Sue Brooks November 5th, 2009
I received this from a resident and thought I would share it…
“It is a shame people keep thinking that this dam is needed and the people who lose their land are required to sacrifice for the greater good. It isn’t like that. I’m sorry to keep ranting about this, but people need to realise they are being conned. Anna Bligh is now saying a desal plant has to be built now if Traveston is knocked back. That is simply not true!! The Coordinator General knows that – here’s a direct quote from his report :
“Observing that the water supply initiatives to be implemented by 2012 (inclusive of the Project’s 70,000 ML/annum yield) will place the available supply at approximately 50 000 ML/annum greater than the projected demand at 2026″ ——-P21 Evaluation report
This is worked on the projected population increase and 230L a day per person. (Hervey Bay uses about 150-160 L per person per day right?)
So based on the figures they are currently using (which seem to be different to the ones they used before – which showed they didn’t need Traveston at all – the might be assuming high population growth whereas the used to assume medium population growth) the short fall is only 20,000 ML/a by 2026 in 17 years time. So why build something expensive and risky like Traveston which is more than three times what might be required in 17 years now?? All they need to do is extend the rebate schemes for domestic retrofit and tank installation and that shortfall would be easily made up (you might recall the ISF report identified 180,000 ML/a of savings).
Please feel free to share this information with anyone you think might be interested or benefit from understanding this”.
In this day and age I fail to see why our leaders are not seriously considering the long term implications of supplying essential natural resources (clean air, water and food) to a growing population versus the capacity of our environment to provide same.
Traveston Crossing Dam is in the wrong place. It will destroy essential farmland. It will impact on endangered species and fish breeding grounds. I think the dam is an example of killing the goose that laid the golden egg. We have an essential natural resource in the Mary River and its valley and estuary. If we destroy it what can replace it? Do we forever keep damming rivers and drowning productive farm land to provide room for more people?
Sue Brooks November 3rd, 2009
Blue skies, sunshine, the PM visiting and backing the winner. I couldn’t ask for a more enjoyable day. We decided to support the Fraser Coast Cultural Festival fund raising by attending their Cup Function at the Boat Club. The crowd was there to have fun and we all enjoyed the fashion parades and the good food.
The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd called in and joined us to watch the race that stops the nation. He backed Shocking as did I. I’m not sure how much Kevin had on Shocking but I was quite happy with the return on my once a year bet.
I trust that the PM is gaining a very good understanding of our health needs as this was the primary purpose of his visit. I really hope that his government makes some tough decisions to ensure a more efficient future health service is available to all of us.
Belinda, Kevin, Lisa with me at the front. Winners are grinners....
Sue Brooks November 1st, 2009
On Friday evening Graham and I ventured down to Boondall and were thoroughly entertained by the wonderful Liza Minnelli. Pure entertainment. Liza was superb and I couldn’t help but wonder why she didn’t appear in more movies. Her performance is theatrical and her ability to portray the emotions of a song marvellous. We were all blown away by her humour, honesty and skill. She ended the evening by stripping off her hair band telling us it gave her the sh*ts and donning a T Shirt. She then sang a Peter Allen ballad. We were all left wanting more…
On Saturday evening we packed up the puppies and joined in the fun at our Batty Halloween celebration at Apex Park. The evening was a fun one and people of all ages joined in the fun and dressed up. The bats had returned in small numbers so we could see the fly out also. Thanks to all the Council staff and Kerrie who helped make the evening a fun one.
Foreshore fightings….. I hope not.
It seems there is a renewed focus on asking Council to ‘tidy up’ the foreshore. A new group calling themselves the Fraser Coast Sustainable Development Association has written to Council and I see USQ and UDIA are hosting a public forum at USQ on Nov 26th at 6pm, to thrash out ideas to improve the Esplanade at Hervey Bay. Steve Dixon will facilitate a discussion at the end of some presentations. If you want to speak up at the function please email Rhonda at eastall@usq.edu.au
I look forward to the debate but have had discussions in the past with Steve Dixon and other business owners and I believe there is a view that we should get rid of a caravan park or two from our foreshore. While I believe that our treed and naturally sheltered foreshore is what makes the place as attractive to visitors and residents alike, I do want to see a much greater emphasis on weed control.
Council is currently reviewing the actions outlined within the adopted Hervey Bay Foreshore Plan so debate is timely. I personally however am strongly of the view that the preservation of our naturally vegetated foreshore is what makes Hervey Bay such a special place and I will lobby strongly to retain our caravan parks and our trees. I do agree that weeds are dominant in some stretches of the foreshore and these need removing and replacing with naturally attractive ground covers etc that don’t restrict views. I also understand that there is a renewed push to facilitate views. As always foreshore management will be a contentious topic.
So here are some ghouls and ghosts and scarey people from our Batty event.
Ghoulish goings on
Pumpkinhead and friends
Sue Brooks October 26th, 2009
Dear Peter.
The Queensland State Government has used dodgy science and political reasoning to justify an environmental folly. While Australian Governments continue to promote population growth I fear for our future. Yes we do need a water supply for our peoples but at what ultimate cost?
The Traveston Dam is in the wrong place. The site was chosen for political reasons and not on solid scientific evidence. The Mary River is home to protected species such as the lung fish and Mary River Turtle. The land due to be flooded, is productive farming country and the estuary an important fishery and Ramsar wetland. All these things you know.
Please do what is the morally and ethically right thing to do and give the Queensland State Government a rejection slip. No fish way can replicate the environmental factors necessary for river species survival. A dam should be built in high hilly country not in the middle of a productive but shallow valley.
I ask you to let common sense prevail and reject this flawed proposal.
Thank you for listening.
Cheers, Sue
If we all write to Peter Garrett it can only help. We have nothing to lose after all. Feel free to copy this and send it yourself. The email address for Minister Peter Garrett is Peter.Garrett.MP@aph.gov.au
Last week was a sad one as we decided to say goodbye to our dog Jake who was 16 years and 10 months old. Jake was a faithful and kind hearted dog and we miss him dearly. The puppies are a great help though in keeping us busy and pre occupied and they keep the house filled with activity and fun. I had forgotten how funny and active puppies are and how quickly they claim a place inside our heart.
On Saturday we travelled to Torbanlea and enjoyed a day at the races. It was wonderful to see so many people dressed up for the day and having a fun time. In the evening we travelled to the Brolga for the Tourism awards. The awards evening was very well run with Sophie Formica doing a great job as MC. Congratulations to all the very worthy winners and entrants. You all work very hard to make the Fraser Coast and South Burnett region a place that welcomes visitors.
Farewell Jake. We miss you.
Sue Brooks October 18th, 2009
Well I survived and as far as I know so did the other 99 riders that took part in the inaugural Tour de Bay this morning. The weather was fine, the riders were keen and the route magnificent. Although I decided to err on the side of caution and rode the shortest distance which was about 10-11kms, I must say I haven’t enjoyed an early Sunday morning this much… well since last I went early morning snorkelling.
The organisation was superb and what better way to raise funds for our community centre while having fun and getting fit all at the same time. Apart from nearly getting wiped out by someone suddenly opening a car door in front of me, the ride was a pleasure and the friendliness of everyone added to the enjoyment. We had elderly riders and young riders and next year I plan to ride the 26km route. Janey Richards kept me going and a few of us girls are planning to ride regularly and enjoy a coffee in the weeks to come. This should ensure we are trained up well enough to tackle longer distances. This morning took us about 40 minutes at a leisurely pace and included a stop and chat with the drink stop helpers.
I hope that the event becomes a yearly one and that next year we attract 200 + riders. Hervey Bay is really the best place ever to ‘get on your bike’. if anyone wants to add some donations to the fund raising please drop me a line or leave donations at Mind Games or directly to the event organisers per their web site. http://www.ourcommunitycentre.com.au/joomla/fundraising/bay-charity-bike-ride.html
riders ready to go
Mayor Mick
Cr Gerard O Connell, Jennifer Chapman and partner Lachlan
Sue Brooks October 7th, 2009
I’m not a poet or all that clever with words but in response to Peter Chapman who recently implied that Hervey Bay was somewhat lacking in the heart and soul department, I can’t resist responding…
Hervey Bay has a strongly beating heart and a warm and wondrous soul. Our heart is not hard to find. You find it in all the people who pick up the litter on the beaches and roadsides without being asked, that lend a hand to a neighbour or friend in need, that smile and let you go in front of them at the supermarket when you only have two things to buy. You hear our heart beating in the people that know your dogs name (not yours) and say g’day each and every morning as you stroll along the beach or walkway, that grab the mail and papers from your yard when you go away, that send you the jokey emails cause they care enough to share a laugh with you, that volunteer at the library, gallery, meals and wheels and every where else there is a need just to help out and keep active, and that smile rather than frown and greet newcomers with a warm welcome and a ’so where are you from mate?’ Our heart is beating in the Queenslanders from here and from afar that shake their heads but smile when we ex Southerners, prattle on about daylight saving and that game we love called aerial ping pong. Hervey Bay’s heart is found in all these people.
Ah but to our soul. Our soul is found in the clear blue skies and sunny warm days, the beautiful blue ocean where fishes and coral abound, the green foreshore and bountiful parklands full of tall trees and native wildlife, the big sandy island known as Fraser and the adjoining wetlands known as the Great Sandy Strait. We see our soul reflected in the rivers that wind their way slowly through our rural hinterland and the beaches where we walk and play.
Our souls soar when we realise just how lucky we are to live in such a place as Hervey Bay. We come here because of its beauty, its wonderful climate it’s relaxed and laid back lifestyle and its community of people that come from everywhere and anywhere. Not for us the tall towers of steel, glass and concrete. Not for us the noisy traffic choked smelly streets of ‘the big smoke’. Not for us the impersonal hustle and bustle of city life. We treasure a low rise city where our children can run free and where us more elderly folk, can see out our days peacefully.
So Peter, we invite you to join with us in protecting and preserving our beautiful Bay. Hervey Bay is a very special place. We cherish it and try very, very hard to care for it. We don’t want it spoiled ‘by progress’. I am sure that you will find our heart does not beat within our buildings but it beats ever so steadily and strongly within our people and you will find that our soul is everywhere around us. Our soul is found in the warm clear air we breathe, the blue waters in which we play and the green lands on which we live. Welcome.
Sue Brooks September 7th, 2009
I apologise for the lack of more frequent postings. So to cover a few different topics.
Tomorrow Council meets for the Planning and Development Committee Meeting no 8. Items to be considered include a large Granville development application which has been on the agenda now for some three times. The recommendation is to refuse this development as it is in an area not zoned for residential development. One of the constraints for future development in the Granville area is the access across the river. Another bridge will be needed to facilitate increased urban growth in that area and bridges don’t come cheaply!
In these times of increasing financial and climatic and environmental considerations I believe it is more important than ever that Council closely address the issues of where we place urban development. Maybe the threat of rising seas etc, will see development moving inland from the coastal strip towards Maryborough?
Last week Council awarded the contract to develop our Fraser Coast Land Use Strategy. This strategy will outline where we want what as we move forward as a region and will guide the development of our new Planning Scheme. Community consultation will be a very important aspect of this process and I will be urging everyone to have a say.
Also tomorrow we will consider a reconfiguration of a Lot in Howard, a retail development in Alice St, Maryborough, an addition to the community centre in Poona, some negotiated decisions in relation to the Airport Industrial Estate, Hervey Bay and to a development in Iindah Rd, Tinana and lastly an amendment to the Bay Planning Scheme to address some bureaucratic complications in relation to the Natural Areas Overlay.
Recently Councillors toured WBWC assets which included a glimpse of the Water Park. Here is a pic of the wave rider in action…
Water Park wave machine
Lastly our two little sister puppies Ellie and Becki are growing and are as active as ever. I’m very glad we decided to bring home both puppies as they play for hours with each other and aren’t so needy of our company.
Playful puppies
Sue Brooks August 23rd, 2009
Friday saw me attend the Indigenous Forum organised by Buallum Jarl Bah, USQ. The speakers were excellent and I was quite moved by the success stories we heard. It is so very uplifting to hear stories first hand of how individuals have picked themselves up, taken a look and decided to change their lives. All the speakers shared one common element. They collectively decided to put some effort into their lives. I do get tired of hearing from the complainers who seem to believe society owes them a living so it was a very pleasant and uplifting experience to listen to stories from ordinary people doing extra ordinary things. My heartfelt thanks for sharing your stories with us.
Saturday was an educational day with a full day workshop at Dundowran faciltated by Greg Smyrell. Greg shared his knowledge and his love of our wonderful rain forest species with us. His teaching skills are excellent and I know a lot more about leaves than I ever did before. Greg worries that our tiny patches of rain forest are struggling to shrug off the impacts of human development which brings weeds and fragmentation and also believes that climate change is making life hard for our fauna and flora also. if you ever get the chance to meet Greg or read his works I thoroughly recommend you take up the opportunity.
Today was Ranger Lacey Dog Walk Day. I joined Cr Hawes at Maryborough for the morning walk and then travelled to Dayman Park Urangan for the Bay event. Both events were well attended and I had the pleasure of accompanying Cr McNeven with her dog Ollie and Ranger Lacey and Tekoo for a ‘trike’ ride with a difference. We travelled up the Esplanade with the wind blowing our hair and all 3 dogs seemed to enjoy the experience. 3 events in 3 days, and each event was a unique and very enjoyable one. We are lucky to live in a community with such diversity and I am continually glad that we have so many volunteers that roll up their sleeves and get together with Council staff and other bodies to work so that we can enjoy a day out or learn something new.
Best dressed pooches
Sue Brooks August 15th, 2009
Guineas sunbaking
Thought I’d try to steer away from Council related topics today. It is Saturday morning and I have caught up with my personal inbox and don’t won’t to think about my Council one. Today many people will be visiting the Glenwood Swap Meet and tomorrow we will be able to savour seafood at our local Hervey Bay Seafood Festival. With Seniors Week activities underway the week is packed with events. I tip my hat (well I would if I was wearing one) to all the organisers. Events take an awful lot of co-ordination to set up and many volunteer hours go into making events happen.
At home the remaining 5 new Guinea Fowl are well settled now and sit eagerly awaiting the morning seed ration on our verandah. If we don’t get up early enough they even start tapping on our windows. We feed them close to the house to ensure that we can fend off the Brush Turkeys as we do not want to feed them! The two old Guinea Fowl have assimilated well with the new birds but still leave the yard to roost in their traditional roost trees down the road come nightfall. Our new birds flutter and fly high up into a tree on the edge of our forest and so far the rotten fox has not been spotted again. The Council fox trap managed to trap a bandicoot, an echidna and several brush turkeys. Obviously all dumber than the fox who has eluded capture!
Graham and I are both holding steady after loosing 10 kilos each on the Tony Ferguson plan and while I think I should lose a bit more I’ll await the warmer weather before making up my mind. It is so much nicer being lighter and smaller and my knees are much happier also.
Graham and I have booked tickets to see a show by a unique orchestra called Deep Blue Orchestra. They are performing at the Brolga on the 11th Sept. You can watch a short clip of them via their web site. I am looking forward to this night out and recommend that you check out their web site and come along if interested.www.deepblueorchestra.com
Too cold for a dip!
Sue Brooks August 2nd, 2009
A dedicated and caring group of people met this morning at the Fay Smith Wetlands in maryborough to ‘do their bit’ for National Tree Day. The morning was excellent with the combined help from the Ergon Energy Green Team, FCRC, Landcare and WPSQ all joining together with interested community members to re-vegetate a degraded section of the Fay Smith Wetlands. We also learned many tricks to ensure successful propagating as demonstrated by John Eggleston.
Trees are the factories of our planet. Without them we would not have enough air to breathe and water to drink. Trees are the lungs of our earth converting C02 into Oxygen and transpiring water into the air so that it can fall as rain. Trees are an essential link in the cycle of life. They provide food and shelter for much of our wildlife. Without trees we would not have koalas for example.
Trees alter our climate and I wonder if tree clearing is adding to the negative impacts of climate change. After all, it is proven that rainfall decreases in areas cleared of trees. We need to surround ourselves with trees and preserve remnant ‘old growth’ forests.
Trees are the ultimate renewable resource as we can grow them easily. They help prevent erosion, moderate our climate and provide building materials and paper products for our consumption.
And some facts from the web… “Forests are the world’s second largest carbon reservoirs (oceans are the largest). Unlike oceans, however, we can grow new forests. Planting new trees remains one of the cheapest, most effective means of drawing excess CO2 from the atmosphere. One acre of forestland will sequester between 150 – 200 tons of CO2 in its first 40 years”.
More pics on my facebook page!
From small things big things grow!
Wow look at that worm!