and I think we’re all looking forward with our planned Stage Two ahead of the original June 12 date is because Queenslanders have listened to the advice, acted on that advice and done an outstanding job of helping to smash the Covid-19 curve.

From the Gold Coast to Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast to Gympie to Maryborough to Bundaberg, from Longreach to Mt Isa, to Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, Queenslanders will now be able to rediscover their state, travelling for as many nights as they like.

This will go a long way toward giving our critical tourism industry a welcome boost after adhering to the necessary restrictions we were forced to impose and I encourage Queenslanders to take advantage of the easing of rules around intrastate travel.

The easing of restrictions does not apply to biosecurity or restricted zones for indigenous communities which will remain in place subject to a review in consultation with community members.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes are able to cater for more patrons for both food

Visitor Information Centres in Warwick and Stanthorpe re-opened last week.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was this week holding firm on the border issue.

forward to just being able to get out and about a bit more.

“As a Chamber our message is for the whole region, and that’s just to go out and support local businesses in all of our communities.”

sure all the rules and stipulations around COVID-19 are followed.

The Club has been offering a set menu including drinks and takeaways and precooked take-home meals have also been popular in recent times.

“I think we’ve just been very fortunate in Warwick that we haven’t been a ‘cluster’ of COVID-19 in any way, but people are still mindful,” Stephen said.

“It’s great we can increase the numbers to 20 but obviously all of the gaming side of clubs will remain closed until phase 3 comes in in July, but it’s always possible that further easing of restrictions could be brought forward.

Continued page 8

CLUB WELCOMES CHANGES ...

Like other licensed venues Warwick’s Condamine Sports Club has welcomed the opportunity to allow more patrons back into its premises.

Manager Stephen Domjahn says it’s a “slow movement forward” for the iconic local club and the focus is on making and beverage service.

Restaurants, cafes and pubs that continue to operate under a COVID safe checklist will be permitted to increase the total number of patrons from 10 to 20.

From Friday this week, with a COVID safe industry plan, venues with more space will be able to go further and allow up to 20 people in each separate area, seated for meals or drinks.

For example, some surf clubs, pubs and RSLs may have four or five defined separate indoor and outdoor areas - they can have 20 people in each of these areas if the areas are big enough.

However, every venue must continue to adhere to strict social distancing rules including limiting each patron to an area of four square metres and adhere to hygiene protocols.

I know many Queenslanders will look forward to having a drink out. It will be a different experience - you will need to be seated and be served by a waiter to order your drinks. Crowds standing at the bar doesn’t support

social distancing.

The same restrictions will apply to gyms and other health clubs, parks, museums and art galleries, in churches and places of worship and other public facilities such as libraries.

In relation to community sporting events where clubs have more than one field, limits of 20 spectators per field will apply.

COUNCIL MEASURES...

The Southern Downs Regional Council has COVID-19 ‘Recovery Hubs’ operating at the Warwick Town Hall and the Stanthorpe Civic Centre. The hubs are designed to be a contact point for business operators and the wider community to provide feedback to the council on local recovery needs - for an appointment with council officers call the council on 1300 697 372. ● · The Southern Downs Regional Council last week released its draft budget for 2020-2021 for public comment including specific COVID-19 measures - read more on pages 12-13.

HON

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

MP

YOUR FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MARANOA

TAX DEDUCTION TIP Use the $150,000 instant asset write of for business-related equipment purchases before June 30, 2020.

P: 4661 2494

P5, 81 Palmerin Street, Warwick david.littleproud.mp@aph.gov.au davidlittleproud.com.au

Focused on Maranoa’s future 12450454-NG23-20

6 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

freetimes.com.au

JobKeeper.

Getting us back to business sooner.

JobKeeper is here to help Australian businesses keep their current staff and employees keep their jobs. So, when you’re ready to start up again or get back to work, we can all get back to business sooner. To find out more, visit jobkeeper.gov.au

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra 12450699-LB23-20

freetimes.com.au

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 7

COVER STORY

ROAD TRIP BOOST...

Since the first phase of movement restriction easing in Queensland in midMay - allowing travel up to 150km from home - one town in our region which has seen an influx of ‘day’ visitors is Killarney.

For the last few weeks more than a steady stream of road-trippers have been making their way of a weekend to the ‘Scenic Gem of the Downs’, bringing with them a boost in trade for businesses.

Annie Moir of the Killarney Hotel said prior to COVID-19 the pub had done anything up to 140 lunches on Saturdays and Sundays and while business has not been quite as brisk of late the increased visitation to the main street and the wider Killarney area has been encouraging.

The pub has also played host to Army Reservists forming part of the checkpoint detail at the border a few kilometres down the road which has likewise been welcome, with Annie saying the Reservists have enjoyed the country hospitality and a “rump or a parmy of a night”.

“When it (COVID-19) first started

we were obviously pretty stressed about everything - it’s not easy running a pub with an income just from a bottleshop,” she said.

“But the visitors of a weekend have certainly helped us and the locals have been great supporters all along - our meals have been popular and having the Reservists staying here has been a blessing.

“Being able to have 10 people in at a time was a good start and 20 will be a bonus - obviously with table service for drinks you need to have the staff on deck to manage that but that’s allright, we’ll work with that.

“There’s been some benefits with COVID-19 - we’ve been doing some renos around the pub, like doing up the bathrooms.”

PHASE 3 OF COVID-19 EASING OF RESTRICTIONS - HOPEFULLY FROM FRIDAY 10 JULY ...

State Government says “subject to further planning and review” interstate and further intrastate travel will be permitted and a maximum of 100 people will be permitted for: · gatherings in public spaces and homes · dining in: restaurants, cafes, pubs, registered and licensed clubs, RSL clubs, food courts and hotels · indoor cinemas · places of worship and religious ceremonies · museums, art galleries and historic sites · pools and community sports clubs · community sport · gyms, health clubs and yoga studios · outdoor amusement parks, zoos and arcades · concert venues, theatres, arenas, auditoriums and stadiums · weddings · funerals · saunas and bathhouses · open homes and auctions · casinos, gaming and gambling venues · pubs, registered and licensed clubs, RSL clubs and hotels nightclubs · beauty therapy, tanning, nail salons and spas, tattoo parlours and non-therapeutic massage parlours · libraries · hiking, camping and other recreational activities in national and state parks. ●

COVID-19 aside, the Southern Downs and Granite Belt remain droughtdeclared, with Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner announcing in late May all drought declarations for Queensland would remain unchanged.

Mr Furner said “after a disappointing wet season, the total area of Queensland that is droughtdeclared remains unchanged at 67.4%”.

He said Local Drought Committees (LDCs) had not recommended any changes to drought declarations due to a lack of drought-breaking rainfall.

“LDCs meet at least once a year, generally at the end of the summer rainfall period, to discuss the impact of seasonal conditions and make recommendations about the drought status of their area,” Mr Furner said.

“They found that while rainfall received during February-March was welcome, there was a lack of followup rainfall and the benefits were limited.

“There has been limited pasture growth, failed winter and summer crops in many areas, as well as significant concerns about stock, irrigation and rural domestic water supplies moving forward into our normally dry winter period.”

For further information on drought assistance visit daf.qld.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.

WINTER RAIN? With town water restrictions in the Southern Downs Regional Council area still at 120 litres per person/ per day - and water carting from Warwick to Stanthorpe continuing - one sign of hope may - we stress, may - be a prediction by the Bureau of Meteorology for above-average winter rainfall for Queensland.

The Bureau of Meteorology will today release its 2020 Winter Outlook, with most of the country showing an increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions in the coming three months.

The Bureau’s manager of longrange forecasting, Dr Andrew Watkins, said there were only a few areas across the country that weren’t looking at a wetter than average winter.

34-36 Palmerin Street • Warwick • 4661 1761 8 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

BOM WINTER OUTLOOK FOR QUEENSLAND ... · Rainfall is likely to be above average for most of the state, with only areas in the far north (where it is seasonally dry at this time of year) showing no strong push towards wetter than average conditions. · Daytime temperatures are likely to be warmer than average along coastal areas and in the north. No strong push for other parts of the state. · Overnight temperatures are likely to be warmer than average for the entire state. ●

I congratulate the Southern Free Times on resuming its print edition and continuing to serve our community.

12450458-SG23-20

Come into Warwick Mower Centre for all your: •฀ Chainsaw฀needs •฀ Log฀Splitters •฀ Services •฀ Repairs •฀ Parts •฀ Lubricants •฀ Accessories฀and฀more

“Most areas of mainland Australia are showing a better than 70 per cent chance of having a wetter than average winter,” Dr Andrew Watkins - BOM’s manager of long-range forecasting - said last month.

Dr Watkins said the outlook was being largely driven by warmer than average ocean temperatures off northwest WA, as well as warm ocean temperatures in the western Pacific.

“Ocean temperatures in the eastern Indian Ocean are currently warmer than normal, and our models are predicting they will warm further throughout the winter months,” he said.

“When warm sea surface temperatures occur closer to Australia, weather patterns shift towards us too, favouring more cloud and rainfall across the country.

“We last saw this happen in 2016, when a strong negative Indian Ocean Dipole formed to the west of Australia. This was the last time we saw tropical moisture from the northern Indian Ocean deliver good winter rainfall to large parts of Australia.

“We aren’t guaranteed the same results as 2016, but the warmer ocean temperatures surrounding the continent will push us in the direction of better than average rainfall.

“As always, it’s important people use the outlooks in conjunction with all of the Bureau’s other tools to make decisions, including the sevenday forecast which will provide details on potential rainfall for the immediate days ahead.”

JAMES LISTER MP Member for Southern Downs

P: (07) 4524 7700 PO Box 444 | STANTHORPE QLD 4380 Southern.Downs@parliament.qld.gov.au jameslister.com.au

12450696-SG23-20

From page 6 “Either way we have the rules and stipulations around distancing when people are in the Club and that’s what we’re most focused on maintaining.

“We just want people to enjoy a good meal and a drink and look ahead to when we get back to normal for good.”

The ‘Condy’ is also looking to introduce electronic ordering from your phone at your table, while the Hawker Road Function Centre at the Warwick Golf Club is offering light snacks for golfers on a Wednesday and Saturday between 10am and 3pm.

Meanwhile the Warwick RSL Memorial Club won’t look at re-opening until ‘Phase 3’ of COVID-19 easing of restrictions comes in, allowing up to 100 punters in a venue, a move which could happen in July but which the State Government has said will be “subject to review”.

RSL management committee president Peter Kemp said for a larger venue like the RSL even 20 patrons is not financially viable for opening.

“We’ll wait for phase three to kick in our running costs including staff and power and everything else operational just means at 20 patrons it really isn’t viable,” Peter said.

“We’ve been taking the opportunity to do some work inside the club, some painting and a general tidying-up.

“It’s going to look a little bit different when we do re-open, I think people will be pleased with it.”

freetimes.com.au

Warm Up AT

ROSE

C ITY

Social Distancing Measures in place | Foodcourt open for Takeaway Open 7 Days | More stores now open 12450442-SN23-20

NEWS

SERVO NOD FOR WOOD/GUY STREETS

BY JEREMY SOLLARS Plans for a new 24/7 service station on the site of the St Mary’s Tennis Pavilion and squash courts at the intersection of Wood and Guy streets in Warwick were approved at a special council meeting last Friday 29 May. Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley and Councillor Cynthia McDonald voted against the approval after a debate over a variety of concerns first raised at the May general council meeting last Wednesday, where the final vote was deferred until Friday.

The majority of councillors voted in favour of several amendments to the approval - with the exception of Cr McDonald - including additional signage to direct traffic and speed bumps to slow vehicles exiting the service station on Guy Street.

The applicant is the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba which owns the tennis and squash courts and associated buildings, which have been approved for demolition. No timeframe has been given for commencement of construction of the service station, with council approvals valid for four years.

Cr Bartley expressed concern over the loss to the community of three car parks on Guy Street if the plan proceeds and suggested the applicant compensate the council financially but no amendment was made to that effect.

Likewise Cr Andrew Gale proposed a “channelised left turn” or slip lane on Wood Street to access the entry to the service station but this was not adopted, with council officers advising Wood Street is a highway under the control of the Department of Transport and Main Roads which had approved the design as it stands.

Cr McDonald said additional representations made to council by an adjoining landowner - who objected to the original application - and received since Wednesday should be considered but officers advised it was received outside the statutory timeframe for objections. The landowner had raised concerns about the impact of vehicles, noise and fumes on residential property they own nearby.

Comparisons have been made with the approval of the Caltex/Woolworths service station at the intersection of Albion and Grafton Streets, where changes to vehicle access were made after its approval due

The pavilion buildings and squash courts will be demolished under the approval.

The St Mary’s Tennis Pavilion and squash courts at the corner of Guy and Wood streets.

Artist’s impression - entry off Wood Street, exit off Guy Street. to concerns over vehicle movements and traffic queuing.

ANOTHER TO THE NORTH The council is assessing a proposal for a second new service station development in Warwick, this one on vacant land on Alexandra Drive on the northern approach into town.

A proposal for a servo - with a coffee shop and ‘showroom’ facilities’ - is currently with the council for the site next to Eastside Hire and diagonally opposite Cassels Automotive on the highway into Warwick from the north.

The prime highway site is owned by Ampol and was previously a service station but has sat vacant for some years.

The proposal has not yet been before

councillors and is currently referred to state departments for review, with the council’s planning officers awaiting responses.

Application documents state the project would be developed in two stages, with stage 1 being the service station itself and a “food and drink outlet (coffee shop with kids playground)” and stage 2 a “bulky goods showroom and workshop ... likely related to automotive products”.

“The service station is the primary component of the development and will feature a contemporary service station with approximately 8 fuel bowsers for standard vehicles and 2 truck fueling stations,” the application states.

“The associated retail shop will have a floor area of 200m².

“The layout includes two access locations

The other proposed servo site is next to Eastside Hire on Alexandra Drive.

- the southern access will allow for trucks to enter and to move safely around the outside of the centre, trucks will exit via the northern egress only.

“Cars will be able to enter/exit from either of the two accesses.

“A total of 40 parking spaces will be provided, along with 1 Articulated Vehicle (AV) space and 1 Small Rigid Vehicle (SRV) space.

“Parking will be conveniently located immediately adjacent to the proposed buildings, with surplus spaces provided along the frontage.”

The application is classed as a ‘material change of use’ so would require a vote of councillors to proceed but no timeframe is yet available. ●

LUCK PLAYS PART AS HIGH DEMAND EXPECTED FOR TANK REBATE Southern Downs councillors last week voted to adopt the ‘Rural Water Tank Rebate Policy’ which will make rebates available for residents not connected to town water.

The only catch is that with demand for the rebates potentially exceeding the funding allocated to the program eligible residents may need to go through an ‘expression of interest’ process and then a ‘ballot’ or lottery to determine successful applications.

In a statement a council spokeswoman said at the February meeting of the council “councillors resolved to allocate $1,050,000 towards providing a water tank rebate to rural landowners”.

The formal policy was adopted at the May monthly meeting on Wednesday of last week.

The policy states the rebate “will be calculated at 10 cents per litre of tank 10 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

capacity to a maximum of the cost of the tank, or $2500, whichever is less”.

“The funds have been allocated in Council’s 2020/2021 budget and eligibility criteria have been developed,” the spokeswoman said.

“The rural water tank rebate will involve a different application and approval process than previous water tank rebates for residents connected to town water.

“Council expects that the demand for this rebate will exceed the $1,050,000 of funds available and will therefore run an expression of interest process, followed by a ballot of eligible applications, should applications exceed available funding.”

Mayor Vic Pennisi said the “prospect of a rural tank rebate is expected to be very popular” and has urged residents “to familiarise themselves with the application process before making tank purchases”.

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

“If residents wish to take advantage of the rebate and increase their domestic water storage capacity, they shouldn’t rush out and buy a tank first; they will need to submit an expression of interest form first,” Cr Pennisi said.

“Once the expression of interest period closes, all eligible applications will be collated and if the total number received exceeds the available budget, a ballot will be undertaken to select the successful applicants.

“Written approval will be provided to successful applicants who can then purchase a water tank and arrange installation, with the assurance they are approved to receive the rebate.

“The Rural Water Tank Rebate is provided to assist as many rural residents as possible increase their domestic water

storage capacity and help to drought-proof their properties.

“The last thing we want is for residents to rush out and buy a tank only to find out they haven’t been approved to receive the rebate.

“I ask residents to follow the process and wait to see if their expression of interest is approved before ordering or purchasing their tank”.

The council spokeswoman said the expression of interest process “will open in the coming weeks” with further information to be provided on Council’s website, through media releases and via social media - and keep an eye out for more info in the Free Times. · More information and ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ at - www.sdrc.qld.gov.au ● freetimes.com.au

As we get out there again, it’s up to all of us to

And if you’re experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, stay home and speak to your doctor about getting tested.

For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit health.gov.au

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra 12450698-LB23-20

freetimes.com.au

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 11

NEWS

FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON BUDGET

12360622-CG32-17

The Southern Downs Regional Council says its draft 2020-2021 budget “delivers long-term vision and prosperity” for the region.

The draft budget was adopted at a special council meeting last Friday 29 May and is open for public feedback and submissions until next Friday 12 June.

The full document can be viewed on the council’s website at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au along with directions on how to have your say by making a submission.

The council released the following

Visit us every day for the latest news and like us on Facebook

freetimes.com.au 12 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

statement on the draft budget “In the Friday 29 May 2020 Special Council Meeting, Southern Downs Regional Council adopted its 2020-2021 Draft Budget, delivering the lowest general rate rise in more than a decade,” the statement said.

“Amidst the challenge of COVID-19, staff have faced the challenge of planning for unknown future circumstances surrounding border closures, enforced business closures, low tourism, and many more.

“However, staff are committed to producing a Draft Budget which continues to meet the community’s needs while still being financially prudent.

“General rates will increase by just 1.9% per cent, the lowest rise since 2008, and Council will continue to extend the early payment discount period from 30 to 60 days to assist residents impacted by ongoing drought and COVID-19 conditions.

“Utility charges for water, sewer and waste will rise by only 1.9% which is less than the previous increase within the 20192020 Financial Year.

“In light of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, Council will apply a COVID-19 concession of 1.9% to the general rates and all utility charges for water, sewer and waste, effectively delivering a 0% rate rise.

“The 2020-21 Draft Budget forecasts an operating surplus of $63,000 and will further reduce Council’s debt by $1.6 million.”

Mayor Vic Pennisi said the 2020-21 Draft Budget “looks towards the region’s future and will build on Council’s strong financial

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

foundation to help the region grow and prosper”.

“This Council’s sound financial management and careful planning over the course of the last term means we are able to deliver the lowest rate rise in more than 10 years, and with the COVID-19 concession, it effectively means a 0% rate rise,” Cr Pennisi said.

“A $40.8 million Capital Works Program will maintain and upgrade the region’s ageing infrastructure, investing in our communities for the long-term.

“The Draft Budget strikes a balance between working towards long-term financial stability and delivering the key services and projects the region needs to continue to grow, prosper and reach its full potential.

“Council will also continue to support many community initiatives, including our vibrant arts and events scene, providing funding through our Community Grants Program.

“Council’s improving financial position has also led to Council successfully securing millions in grants and funding that will allow Council to deliver key projects.

“Council channels these grants and government funding into projects that enhance the liveability of the region, while assisting the region to bounce back after the effects seen through the continuing drought and the COIVID-19 pandemic.

“This funding also encourages more people and businesses to relocate here and

invest in the Southern Downs.

“Council will develop its final Budget after consulting with Southern Downs residents and looks forward to receiving budget submissions from the community.

“Council will then incorporate the community’s feedback into the 2020-21 Budget which looks at delivering strong financial management and responsible planning while still offering important services and projects.

“Council will also be changing the way in which we levy the general rates and the utility rates.

“Previously these have been levied at different times of the year with the general rate all in advance at the start of the financial year and then two separate utility levies.

‘We’ve listened to the feedback that this is somewhat confusing and messy for our ratepayers so we will be introducing the issuing of two half year levies for general rates and utility charges.

“Please note that the water consumption notices will still be issued separately as these charges are based on the amount of water a property uses.

“We recognise that our community has experienced a number of challenges over the past several years with a harsh and prolonged drought, the bushfires and now the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To help support Council will continue to offer a 7.5% discount on general rates and provide an extended discount period of 60 days for the half yearly rate notice.” freetimes.com.au

DRAFT BUDGET OVERVIEW - CAPITAL EXPENDITURE HIGHLIGHTS · $2.28M to extend recycled water network within Warwick, Stage 1 · $1.56M for the continual replacement of Councils Plant and Fleet assets · $3.1M to construct new waste cell at the Warwick Waste Facility · $8.00M for the Restoration of Councils Road Infrastructure due to flood damage · $1.55M to extend recycled water network within Warwick, Stage 2 · $1.27M to upgrade Clearly Street Pump Station · $1.00M to reseal roads across the region · $600,000 to re-sheet gravel roads across the region · $750,000 to Construct a new Waste transfer station at Stanthorpe · $740,000 to upgrade Depot, Ogilvie and East street · $600,000 for widening of Inverramsay Road

· Feedback on the draft budget can be submitted in Person at either the Stanthorpe or Warwick Administration buildings or online at: https://www. sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-yoursay/2020-2021-draft-budget. · Community consultation closes at 5pm 12 June 2020. If you have questions regarding the draft budget or how you can submit your feedback please contact Council on 1300 697 372, by emailing mail@sdrc.qld. gov.au or by the MySDRC app.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BUDGET Cr Pennisi said the SDRC “provides a wide range of services to residents and businesses throughout the region, including roads, water, sewerage, waste management, parks, libraries, and saleyards, just to name a few.

“In recent years, Council has invested in critical infrastructure such as roads, water, facilities and buildings and this will continue in 2020/21,” Cr Pennisi said.

“The Draft Budget has dedicated significant funds towards upgrading and renewing our water infrastructure as Council continues to develop long-term strategies for water security.

“This Budget sees the largest Capital Works Program in many years totalling $40.8M. “Having said that the bucket is never big enough, so the information in the capital budget has been presented by way of priority. freetimes.com.au

“We will be seeking to reduce this figure slightly and we welcome your feedback on projects that are identified with orange or red traffic lights.

“At the time of preparing this Budget, we are mindful that there are a number of projects that Council has lodged funding applications for and these remain unannounced at this point in time.

“These projects have been separately identified in the capital expenditure budget and we eagerly await the outcome.

“Like many other Councils across the state, Southern Downs has significant amounts of aging infrastructure across the region.

“As a result it is critical that adequate funds are allocated to upgrading and maintaining these assets.

“Excluding the projects that are awaiting funding decisions, the Budget includes investment in the following assets : · $12.8m in Water & Sewerage projects · $16.7m in Works projects · $2.7m in Parks & Operations projects · $5.3m in Waste projects · “With the remainder for other smaller projects - this includes highlights such as: · Maryvale Town Centre Upgrades & Leyburn Streetscaping - $275k · Warwick Saleyards effluent treatment plant for the truckwash - $650k · Warwick recycled water main extension - $3.8m · Stanthorpe waste transfer station - 750k · Innverramsay Road widening - $600k

· Upper Forest Springs Road widening $545k · Construction of a new cell at the Warwick waste facility $3.1m “We are also taking the opportunity to undertake some important feasibility studies to progress infrastructure in our region and these include : · Stanthorpe sewerage treatment plant · Smart water meters “Council has been extremely successful in securing grant funding to financially assist the delivery of significant projects for the region.

“Throughout 2020/21 Council will deliver $8M Flood Damage Works funded through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, $2.65M of Roads to Recovery funding to go towards maintaining Councils’ vast road network, other projects such as the upgrade of Maryvale Town Centre ($150k), Leyburn Streetscape and sprints precinct ($125k).

“Additionally, Council will spend $3.83M to extend the recycled water network within Warwick of which Council will receive $1.14M funding.

“Council is also committed to developing the community through the following initiatives : · Supporting community events; · Provision of funds for the Community Grants Program; · Maintaining community swimming pools; · Better cycle-ways, walking and running paths ●

The council announced the following COVID-19-related financial assistance measures in the weeks prior to releasing the draft 2020-2021 budget : · Extend the payment period for water and sewerage levies issued in April 2020 up until the end of June 2020 · Waive interest on overdue rates and charges calculated at 30 June 2020 · Suspension of debt recovery activities for all outstanding rates and charges · Refund of fees and charges for forward bookings for community events which are cancelled as a result of COVID-19 · Waiving of fees for temporary event permits up until 31 December 2020 · Suspension of charging of interest on outstanding rates and charges · Extension of the period of time that can be entered into for existing payment arrangements · Accelerate the processing of payment of all invoices, wherever possible meeting a fourteen day timeframe · Waiving of food license fees for 2020/2021 · 50% reduction in all development assessment fees for any new applications, extensions to existing applications and operational works applications fees for 2020/2021 · Moratorium on the application of the Invasive Pest Control levy for 2020/21 · Refocus the community grants program on COVID-19 recovery actions arising from the recovery plan for 2020/21 · Waive the rental accommodation license fees and caravan park permit fees for 2020/2021 ●

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 13

NEWS

PELLIGRA’S BIG PLANS FOR REGION

BY JEREMY SOLLARS The new owners of the Big W Distribution Centre site in Warwick have big plans for when the current lease to Woolworths Group is up in 2023.

Ross Pelligra, chairman of Melbournebased property development group Pelligra has a vision of the site being the future base of both warehousing and logistics operations and manufacturing, and says his company’s purchase is a long-term strategic one.

The Pelligra group acquired the 23.25 hectare distribution centre site on East Street in early 2020 - understood to be for $17 million - with it having previously been owned by Genox, a company controlled

by Melbourne-based Andrew White and Roseanne Amarant.

Ms Amarant is the daughter of late Melbourne property identity Ezriel Rabinowicz and her business entities also owned a similar regional distribution centre covering 16 hectares in Goulburn in NSW - leased by Coles until 2022 - which the Pelligra group also purchased earlier this year, for a reported $53 million.

The Warwick site was originally sold by the Woolworths Group - who built the Big W DC - to Genox in 1996 for $25 million, with a lease-back arrangement to Woolworths.

As well as the DC site itself, Pelligra now also owns the internal warehouse infrastructure.

It is understood the total annual rental return of the two distribution centres is just over $16 million, with Ross Pelligra appearing confident he can achieve the same rate of future rental return currently brought by Big W and Coles.

There has been local speculation Big W could extend their Warwick DC lease beyond 2023 but the Woolworths Group has to date said it still plans to vacate when the lease expires.

Pelligra Group chairman Ross Pelligra, outside the former GMH plant in Elzabeth SA, which Pelligra now owns.

“LONG-TERM” ...

The Pelligra group has a business strategy of purchasing and ‘re-purposing’ large-scale industrial and commercial sites.

Pelligra in 2019 purchased the former Ford Australia factories in Campbellfield and Geelong, and in 2017 acquired the former GMH plant in Elizabeth in South Australia, which it has re-developed as a mixed-use industrial park with multiple tenants, and has similar plans for the exFord sites.

Ross Pelligra recently told the Free Times the Big W DC purchase was “not a random one” and said his company sees significant future opportunities in non-metro locations like Warwick.

He said Pelligra also has property assets in other parts of south-east Queensland including outer Brisbane and Yatala.

“Obviously Big W has a lease until 2023 so our plans for Warwick aren’t immediate but this is a strategic purchase by us and we’re already looking ahead to the possibilities,” Mr Pelligra said.

“We like regional areas, we see there’s real growth potential - Warwick is a strategic location and we’re also interested in the neighbouring regions.

“What we’re about is long-term investment and we’re there for the longterm play - we’re patient and we can wait.

“We’re not just simply land-bankers.

“COVID-19 doesn’t really affect these kinds of longer-term decisions even though of course the impact will be with us for some time.

14 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

The Big W DC on East Street in Warwick.

“But as a country Australia will come out of it.

“The Warwick site we see as potentially housing a number of different businesses, multiple tenancies, into the future - both existing businesses in the Warwick area who want room to expand and those who might want to re-locate from elsewhere.

“Those operations could be warehousing and logistics, using the plant and equipment that’s already there.

“But there’s also huge potential for manufacturing operations and parts of that site could be modified for those.

“I also see it as potential ‘incubator’ for new businesses, for start-ups.”

Mr Pelligra said factors like highway access and the Wellcamp airport in Toowoomba were part of his firm’s decision to invest in Warwick, as well as Warwick’s proximity to Brisbane.

He also said his group may look to acquire other sites in Warwick, potentially adjoining the Big W DC site and elsewhere.

Mr Pelligra said he is looking forward to working with the new Southern Downs Regional Council administration down the track.

BIG W SAYS IT STILL PLANS TO LEAVE ...

Some have speculated locally that Big W could change its mind about the Warwick

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

The Goulburn Coles DC in NSW, also purchased by Pelligra.

DC, in light of short-term changes to Woolworths operations due to COVID-19.

For example Woolworths partially repurposed a DC in Sydney’s Hoxton Park to support supermarket operations in recent months.

The Free Times last month asked Woolworths Group for comment, with a spokeswoman saying the closure of the BIG W Distribution Centre at Warwick “was announced last year and I can confirm timing for closure will be in 2023”.

“There have been no changes to this timing since it was announced last year,” the Woolworths Group spokeswoman said.

On the bright side she said there is no plan to close the Big W retail outlet in Rose City Shoppingworld.

Woolworths announced in early May that it would close its Calamvale outlet in southern Brisbane, following its announcement in 2019 of the closure of NSW stores at Fairfield, Auburn and Chullora.

Big W’s commercial performance has been mixed in recent years.

COUNCIL STATEMENT IN MARCH ...

The Southern Downs Regional Council released a statement in early March following Pelligra’s Warwick purchase, saying the Big W DC site “is heading

in an exciting new direction with the announcement that it has been sold to Melbourne based company Pelligra”.

“The centre is currently leased to Woolworths and occupied by Big W, however the lease expires in October 2023 and Woolworths has indicated it will not be renewing,” the council statement said.

“Pelligra has recently purchased the site and has a history of acquiring and regenerating large industrial buildings.”

Then-CEO David Keenan said the sale “signifies a substantial investment by Pelligra in the growth and sustainability of the Southern Downs region”.

“Our region is fast gaining a reputation as a prime industrial destination and Pelligra’s purchase represents a substantial investment and confidence in our region’s future,” Mr Keenan said at the time.

“This comes on the back of Integria Healthcare recently announcing a further investment of $7M to expand its existing processing and distribution site in Warwick.

“Our region is uniquely positioned to accommodate business growth with the perfect blend of available space, a willing and skilled workforce and a supportive community.

“Being only a short two hour drive from Brisbane positions our region as desirable and affordable for business and industry.” ● freetimes.com.au

NEWS

LESSONS FROM THE BUSHFIRES?

BY JEREMY SOLLARS A council submission on the 2019 bushfires in the region to the Royal Commission on National Natural Disaster Arrangements has raised issues over emergency alerts and future housing development in rural residential zones.

The submission was signed off by councillors at their May general meeting last week and has been forwarded to the Royal Commission, which was established in February in response to the “extreme bushfire season of 2019-2020”.

It is due to deliver a final report by the end of August this year.

The Southern Downs Regional Council’s submission presents a view of what it considers to be ‘lessons learned’ from the bushfires, noting strong partnerships between local agencies, volunteers and emergency services, and notes there were “no injuries or loss of life” in our region.

It also notes the challenge to firefighters posed by the drought but that “alternative water sources were identified and sourced by council and emergency services to negate the need to use scare town water supplies”.

But the submission also refers to what council officers consider was “confusion” over some of the warnings issued to residents when fires were threatening settled areas, and also recommends restrictions on future housing in “bushfire-prone” parts of the region.

Specifically, the submission recommends that “areas such as those impacted by the Stanthorpe bushfire in September 2019 should not be subject to new residential development including rural residential”.

The submission also states that landowners “generally lack knowledge in how to manage their land to reduce fuel loads, particularly in the face of a changing climate and altered fire regimes”.

“Controlled burning is ad hoc and piece meal at best when considering bushfire risk mitigation at the landscape scale,” the submission states.

“Traditional land and fire management practices of Indigenous Australians should be incorporated into training practices that are made widely available to landowners, regardless of the way in which they use their land.”

KEY POINTS FROM THE SUBMISSION ...

“Alerts - a level of confusion exists in the community as to the messaging contained in emergency alerts. ‘Watch and Act’ alerts advising residents to ‘leave now’ caused confusion.

“Resource management - critical water shortages across the Southern Downs meant that access to water for firefighting purposes was a very real concern, particularly as drinking water supplies are typically drawn upon for firefighting.

“Evacuation · Some confusion resulted from there being two evacuation centres and alert messaging at times conflicted with the status of the New England Highway for travel. · Well-meaning community organisations advertised the availability of their grounds for evacuees and their domestic animals, which confused evacuation messaging. · Evacuation centre facilities were found to be lacking in some areas, particularly the lack of a back-up power supply to the Stanthorpe centre. freetimes.com.au

“Recovery · Some residents were unable or unwilling to leave their home to attend the community hub to access recovery assistance information. Illustrating gaps in the provision of information to impacted residents, a joint visit by QRA (Queensland Reconstruction Authority) and council staff six months on from the Stanthorpe bushfires revealed that a resident whose property was directly impacted had not received any support or contact from any level of government since the bushfires occurred. · Existing agency funding and loans packages were used for business recovery, rather than tailoring specific packages that catered to the impacts of the bushfires.

This resulted in reduced uptake by business due to incompatible eligibility criteria. · Some residents did not identify with the names that were used to describe locations, so they missed out on funding packages or help. For example an overall suburb name was used rather than the smaller discrete township or locality names which locals would use and know. · A lack of data on biodiversity condition meant it was not possible to accurately measure the level of impact on the natural environment which confounded planning for recovery. · Long delays in time between commitments for funding and the delivery/execution of funding agreements meant that several opportunities to harness recovery efforts dissipated.

Recommendations · Alerts - emergency alerts need to be localised to illustrate the location of the fire front in order for residents to gain a better understanding of the proximity of the fire. Messaging in emergency alerts need to be consistent and simplified so residents better understand the intent of

the alert. · Landowners generally lack knowledge in how to manage their land to reduce fuel loads, particularly in the face of a changing climate and altered fire regimes.

Controlled burning is ad hoc and piece meal at best when considering bushfire risk mitigation at the landscape scale.

Traditional land and fire management practices of Indigenous Australians should be incorporated into training practices that are made widely available to landowners, regardless of the way in which they use their land. · Mapping of firebreaks needs to be improved and contemporised.

Coordination of data held by different agencies needs to be centralised and shared.

Planning · Better planning needs to occur in areas of high bushfire risk. Areas such as those impacted by the Stanthorpe bushfire in September 2019 should not be subject to new residential development including rural residential. Roads should not be constructed in these areas, ie a no-through road up a heavily treed hill, adjoining an extensive State forestry. Further cul-desacs should also not be permitted to be constructed from this no through road, as doing so only increased the number of residences which are subject to a potential impact, with no alternative access routes.

Any cul-de-sacs in these areas should also be reduced in length, to reduce the nature of the impact and ability to be aware of the situation at hand. Existing areas of high bushfire risk, where there is only one route in and out, should be provided with a lawful, alternative route, which is passable by a passenger vehicle. · A full reticulated water supply should be provided to all rural residential properties, particularly where they are subject to a high bushfire risk. Where reticulated

water isn’t available or the property is within the Rural zone, then an appropriate water storage, only for firefighting purposes, should be available, ie a tank fitted with the appropriate couplings, which cannot be used for residential supply. · Appropriate fire breaks should be established, maintained and protected around any existing areas of high density rural residential development, where they adjoin State Forest, by the responsible State agency. ●

MORE ON THE ROYAL COMMISSION FROM ITS WEBSITE “The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements was established on 20 February 2020 in response to the extreme bushfire season of 2019-20 which resulted in loss of life, property and wildlife and environmental destruction.

“Sometimes referred to as the ‘Bushfires Royal Commission’, the Commission will examine coordination, preparedness for, response to and recovery from disasters as well as improving resilience and adapting to changing climatic conditions and mitigating the impact of natural disasters. The inquiry will also consider the legal framework for Commonwealth involvement in responding to national emergencies.” · READ MORE AT - naturaldisaster. royalcommission.gov.au ●

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 15

NEWS

Mayor Vic Pennisi, Acting CEO Jane Stroud and Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley.

COMMITTEE SYSTEM TO RETURN IN JULY

BY JEREMY SOLLARS The new Southern Downs Regional Council administration was sworn in back on Wednesday 15 April - two weeks after the Free Times in print went into ‘temporary hibernation’ thanks to COVID-19.

A lot has happened since, including the appointment of an acting chief executive officer (CEO) - Jane Stroud, formerly the council’s Director of Sustainable Development - who replaced former CEO David Keenan.

Councillors at a special meeting last Friday 29 May reviewed recruitment consultants to undertake a nationwide search for a new CEO, a process which could take some months.

According to council meeting minutes Mr Keenan’s contract was “terminated by council and by mutual agreement”. The council has not released details of any severance payment package agreed on for Mr Keenan.

The Free Times caught up with Mayor 16 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

Vic Pennisi and Ms Stroud towards the end of May, with the mayor saying one of his priorities since taking office has been to get around and meet with as many council employees as possible, as well as talking to the business community about the council’s COVID-19 response.

Cr Pennisi also said he is serious about greater transparency around council decision-making and pointed to the upcoming re-introduction of a councillor committee system to replace closed-door briefing sessions of councillors.

From July two new ‘standing committees’ of councillors will meet each month prior to general council meetings with proceedings made public - an ‘Infrastructure and Executive Committee’ chaired by Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley, and a ‘Sustainable Development, Corporate and Community Services Committee’ chaired by Cr Cameron Gow. Cr Pennisi has also foreshadowed a more prominent role for councillors associated with their policy portfolios, himself taking

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

on the portfolio of ‘Planning and Prosperity, Executive Services, Youth Development, Tourism, Disaster Management and Media and Communications’.

He also told the Free Times he wants to foster a more “open and positive” relationship with local media - hinting at the possible introduction of regular media conferences where reporters can put direct questions to himself and the councillors.

“I’m keen to explore the councillors having the ability to speak to the media and the public in general about their portfolio areas - we want to make those portfolios a really meaningful responsibility,” Cr Pennisi said.

“Another area I’ll be directing attention to is our advisory committees which are drawn from the community and the various sectors of the business community.

“There’s a real wealth of experience among the people on those committees and I think they can operate better, and with a bit better direction they can be an even more valuable source of advice to us as

councillors.

“But my main priority right now is getting out and talking to businesses around the region about what they want council to do in relation to COVID-19 and that’s what I’ll be continuing to do - and my door is open for anyone who wants to come and talk to me.

“I’ve also been trying to get around and meet with as many of our staff as I’ve been able to over the last few weeks and that’s ongoing as well.

“Our staff are our most important and our most valuable resource as an organisation and I want to thank them all for the way they’ve responded to the challenges COVID has posed for us as a council.”

Cr Pennisi also praised Ms Stroud for her commitment to the interim CEO role since her appointment at the end of April, saying she had been tasked with “an incredible amount of work” since her appointment. ● freetimes.com.au

COUNCILLOR PORTFOLIOS ... · Engineering, Infrastructure and Financial Services - Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley · Asset Management - Cr Jo McNally · Parks & Open Space, Transport and Information Technology - Cr Andrew Gale · Water, Tourism, Audit and Risk Management - Cr Stephen Tancred · Environmental, Waste, Sustainability and Disaster Management - Cr Cameron Gow · Community Services, Towns and Villages, Disaster Recovery - Cr Sheryl Windle · Sport and Recreation, Events, Culture and the Arts - Cr Marco Gliori · Agriculture and Corporate and Commercial Services - Cr Cynthia McDonald · Planning and Prosperity, Executive Services, Youth Development, Tourism, Disaster Management and Media and Communications - Mayor Vic Pennisi ●

Mayor Vic Pennisi says the reintroduction of councillor committees is a key step towards greater transparency of decision-making within the council.

PUZZLES

4 2 5 CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO.3 7636 DOWN ACROSS Suave (6)

7 5

How to Sud

8

Fill the gr every row 3x3 squar the digi

9 8 6 9 5

4 9 2 7 8 5 1 6 3

Solution 7 6 5 3 9 1 2 4 8

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7636 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, A long way ahead. 8, S-wear. 9, Grating. 10, Spa-red. 11, S’-le-eve (rev). 12, Forte. 14, Spate (anag).

18, I-ntac-t. 20, Reason. 23, Scam-per (rev). 24, S-pear.

25, Sheer nonesense.

Down - 1, A-ss-ist. 2, (r)O-meg-a(d). 3,G-arm-ent. 4,Alg-y. 5, Ava-il. 6, Evi-den-t. 7, Dogged (anag). 13, Outrage. 15, P-lease-s. 16, Misses. 17, Entree. 19, C-aper. 21, Stern. 22, Ergo (rev).

3 5 9 2 8

2 9 1 8 3 7 5 4 6

4 7 8 1 6 5 3 2 9

9 5 6 2 8 3 4 7 1

1 3 7 5 4 6 8 9 2

Solution No.4299

8 2 4 7 1 9 6 3 5

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

the mountain being unclimbable? (5,8).

DOWN 1. Help a ship: it’s in trouble (6). 2. Letter the girl found ion the middle of the road (5). 3. Prepare to fight the fellow about the clothing (7). 4. The lay-about detaining the key man (4). 5. Use the girl to get to the Italian (5). 6. It’s clear the vet and I must somehow guard the lair (7). 7.

Determined to cook the odd egg (6). 13. Storm more than the others at the atrocity (7). 15. Getting a contract in addition makes one happy (7). 16. The girls one doesn’t notice (6). 17. It allows one in to get something to eat (6).

19. The cold pear mousse tastes sour (5). 21. A stiff back (5). 22. So stand up to anyone who frightens you (4).

5 6 3 9 2 4 7 1 8

ACROSS 1. Having a good lead with still much ground to cover (1,4,3,5). 8. Promise on Sunday to put it on (5). 9. The guard is getting on one’s nerves (7). 10. Didn’t destroy the water-colour (6). 11. The Spanish girl’s about to return the container (6). 12. A loud “That’s what you’re best at!” (5). 14. Flood in which the tapes got damaged (5). 18.

All there can’t possibly squeeze into it (6). 20. Work out why (6). 23. Run through and get the coats back first (7).

24. Pierce, with the point, the tree (5). 25. Twaddle about the mountain being unclimbable? (5,8).

DOWN 1. Help a ship: it’s in trouble (6). 2. Letter the girl found

7 8 9 4 5 2 1 6 3

Cryptic Clues

4

ACROSS

4 9 7 6 1 6 8

5 2 4 1 1 3 8 3 4 5 6 9 1 2 8 7

Fool (5) Fabric (7) Final (4) Drive (5) Specimen (7) Implement (6) Forebear (7) Shellfish (7) Savage (6) Fuel (6) Ointment (5) Change (5) Group (4)

DOWN Suave (6) YPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7636

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7636

freetimes.com.au

6

6 1 2 3 7 8 9 5 4

1.

No.4

8 6 7 5 2 6 7 6 7 8 7 4 8 3 1 4 5 9 7 6 8 3 4 3 9 1

ACROSS Dense (13)

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

8 4

Fishing boat (7)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

13.

15.

16.

17.

19.

21.

22.

How to solve Sudoku!

ACROSS Dense (13) Short (5) Singer (7) Lower (6) Pass (6) Interval (5) Benefit (5) Rubbish (6) Harm (6) Fishing boat (7) Afterwards (5) Soldier (5-8)

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7636 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Unintelligent. 8, Brief. 9, Soprano. 10, Nether.

11, Elapse. 12, Break. 14, Asset. 18, Refuse. 20, Damage.

23, Trawler. 24, Later. 25, Lance-corporal.

Down - 1, Urbane. 2, Idiot. 3, Taffeta. 4, Last. 5, Impel. 6, Example. 7, Trowel. 13, Refrain. 15, Scallop. 16, Brutal.

17, Petrol. 19, Salve. 21, Alter. 22, Trio.

1.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

14.

18.

20.

23.

24.

25.

1.

SUDOKU No. 4299

Quick Clues

5

QUICK QUICKPUZZLE PUZZLENo. NO.7636 7636

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 17

1 3 8 6 2 4 9 5 7

9 5 4 8 1 3 8 5 6 3 7 2

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services Deadline

Septic Tanks

V

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

Garages Patios

OFFICE & DISPLAY CENTER – 97A McEVOY ST. WARWICK In-House Supply, Installation, Concrete and Councils

12441952-SN08-20

Sheds Carports

Celebrations 12435790-NG14-20

General Notices

V

Public Notices and Event

V

Massage Therapists

Buy, Rent & Sell in our

Real Estate

section of Network Classifieds.

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

section of Network Classifieds.

Deadline for all classifications is 11am Tuesday.

For Sale

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

MOBILITY SCOOTER GC, basket, bag, flag, stick holder, new tryes, new batteries, reg 19.11.20, B006D. $795ono. Delivery negotiable. Phone Jim 0499 973 507.

Find your special occasion needs in our

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

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

Phone 4666 3030.368.00

Servicing Aratula, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Tenterfield & Surrounds.

Email: warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au

Available Seven Days a Week

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

Travel

Bricklayers

Business Directory

‘No job too small’ QLD licence: 47329 NSW licence: 231508C New homes, extensions ect Wajele PTY LTD 0419 739 732 | 0417 987 706 darrenthebrickle@gmail.com FREE QUOTES

ACCOUNTING

0438 623 734

PLUMBERS Condamine Plumbing & Drainage P/L (QBCC 15014147)

Digital and Satellite service

ELIMINATE YOUR LEAF PROBLEM and ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

0407 582 394

0418 760 615

AUTOMOTIVE

General Notices

V

(Lic 1252320)

0430 540 438

Gibson’s Window Tinting

07 4661 5632

SEPTIC TANKS

SJ Car Care

07 4661 1222

Stanthorpe Septic Service

0407 582 394

07 4685 2396

Employment V

R and F Steel Buildings

07 4661 9835

BUILDING & LANDSCAPING

NEW STAFF?

George Cassar Floor Sanding

SUPPLIES

C1082079-JL28-13

& Polishing

0402 521 961

Warwick Sand & Gravel Supplies 07 4661 2080

UPHOLSTERY COMPUTERS Outrite Computers & Gaming

Insulated Patios Colorbond Patios

Rob Laney Ph: 4661 5968

Daryl Hockings Upholstery and 07 4681 3003

Furniture Repairs

m: 0418 153 584 f: 4661 5988

Pest Control

12450695-NG23-20

Looking forward to the future

Taxation/ Accounting

V

EP89196

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

UNITED TAX & ACCOUNTING

PLACE YOUR

V

Caravans & Trailers

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

V

Farm Vehicles /Machinery

Local professionals in our

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

V

Motor Vehicles

MAZDA Bravo ute, 2004, reg to Aug. 20, good clean condition, alloy tray, racks, towbar, 2 tool boxes, cold aircon., safety cert. on sale, 178,000kms. 384-SWX., $5,990ono. Phone Jim 0499 973 507.

MOBILE PANEL BEATING AND SPRAY PAINTING

MARK GROSSKOPF

|

Motoring

Garage Sales

12400498-CG38-18

A X

0438 623 734 18 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

General Classifieds

TAX PREPARATION

All types of Pest Management ฀Pre-Purchase Inspections Free Quotes Servicing the Southern Downs Termite Specialist

Fill your position online

12450560-LB23-20

V

Thanking all my valued customers

Use code: EMPDISC

1300 666 808

Professional Services

Warwick’s ONLY locally owned and operated Pest Control business

Get 10% Discount

0417 745 667

Servicing Warwick, Stanthorpe & Tenterfield.

Positions Vacant

NEED

TIMBER FLOORING SERVICES

Decks/Pergolas

Accommodation

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.

SHEDDING

BUILDERS Rose City Constructions

section of Network Classifieds.

BSA 712053

Real Estate

0407 614 332

Gordon Cooper Plumber

12377647-EPJ05-18

฀ ฀

Inspector Pest Control

Robert Partington

DES’ GUTTER GUARDIAN

฀

07 4683 2483

ANTENNAS

Builders & Building Services

฀

PEST CONTROL

United Tax & Accounting

12441492-NG09-20

฀

1300 666 808

12450437-NG23-20

Brick/Blocklaying & Paving

V

V

V

0407 634 221

We accept payment by:

V

For Sale

SUGARCANE TOPS Round bales.

Suit livestock mulch. $80 Warwick 0427 762 868

Septic Tanks Cleaned by Your Local Man 4685 2396

(include your name, address and phone number)

฀ ฀

V

STANTHORPE SEPTIC SERVICE

Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

V

Shedding

C1104093-JL49-13

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

V

V

12400545-LB38-19

V

General Classifieds

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

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

RUST REPAIRS & RESTORATION PAUL

0438 038 674 freetimes.com.au

GARDEN TIME

BEATRICE HAWKINS

COLOURFUL CAMELLIAS A TREAT

BY BEATRICE HAWKINS I’ve noticed some beautiful camellias in gardens around town so thought I’d find out a little more about these great shrubs.

They are a very hardy plant once established and supply beauty and colour at a time when there is a definite lack through winter.

If you plan and choose carefully it is possible to have them flowering from early autumn right through to late winter and early spring.

Camellia Japonica, Sasanqua and Reticulata are the most common varieties but there are literally thousands (20,000+!!) of cultivars and hybrids.

After water, tea is the most consumed drink worldwide. The tea plant is actually a camellia variety, camellia sinensis, and all the types of tea are derived from this cultivar, but you won’t find many of these in home gardens.

They’ve been grown here in Australia for over 200 year having been brought out in the very early days of European settlement.

The japonica is probably the most recognisable but the sasanqua is really lovely and very popular. It has the habit of dropping its petals almost daily and providing a lovely carpet of colour around the shrub - this is not always popular with “tidy” gardeners! I love it but have a brother that it would drive to distraction!!

He doesn’t like jacarandas, frangipanni or deciduous trees either!! It’s a fun point we choose to differ on!

As to soil requirements, they like a well drained slightly acidic soil with a pH range around 6 to 6.5. As with most things regular additions of compost helps to maintain this level and keep the soil friable.

One of the common problems the world over with camellias is “bud balling”, when the buds form but do not progress to open

A camellia in Erica Bailey’s Warwick garden in full colour. flowers. One of the simple remedies for this is to dissolve 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts in 10 litres of water and water all around the plant with that. Alternatively, or as in my thoughts, as well as, give the plant a good feed of Camellia/Azalea fertiliser or finally as a last resort, relocate the plant to another spot in the garden.

I thought I would try and find some fun facts and ideas about gardening to lighten the mood and give you all something different to think about.

1: Lachanophobia is the fear of vegetables..

fructophobia is the fear of fruit ... fear of apples: Malusdomesticaphobia! There appears to be phobia for all reasons!!

2: Lemons are technically a berry.

Specifically they are a hesperidium a berry with a leathery rind.

3: Strawberries are not berries. But avocados, watermelon, bananas and pumpkin are! Think I’d rather eat 1 strawberry than 1 pumpkin!

4: Grapes explode when you microwave them ... good experiment for the children ... just as long as mum or dad are ok with

cleaning the microwave!

5: Someone who studies fruit is called a “pomologist”.

6: The bumps on raspberries are called “drupelets”.

7: Australia’s “Gympie Gympie” tree is the most dangerous tree in the world with their leaves giving a very severe sting that is so painful it has resulted in suicide.

8: A pineapple is actually a berry.

9: There are over 10,000 varieties of tomatoes and 130 million tonnes are produced each year.

10: Tomatoes were once considered poisonous but are now the world’s most popular fruit followed by bananas.

11: Bananas are not a fruit however, but a herb!

12: The first recorded green house built in North America was in Boston in 1737 by Andrew Fanueil.

13: 88 million tonnes of tomatoes are for the fresh market and 42million for processing.

14: The world’s largest producers are China, EU, Turkey, USA and India.

15: Nearly 1,000 jasmine flowers and a bunch of roses go into each bottle of Chanel No 5.

16: The first decorative gardens appeared in Egypt around 1500 BC. 17: Herbs are from the leaves of plants but spices are from the root, bark, berries or bulbs.

18: According to Sir Francis Bacon gardens are the “purest of human pleasures”!

19: Garlands of Chrysanthemums were said to ward of demons, and drinking the dew from the flowers was supposed to prolong life.

And finally 20: The first Sunday in May each year is celebrated as World Naked Gardening Day! ... Darn, I’ve missed it!! ●

NEWS NOT ALL BAD NEWS ON EVENTS FRONT...

It’s not all bad news on the events front one event not cancelled due to COVID-19 is the 2020 Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft from October 19 to 25.

The 2019 Warwick Rodeo Queen Mikyla Hogno has also had her reign extended for another year for the 2020 Rodeo. · The Warwick Horticultural Society is pleased to advise its Spring Garden Competition, Spring Flower Show and Rodeo Floral Windows Competition will all be going ahead in October as normal.

The Warwick Horticultural Society is a very active group but regular meetings are on hold for the time being - in the meantime keep up to date with the Society’s latest gardening news and tips and advice on their Facebook page ... and enquiries to Graham Gillam on 4661 3156. · Poultry, sheep and goat auctions at Warwick’s beloved Pig and Calf Sale are due to resume on Wednesday 15 July.

The general goods auction will not yet return - and strict social distancing and other requirements will be in place for resumption of sales on the 15th - for more information contact McDougall & Sons on 4661 1411. ● freetimes.com.au

Mikyla Hogno has had her reign as Warwick Rodeo Queen extended for 2020.

The Warwick Horticultural Society’s spring garden competitions are going ahead as planned in October.

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 19

THE SPIN

WELCOME TO ‘THE NEW NORMAL’ The highly anticipated return of the NRL launched fans back to the realms of the new normal last week.

There was great anticipation around how the game would look with rule changes and one referee. And what did we learn other than my tipping is as rusty as some of the players?

As anyone who has played or closely followed the game already knows one of the keys to winning is possession - how much you have and how little allow your opponent.

We saw plenty of examples that the new six again rule will reward teams that can force errors by the defending team.

It is no surprise that the two sides who dominated possession (Eels and Cowboys) recorded the biggest winning margins.

Keep an eye on the sides that can hold onto the ball and force plenty of repeated sets.

Fans may have to get used to blowout score lines because there weren’t a lot of close calls.

Round Four may bring us some closer contests. Some teams were obviously not back to full match-fitness.

It could be a long season for Dragons and Titans supporters. The Red and White army who were already screaming over the amended draw have reason to be nervous about the rest of the season. Titans coach Justin Holbrook may have preferred to be in lockdown at St Helen’s in the UK as his players self destructed in Townsville.

Although it was an exciting win for Warriors fans it might be a bit premature to be making plans for the Grand Final just yet. Perhaps the enforced lockdown has done them a power of good as they showed a level of discipline unseen in recent seasons and it was great.

Can we bring back the draw and ditch golden point Mr V’Landy’s. How good was it to see two teams who played such a tough game of footy come away with one point each. (hard to tip I will concede).

Knights fans should be rejoicing at the resilience of their team. With key players including captain Mitchell Pearce sidelined early they stared down defeat, defending desperately to hold the Panthers at bay.

With a season of only 20 rounds teams who failed to adjust to the new rules have little time to reboot. Teams that started the season badly and couldn’t find a win last week will be under the pump this weekend including some of the fancied sides.

One thing we know for certain is Melbourne Coach Craig Bellamy is sure to be ramping up the rhetoric at training this week.

It will pay to keep an eye on Manly, the Raiders and Parra for the remainder of season 2020 and possibly dismiss my tips unless like some sides I can lift my game After round three, with just one referee the sky did not fall and all of the talk this week has not centred around refereeing blunders more about how entertaining Rugby League is and is back to being “the greatest game of all”. (And Peter V’Landy’s probably walks on water too.)

Casey CHANGES AFOOT FOR SPRING CARNIVAL Speculation is rife within the racing industry that the VRC is about to revamp the Melbourne Spring Carnival. It is a case of where there is smoke there well could be fire. Despite racing administrators adamant 20 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

Free Times sports columnist Casey O’Connor is chasing the latest news from your sporting organisation – especially in light of COVID-19 restrictions and changes – give Casey a call on 0438 813 942 or email - spinsft@gmail.com protestations that no decision has yet been made surrounding re programming of the Spring Carnival there are reports out of Melbourne that the Caulfield Cup will be run on November 28 and the Caulfield Guineas a week earlier on November 21.

After weeks of speculation about the timing of the NRL Sate of Origin, the clash with the Everest in Sydney it is now a potential clash with the delayed AFL season and finals that could impact on the carnival. Corporate bookmakers are also to be pushing for racing to avoid a clash with the AFL. It is understood a detailed proposal outlining potential changes across the carnival has been sent to select key participants but no agreement has been reached. The RV board will meet on Tuesday to discuss the proposal outlining major changes to programming. A final decision on what could be a revamped Spring Racing Carnival could be delivered within days.

Trainers have called for the dates to be confirmed as early as quickly as possible to allow them time to adjust their programmes as begin preparing horses for key races.

A meeting between various stakeholders took place via a phone hook-up on Monday morning.

Following that meeting the Australian Trainers’ Association has less than two days to prepare a formal response after a meeting to discuss the idea of delaying the Caulfield Cup a month.

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

ATA chief executive Andrew Nicholl sent a letter to all Victorian trainers on Monday afternoon calling for their thoughts on a submission that needs to go into the Racing Victoria on Wednesday.

Robbie Griffiths, the president of the Victorian branch of the Australian Trainers’ Association, said his members had mixed reactions to the MRC plan but also had plenty of questions about the merit of the idea.

“What it’s looking like at the moment is we’re saying we don’t want the greatest mile and a half race in Australia disadvantaged in any shape or form or downgraded by relocating its time frame,” Griffiths said.

“But we are concerned because we don’t think it’s broken and we don’t need to have more uncertainty off what is an uncertain time in the world.”

One of the other changes being considered could see the 100th running of the Cox Plate held as a night meeting.

Michael Browell, CEO of the Moonee Valley Racing has previously indicated he was open to moving the Moonee Valley feature races to avoid a potential clash with the AFL. The VRC has indicated that there is little likelihood the Melbourne Cup would be moved from the first Tuesday in November.

A move which no doubt would not be taken kindly by racing fans.

All racing administrators are keen for owners to be allowed to return to the track in some capacity as soon as possible and

perhaps a delayed carnival may also allow for bigger crowds as the COV19 restrictions are relaxed.

A recent statement from Racing Victoria reiterated discussions around scheduling are continuing, noting the MRC’s wish to move a number of their races. They stated that while no decisions have been made nothing is off the table at this time given the unprecedented circumstances of 2020.

“The Melbourne Racing Club have already publicly stated their wish to move the Caulfield Cup Carnival to November as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Naturally, it is one of the many options under consideration.”

If changes are necessary stakeholders will be imploring officials not to throw “the baby out with the bath water”. Careful consideration must be given to the impact of any changes on the preparation of local and international gallopers as they look toward their Spring campaigns. Equal consideration should be given to the true stars of the show, the gallopers not just crowd numbers.

KANGAROOS GROUNDED The ARL Commission confirmed earlier this week that the 2020 Kangaroos tour of England which would have been Australia’s first full tour since 2003 has been cancelled.

The cancellation comes as a result of the rescheduling of the NRL grand final which will be followed by three weeks of State of Origin. As a result of the pandemic changes to the English Super League season will also be necessary and on top of that there is still much uncertainty surrounding overseas travel restrictions going forward The RFL and the ARLC remain committed to the revival of Ashes series contests and with the World Cup to be played in England in 2021 talks are already underway around the potential of the Kangaroos returning for a three-Test Ashes series, in 2022.

“We have already indicated to the ARLC that we would be keen to welcome them for a three-Test series at any time in the future and will now work together to make this happen as soon as possible,” RFL CEO Ralph Rimmer said.

NRL acting CEO Andrew Abdo is also optimistic about a future Kangaroos tour to the UK. Rimmer said the decision to cancel this year’s Ashes series and Kangaroo tour had been made with great reluctance but there was little choice.

England players, and new head coach Shaun Wane and his support staff he said are bitterly disappointed, as are the thousands of supporters who have already purchased tickets for the matches.

Australian Coach Mal Meninga has been very vocal in his support of reviving the Ashes tours which have been one of the great traditions of Australian Rugby League.

MORE SPORTERS EMERGING EACH WEEK As Covid-19 restrictions begin to be relaxed golfers on the Granite Belt are emerging from their slumber to join the Sporters brigade. From the trial run several weeks ago until last Sunday Sporters have enjoyed the slight easing of restrictions on players.

Each Sunday morning since play resumed there has been a slow increase in numbers returning to the popular Sunday competition and although the committee is pleased see the return of more and more familiar faces. freetimes.com.au

email: spinsft@gmail.com

Winners over the past few include Terry Byrnes, Terry Roser, Norm Steele, Tony Steele. Last Sunday it was Ian Anderson who outscored runner up Andrew Burgess to claim bragging rights. Paul Byrnes and Marg Locke both earned a mentioned in the run Downs.

This week marks the official start of the winter season although several Sporters got a taste of what winter may hold in store for them when they played in freezing conditions a few weeks ago. Sporters may need to rug up to tee off in the immediate future at the 7.30 start time slot to comply with Stanthorpe Golf Club rules.

THUNDER OF HOOVES ECHO AT ALLMAN PARK The thunder hooves as the thoroughbreds galloped down the straight towards the winning post at Allman Park last Thursday echoed through a patron free environment.

Although there were no punters due to the COVID-19 lockdown the eight race meeting was well supported by visiting owners, trainers and jockeys and most importantly sponsors.

It is the first meeting the club has held since the COVID-19 lockdown.

Toowoomba trainer Matt Kropp continued his winning association with country racing when Fair Fella saluted in the opening event. Starting at $1.80 favourite the three year old benefited from the 2.5kg claim of apprentice jockey Alexis Patis and despite laying in the early stages of the races had favourite punters cheering from their armchairs with a narrow win.

The three year old gelding took his record to four wins from seven race starts.

Starting at $4.20, Seclude trained by another Toowoomba trainer Rex Lipp provided Emma Ljung with the first of a winning double in race two the Benchmark 60 Handicap sponsored by Grove Juice.

The Warwick Turf Club has not raced since March 28 and on that occasion the Sizzling Sun another Toowoomba trained galloper showed a liking for the Allman Park track finishing an eye catching fourth. He stepped out in the 1200m Warwick Automotive Class Two Handicap on Thursday at the good odds of $18 and despite beginning awkwardly from his wide barrier proved too strong for Wait A Minute and Highfalutin Gal. Favourite in the fourth event, Uno Amor finished mid field after being held up for a clear run approaching the 150m mark.

Jockey Les Tilley advised stewards the mare did not handle the conditions and hung throughout the race. There were no such problems for the winner PointsToHappiness.

Under the vigorous riding of experienced jockey Gary Geran the Steve Tregea galloper clocked up another win for the visiting Toowoomba trainers. Starting at good odds of $11 the three year old scored a length win over Sizzling Power and Underwood.

Toowoomba trainers were on a roll leading in the winners of the opening four events before Beaudesert trainer Ben Ahrens scuppered their domination.

Jarrod Woodhouse combined with Ahrens’ galloper Few Too many to win race five, the Ergon Energy Class Five Handicap over 1200 metres. The Captain Sonador gelding jumped awkwardly hitting the barriers at the start but his rider kept him clear of trouble during the race to narrowly win from Phabeni and Reset’s Son. Hellava Babe lumped 62kgs to win the Carr Farming Benchmark 62 for Gatton trainer Brenton Andrew and Jockey BillieRose Andrew. The mare started at the good price of $9.50 and made it back to back wins after winning in Toowoomba at her last outing. freetimes.com.au

The Warwick Water Rats are looking forward to kicking off the 2020 season as soon as the DDRU gives the green light.

The Toowoomba combination of Michael Frappelli and Jockey Kenji were successful with Intimate Tycoon winning the 800metre Elders Maiden. The four year old Tycoon Ruler gelding was having his first race start and was unwanted in the betting starting at the good quote of $18. The winning margin just under a length.

The final event saw the well known purple gold and white colours of veteran Brisbane (Deagon) trainer Pat Duff salute the judge.

The Duff trained Daring Belle started $2.20 favourite and was a convincing winner in the Ergon Energy Class Five H’cap over 1200 metres and provided jockey Emma Ljung with the second leg of her winning double to wrap up the meeting.

It remains unknown when crowds will be allowed to return to race meetings in Queensland however racing returns to Allman Park on June 16 when the Turf club hosts the rescheduled St Mary’s School Race day.

NEW TIMEFRAME PROVES BOTH PROBLEM AND BLESSINGS It sounds so simple - the Queensland government has moved to Stage Two of the COVID-19 recovery as of June 1 and for community sporting clubs this flags the return to group training as restrictions are eased. It is great news but for many sporting clubs the earlier than anticipated return to training and indoor and outdoor activities has caught many sporting bodies unprepared.

Many organisations have taken advantage of the period of hibernation to upgrade facilities in anticipation of a mid-June easing of restrictions and clubs have been caught flat footed and scrambling to keep up.

While the tough restrictions have been lifted there remain a raft of protocols that must be adhered to including strict numbers allowed at training; hygiene; social distancing; staggered training sessions, sanitization of equipment and education protocols which are non-negotiable requirements.

Warwick Gymnastics Club is one such organisation and while Monday’s announcement is welcome news the club has been busy planning to re-open on June 15. The club has undergone maintenance work over the past few weeks and that remains a work in progress. It is hoped that the work may now be completed earlier to allow for a return next week providing the correct protocols can be put in place.

GOLFERS OUT IN NUMBERS ON THE GRANITE BELT Golfers across the Granite Belt have welcomed the slight easing of restrictions over the past few weeks and although social distancing regulations remain in place and there have been some necessary rule changes golfers at the Stanthorpe Golf club are well and truly back in the swing of things. They have returned to the course

in numbers. Players have embraced as the new normal restrictions both on and off the course, endured one of the coldest May days ever experienced and still they come to play.

Secretary Neta Thouard reports that in addition to the good numbers playing each week the club has also welcomed several new members to their ranks.

Saturday competitions have been restricted to Individual Stableford however with the easing of restrictions across many other sports it is hoped this may soon be lifted.

Last week a good field teed off in far kinder conditions in Saturday’s event sponsored by club member Darryl Boekholt.

The result looked likely to be another close contest before Brady Morant returned a score of 40 points to put him three clear of the field. Morant scored 21 points on the back nine which was big help to his score and it could have been even better as there were two holes which returned zero points.

Trevor Ludlow produced a score of 37 points. A round good enough to lock in the runner’s up position. Lyle Bryant (36), Alan Kerr (35) and Brian Westerhout (35) featured in the run down.

In the Ladies’ even t a three way count back was required to determine the eventual winner after three players, Trish Fittock, Margie Locke and Lyn Ludlow each returned scores of 34 points head of runner up Margie Locke and Lyn Ludlow took the run down honour.

Although there has been an easing of some restrictions there are still important protocols in place which should be observed while on the course. If you are unsure check the information available at the club house.

Please ensure you have your name on the time sheet, either visit the club, phone or e-mail for your spot.

Golfers are reminded that the May AGM which was postponed has been tentatively rescheduled to 7pm, July 28. While formal notification of this date will be issued in June please note the date in your diaries.

JUNIOR LEAGUE STILL IN LIMBO The fate of the 2020 Warwick and District Junior Rugby League season remains in limbo despite the Queensland Government moving to stage two of the lifting of restrictions. President Deb Scanlan said the executive remains committed to providing a shortened season if possible for kids across the seven clubs and has been working with the Queensland Rugby League in an effort to see this happen.

The QRL has provided a road map on the return to community football in their QRL Return to Play handbook which was released on June 1 and will b presented to the WDJRL board on Friday. Ms Scanlan said the WDJRL would study the guidelines set out in the Handbook to establish the viability of a shortened competition. The board has already put the call out via their Facebook page for volunteers to assist

CASEY O’CONNOR

should the season go ahead. The response from parents and supporters has been very positive.

Meanwhile the WDJRL are holding a series of fund raising raffles to help cover the cost of new representative jerseys and clothing ordered for the 2020 Chargers teams. With no Rep football this season the gear will be held over for use in 2021. You can support the Junior League’s fundraising money boards and raffles by visiting their Facebook page and following the instructions.

TARGET SET FOR RUGBY UNION RETURN The Downs Rugby Union has set a July 18 target for their 2020 competition kick off and the Warwick Water Rats are ready and raring to go when they get the final go ahead.

Like many other community sports the Rugby Union fraternity welcomed the announcement by the Queensland Government to bring forward Stage Two of the easing of restrictions.

Although a return to rugby will usher in a very different season Andrew Williams, President of the Warwick club is confident the club and volunteers are ready to handle the necessary requirements.

The club remains on track to return to training once the Rugby Union Covid Safe Plan is given the green light by the State’s Chief Health Officer.

In preparation for the return to the paddock each club must register a Covid Safe Officer with Downs Rugby Union and attend an on line training webinar this Saturday (June 6).

General Manager of Darling Downs Rugby Union Matt Hammond concedes that the road ahead is not going to be easy.

At least three clubs have indicated they will not play this season however Hammond says there is solid interest in a shortened competition. The DDRA will run an A & B Grade competition as well as a women’s competition.

GOOD NEWS FOR WARWICK GOLFERS The good news continues for members of the Warwick Golf Club with the club house re-opening last week. The clubhouse is currently open from 10 am to 3 pm. As restrictions are relaxed it is hoped more members will be able to take advantage of the club’s facilities following a round of golf.

Late starters will be able to purchase food before they tee off.

Members must use the front entrance and are asked to sign in with their name and time of entry and exit via the side door only.

Condy staff will sign you out.

The number of patrons allowed in the clubhouse will be dependent on the Qld Government restrictions. While alcohol remains off limits on the course it is available in the clubhouse however some restrictions do apply.

The club has put a number of other restrictions in place for this trial. It is hoped further easing of restrictions will allow members more freedom however with police making compliance checks on local restaurants and eateries members are asked to adhere to the guidelines.

The Lane Cup (a mixed four-ball stroke event) qualifying round is scheduled for Sunday June 7th. Members wishing to play in this match play honour board event and that the use of a timesheet applies.

President Don Stewart reminds players that as per pre-Covid practice, ladies are to continue playing in groups of three (or fewer) if hitting off after 11am. While the virus restrictions are still in place, this rule applies to both Wednesday and Saturday competitions. ●

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 21

NEWS

A CHAMPION OF OUR DISTRICTS....

BY CASEY O’CONNOR

Peter Bonner’s final journey through the paddocks at Aloomba Top on his trusty Landrcruiser.

The Bonner family.

GIBSON’S

WINDOW TINTING • Lifetime warranty • Reduced fade of • Reduces heat, furniture and carpet cutting power bills • Increased privacy • Removes glare and security • Sleeker look

OFFICES

PHONE: 4661 5632 GIBSON’S WINDOW TINTING Shop 3, 57 Grafton Street Warwick Qld 4370 22 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

|

Thursday, 4 June, 2020

EP67389

HOMES

12424660-SN34-19

RESIDENTIAL WINDOW TINTING

Last week father time called stumps on an innings well played by Peter Bonner. The Southern Downs, Tenterfield and Liston communities have lost a true gentleman and champion of the district in so many ways.

Peter who had been bravely battling illness for many months was laid to rest in the Bonner family cemetery on his beloved Aloomba Top property.

His sons, grandsons and family paid tribute to the contribution and influence he had on their lives and the lives of so many others.

Peter was the third of the four Bonner boys and along with brothers Dick, Bill and Chris grew up at Aloomba. Like so many of his generation he was homeschooled by his Mother in his early years before finishing his primary education at Stanthorpe State School. Peter was a proud old boy of TSS (The Southport School) where he completed his high school education. From an early age Peter had a love of cattle, dogs and horses and a passion for sport.

People would know Peter best as a cricket tragic and an excellent player but he was also an accomplished tennis player and his son Tim recalled his pride at being able to show off his father’s accomplishments on the honour boards at TSS when he was a student there.

Peter had a long involvement with the Rural Fire Brigade and served on the Rural Fire Board as Fire Captain. In recognition of his service members from Liston and beyond formed a guard of honour as he made his final journey across the paddocks on the back of his trusty Land cruiser Peter Bonner’s name will remain synonymous with the Stanthorpe Agricultural Society after the Exhibition Centre was renamed The Peter Bonner Exhibition Centre during the 2020 Stanthorpe Show in February, just a few weeks before Peter celebrated his 80th birthday.

It was recognition of his lifetime involvement with the Stanthorpe Show.

Peter always said he could barely remember a time when he was not involved in the Stanthorpe Show. His wife Tere also shared an early recollection of waiting patiently (hard to believe) for a show society meeting to wrap up before she and Peter could go to their first dance together marking the start of his best partnership.

Undoubtedly Peter Bonner’s greatest legacy to the Stanthorpe Show and its future was his vision and desire to have an all-purpose Exhibition Centre on the show grounds.

That vision became a reality when despite obstacles and road blocks the building was officially opened in November 1997 and open for business for the for the 1998 Stanthorpe Show.

Over many decades of involvement Peter served as President of the Stanthorpe Agricultural Society on two occasions.

Some of his other roles included cattle exhibitor, steward, prime cattle judge, and let’s not forget his Hot Chip cooking prowess. No surprise that Peter was Life Member of the Show Society.

His involvement in the Agricultural Show sphere extended beyond Stanthorpe holding various positions on the Darling

Downs and Queensland Chambers of Agricultural Societies (QGAS). He also served as the Qld delegate on the Federal Council of Agricultural Societies One of Peter’s proudest achievements outside of his beloved family was to be named the Tenterfield Citizen of the Year, in the 2020 Australia Day Awards. A worthy recognition of this humble gentleman’s contribution to his community.

Personally, I will always fondly remember my cricketing days with Peter both playing against and with him. Like many other bowlers I felt the wrath of his bat. He was a destructive top order batsman and many bowlers had their averages wounded by his quick scoring.

He was selected to play for Queensland Country on two occasions and had the honour of playing against the English and West Indian touring sides. He opened the batting against the West Indies, facing up against the world’s fastest bowler, Charlie Griffiths and probably didn’t see the red ball crash into his stumps. However, he did see the ball well enough against England to score a few runs including a six off English legend, Geoff Boycott.

During my era as a player Peter was a regular in Slade Shield Rep squads and would regularly finish a game of club cricket on a Saturday afternoon and make the road trip to Tara, Dalby Chinchilla, Toowoomba or Ipswich to play on Sunday. Some of those longer road trips would of course required an overnight stay along the way and there are many memories of good times that could be shared.

He and wife Tere met when she was 14 and she was the love of his life. They were married in 1965 and shared over 55 years of marriage.

Peter was a successful and very well respected cattleman and has passed his passion for the industry on to his sons and grandsons.

Peter was most proud of the achievements of his family and relished watching sons Tim and Martin and then his grandsons grow into fine young men.

Grandsons, Adam, PJ (Peter) and Thomas all spoke of the positive influence their grandfather had on their lives and he would have been proud of their efforts on Friday.

His granddaughters, Layla and Dawn lit up his life. As one of four boys and no girls in his own family he was immediately smitten by the girls when they arrived.

As time was called on an innings well played by Peter Rowland Bonner his family reflected that although they were not doubt previously fine, the pearly gates will now swing properly. The strains on either side will be tight, Peter Bonner tight.

Peter has no doubt all ready rounded up a herd of Braford cross cows with a more than handy Simmental or Angus bull and will be reunited with his great furry mates Tilly, Tallis and Marsh.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions only a small number of family and friends were able to attend Friday’s service. The Bonner family plan to hold a memorial service for Peter once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in the Peter Bonner Exhibition Centre.

Well played Peter - RIP. ● freetimes.com.au

12449615-SN22-20 12450697-FA23-20

WEEK 4 3

Luxury homes on the Gold Coast to suit every budget

+61 7 5592 3881 info@eliteholidayhomes.com.au www.eliteholidayhomes.com.au

www.freetimes.com.au Kylie Jenner & Karla Donjahn

Roger O’Brien Greenridge Group

CELEBRITY LADDER

Criterion Hotel

Facebook.com/criterionhotelwarwick/ Phone: 4661 1042

www.greenridgegroup.com.au Business

47

Criterion Hotel

46

Crossdraw Western

67

Stanthorpe Septic

56

Helen&Harm Keith Nat 4REx 4

65

10 15

Creed & Lang

5

10 15

www.crossdraw.com.au

Keith & Nat Tavern Ballandean 4x4

46

0

15 9

www.condaminesportsclub.com.au

Phone: 0409 065 850

Helen HarmTavern RE Ballandean

4

0

914

Phone: 4661 1991

Laney’s Steel

54

13 8

Cec Mann RE

5

12 7

Sharks Knights Tigers Dragons

Frazer Roche Crossdraw Western Emporium

Roosters Cowboys Panthers Broncos Storm Raiders Sea Eagles

Broncos vs Roosters Eels Friday Friday 5th 29thJune May

8:00pm 7.50pm

Panthers Cowboys vs vs Warriors Titans Storm vs Rabbitohs Roosters vs Rabbitohs Saturday 6th June Saturday 30th May Eels vs Sea Eagles Warriors vs Dragons Cowboys vs Sharks Sharks vs Tigers Sunday 7th June Storm RaidersvsvsRaiders Knights

6:00pm 6.00pm 8:00pm 7.55pm

7.35pm 4:00pm

Sunday Titans vs 31st TigersMay Panthers vs Monday 9thKnights June

6:30pm 4.05pm

Bulldogs vs vs Dragons Sea Eagles Bulldogs

4:00pm 6.30pm

Cowboys Raiders Tigers Dragons

Roosters Cowboys Panthers Broncos Storm Raiders Eels

Cowboys Roosters Storm Raiders Knights Tigers Eels Dragons

Keith & Nat’s 4x4 Tyres & Tackle Stanthorpe Septic Service facebook.com/Fishing-Store/ Keith-Nats-4x4-Tyre-and-Tackle stanthorpesepticservice.com.au 4681 2396 3624 Phone: 4685 Cowboys Roosters Panthers Broncos Storm Raiders Eels

5:30pm 3.00pm 7:30pm 5.30pm

Roosters Cowboys Storm Raiders Tigers Eels Bulldogs

Scott Mann Cec Mann Real Estate cecmann.com.au Phone: 4681 4444 Roosters Bulldogs Panthers Rabbitohs Storm Raiders Sea Eagles

Cowboys Roosters Storm Raiders Knights Tigers Eels Dragons

WEEKLY FEATURE MATCHUP

2020 NRL LADDER

freetimes.com.au

Condamine Sports Club

SueWatmough Friend KeithKeith Watmough

Thursday 4th 28thJune May

Phone: 4685 2396

INFO TO COME

Nathan Bell

Thursday ThursdayMay June 28th 4 totoMonday Sunday8th MayJune 31st

Cowboys Raiders Tigers Dragons

Cowboys Roosters Storm Raiders Knights Tigers Eels Bulldogs

11 19

ROUND 4 3

stanthorpesepticservice.com.au

L F B A PD GD 0 88 0 14 2074 0 66 0 18 1848 0 76 0 38 1438 0 66 0 56 1010 0 81 0 50 731 0 45 0 32 613 0 76 0 72 64 0 36 0 36 40 1 56 0 73 -4 -17 1 50 0 41 -69 1 52 0 68 -6 -16 1 24 0 40 -7 -16 1 44 0 62 -10 -18 1 42 0 74 -14 -32 1 24 0 64 -18 -40 1 18 0106-20 -88

3

Helen Harm

Stanthorpe Septic Service

L 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3

12 18

Phone: 0408 457 496

Roosters Warriors Rabbitohs Eels

Roosters Bulldogs Panthers Rabbitohs Storm Raiders Eels

19 15

Feature Matchups: 3 points for a win and 2 points for a draw

Sue Friend

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3

www.helenharm.com

Roosters Warriors Storm Eels

W WD 3 10 3 10 2 11 2 11 2 10 2 10 2 10 2 10 2 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 00

17 21

Cowboys Roosters Storm Raiders Knights Tigers Eels Bulldogs

Helen Harm Real Estate

PP 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

Phone: 4659 1444

Condamine Sports

Roosters Warriors Rabbitohs Sea Eagles

CLUBS KNIGHTS EELS RAIDERS STORM KNIGHTS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS COWBOYS EELS SEA EAGLES PANTHERS WESTS TIGERS RABBITOHS STORM SHARKS BRONCOS ROOSTERS BULLDOGS RABBITOHS COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS SHARKS SEA EAGLES DRAGONS TITANS BULLDOGS WARRIORS TITANS

Round 2 Results Feature Total

PP 26 26 25 25 24 24 24 24 04 02 02 02 00 00 00 00

Laney’s Garages Criterion & Patios Hotel

Ballandean Keith & Nat’s 4x4 Tavern Tyres & Tackle

MATE

Naomi Day Keith Watmough

ROOSTERS BULLDOGS PANTHERS RABBITOHS STORM RAIDERS EELS

SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM RAIDERS TIGERS EELS BULLDOGS

MATE

Phone: Phone 4681 4684 3624 1044 ballandeantavern.com.au facebook.com/Fishing-Store/Keith-Nats-4x4-Tyre-and-Tackle

ROOSTERS COWBOYS PANTHERS WARRIORS BRONCOS STORM RAIDERS EELS

COWBOYS ROOSTERS STORM RAIDERS TIGERS EELS BULLDOGS

Kylie Jenner Rob Laney & Karla Domjahn

Phone: Phone 4661 4661 1042 5968 Facebook.com/criterionhotelwarwick/ 73 Law Road, Warwick Thursday, 4 June, 2020

|

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 23

2018 MiTsubisHi TriTon Mr GLs PreMiuM

iveCo MoTor HoMe

2016 HoLDen CoLorADo DuAL CAb 2017 subAru ForesTer 2.5i-s PriCeD To CLeAr! WAs $29,999

Drive AWAy Drive AWAy

$44,999

•฀13,000kms฀only •฀Hard฀Cover฀etc.

2015 vW GoLF Tsi HATCH

Drive AWAy

$15,999

•฀Auto฀ •฀63,000kms฀only

2016 subAru ForesTer 2.5i-L WAGon

•฀4฀x฀4฀

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

$25,999

2014 kiA sPorTAGe AWD PLATinuM

$23,999

2015 ForD TerriTory TX

Drive AWAy

•฀Sat฀Nav •฀Reverse฀Camera •฀Only฀49,000kms

$19,999

Drive AWAy

$27,999 •฀Auto฀

brAnD neW s 10 MAHinDrA 4X2 sinGLe CAb

$26,999

2017 MiTsubisHi PAJero eXCeeD

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

$24,999

2013 ForD FALCon Xr6 uTe

Drive AWAy •฀Alloy฀Tray •฀Tow฀Bar •฀One฀Only

$10,999

2018 kiA sPorTAGe si

Drive AWAy

Drive AWAy •฀Diesel •฀49,600kms

•฀Hatchback •฀Only฀18,133kms

2017 MiTsubisHi eCLiPse Cross eXCeeD AWD

•฀Every฀Option ฀฀฀You฀Can฀Think฀Off!

•฀Very฀New฀Fit฀Out •฀Fridge฀•฀Shower •฀Air฀Con฀•฀Toilet •฀Stove฀etc.

•฀Auto฀ •฀Soft฀tonneau •฀Tubliner฀

2016 MiTsubisHi PAJero GLX

Drive AWAy

Drive AWAy

$49,999

$29,999

$39,999

Drive AWAy

$13,999

•฀AUTO

brAnD neW MAHinDrA DuAL CAb

•฀4x4 •฀Eaton฀Diff฀Lock •฀Alloy฀Tray •฀Tow฀Bar •฀Three฀Only

Drive AWAy

$32,999

2018 kiA CArnivAL PLATinuM

Drive AWAy

$19,999

Drive AWAy

2017 suzuki sWiFT GL – nAviGATor

Drive AWAy

Drive AWAy

$32,999

noW $28,999 WAs $29,999

2011 MAzDA 2 neo 5D

2015 MiTsubisHi PAJero GLX 4X4

Drive AWAy •฀Auto •฀AWD •฀50,000Kms

noW $27,999 WAs $29,999

Drive AWAy •฀57,000km฀ •฀Eyesight฀Technology •฀Heated฀Seats •฀Sunroof฀etc฀

Drive AWAy •฀8฀Seats •฀All฀Electrics

$48,999

2016 HonDA JAzz

Drive AWAy •฀Only฀19,000km’s

$13,999

12450641-SN23-20

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

24 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, 4 June, 2020

freetimes.com.au