TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor are always welcome. Please include full name, address and daytime phone number. Letters are accepted on the understanding they could be edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, repetition, verbosity, legal considerations, etc. The Herald policy is to maintain the writer’s intent in all correspondence, subject to the conditions above. Letters are treated confidentially. Under no circumstances are they referred to third parties before publication. The editor may accept or reject letters without further reference to the writer. Preference is given to shorter letters, fewer than 200 words, published with the writer’s name. Pen names are subject to individual consideration. Legacy of those who died in wars April 22, 1915 was a day that changed our world and not for the good of mankind. It is a date that should be engraved in the minds of those who now live on the planet and of those who might have children and grandchildren live here in the future. As we approach 100 years since that day that shaped our nation, I am sure you are asking what could be more important to ANZAC Day than that now famous landing? It was the day that poisonous gas changed the face of WWI as it gave humanity a new weapon of mass destruction. By WWII, chemical companies had learned how to kill living things with chemicals and went into mass production. By the end of the war there was a surplus of chemicals so the companies started selling them to farmers with the promise of better yields. In 1915 about a third of the crops died to insects and now decades later guess how much of the crop dies. In the past 100 years more than 70,000 new chemicals have been introduced. Many are cancer causing and more people die from air borne pollution than car accidents. More than 300,000 people die each year from pollution As you attend ANZAC Day, hopefully at Acland, but wherever you are, remember all those who have faced the horrors of war that we might live in a free country Last week I saw a very happy Peter Greste family and realise how lucky we really are as Australians to have a government that will go into bat for us wherever we find ourselves in the world. Freedom was the prize that our diggers won for us. Enjoy. See you at Acland in the park and under the trees for smoko 10am service on Saturday. - Merilyn Plant. Government’s renewables record New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the Abbott government’s attack on renewable energy has cost the country 2500 jobs since 2011-12. The findings put the government’s track record on job creation in the spotlight. Some will now view Prime Minister Abbott’s 2013 election promise to create two million new jobs as empty rhetoric. If the Coalition was serious about jobs in Australia they would start supporting the renewable energy industry instead of attacking it. It’s time for the Abbott government to come to an agreement on the Renewable Energy Target. Failure to do so will result in more jobs losses and further damage to our economy. - Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth renewable energy co-ordinator. Yes2Renew ables.org Show ball appreciation I would like to personally thank everyone for such a successful Crows Nest show ball. The positive response that the Crows Nest Show Society received from sponsors and donors has been tremendous. To all the businesses and individuals who contributed from Crows Nest, Highfields and Toowoomba, I thank you. Your contributions do not go unnoticed. For more than a century the Crows Nest Show Society has relied on the contributions from businesses, individuals, competitors and those who attend. To all who have contributed, you have ensured the legacy of a great community event is successful and continues into the future. Athol Gossow, president Crows Nest A. H. and I. Society. Corporate juggernaut As a long term Highfields business owner and resident for just on 20 years, I am writing this letter to state my objection to the proposed development of the Bunnings store on Ruthven Street, Toowoomba. I believe the proposed development does not fit with the desired council use for this site under the current town plan. As the Mayor has stated previously, “Our role in planning is all about land use.” The appropriate configuration for this site is mixed use which would lend itself to be a perfect fit with the Railway Precinct that is currently being constructed. Recently one councillor stated to me that the “Remediation works for the site will be very expensive and no ordinary developer would even consider it. We would scare them away,” he said. I know the development cannot be refused on economic grounds but to give you an idea of the corporate juggernaut that is taking over our State, I have recently witnessed the closure of four stores in our group (with more to come) because of the box retailers opening up in close proximity to existing stores. It is not only hardware businesses that will suffer. It is the ancillary businesses of motor spare parts, nursery, landscape suppliers, lighting shops, power tool specialists, white goods suppliers just to name a few. These businesses and many more are situated in Toowoomba and surrounding areas with many being established for a number of years. It would make for good town planning to have a mix of smaller retail space and residential living in the same precinct for the inner city living experience that many residents desire. Let’s take a couple of steps back and come up with a master plan for this particular precinct that incorporates high density living coupled with retail space/restaurants and eating establishments. Inevitably, this area could be the envy of other large towns and, with that in mind, take it to public consultation and I believe council will be quite surprised. At the next ordinary meeting of Toowoomba Regional Council on April 21, I urge each and every councillor to make the right decision to promote small business in our Toowoomba region. I call on one of the Toowoomba Regional Councillors to call a Division on the vote to see which councillors really do support small business in our region. - Craig Stibbard, Craig’s Highfields Hardware. Gotcha journalism Defence Minister Kevin Andrews was interviewed on ABC 7.30 current affairs program in relation to the deployment of another 330 Australian troops to Iraq. At the 6.25 minute mark Leigh Sales snares Mr Andrews when he fails to name the leader of ISIL. The interview is nothing more than “gotcha” journalism. Kevin Andrews responded on Twitter saying “Focusing on individuals ignores the threat that extremist organisations present.” 2 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 He makes a valid point. ISIL’s strength and resolve do not stem from their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. ISIL terrorists are driven by Islam and their desire to establish the Islamic caliphate. For too long governments have diverted the public’s focus away from the ideology that drives terrorists, while incessantly focusing on their leaders. - William Burrell, Gowrie Junction. - More letters pages 4 and 7. To advertise phone 4615 4416 Spring water approval angers Ravensbourne residents By MILES NOLLER Ravensbourne faces the prospect of being exploited by the spring water bottling industry, according to local residents who are opposing Toowoomba Regional Council’s approval of such a business. The council last week approved a development application from the owners of a Ravensbourne property, Albert and Sandra Cid, for a change of use to extractive industry (water extraction). Mr and Mrs Cid have been extracting water from a bore on the property for nine years but without development approval. They made the application after a show cause notice from the council. Scores of Ravensbourne residents have opposed the application and spokesman Peter Sparshott said they feared that approving it would set a dangerous precedent. Mr Sparshott said it would encourage other spring water bottling companies to establish in the region and the cumulative effect of such an outcome would be disastrous for primary production and eco-tourism. “Already some local residents have been approached by spring water companies asking if they can buy water from their bores,” he said. The property at the intersection of the Hampton-Esk Road and Case Road, was a former dairy farm and Mr and Mrs Cid have been supplying water from the farm bore to bottling plants for nine years. The council planning committee was told there was no record from the previous Crows Nest Shire Council of any approval, or any written confirmation that no approval was required. But there was correspondence from the Department of Natural Resources at that time that there was no licence on the water bore and, therefore, no cap on the volume of water that could be pumped from it. The council committee agreed to recommend approval of the application for the change of use for the property and that it approve the extraction of 75 mega litres a year. Cr Sue Englart asked if the decision would set a precedent and what steps would be taken if there were further applications by dairy farms with bores to seek extractive use. Cr Nancy Sommerfield, however, asked what had changed. The protest continues Ravensbourne residents are unhappy with the council’s recommendation which will be put to the ordinary meeting of the council today (Tuesday, April 21.). Yesterday they organised a protest outside the property at the intersection of Hampton-Esk Road and Case Road. Their spokesman, Peter Sparshott, said the council decision seemed bizarre. He said the Toowoomba Regional Council was selling out the locals by allowing their water to be sold. “Toowoomba Region councillors will go to the next council meeting (today) to ratify an affirmative decision on a contested development approval.” He said that once approved, this development will secure no economic advantage for TRC or its residents/ businesses. The only jobs provided will be in Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich and many local farmers and ecotourism operators fear their liveli“It’s been going on for nine years. Nothing has changed in nine years. “There’s been no change to the operation of the business,” she said. Cr Mike Williams said hoods will be seriously impacted. Mr Sparshott said that at the recent council development application panel meeting, March 26, the applicant Mr Cid said the development would not result in any economic benefit to TRC. Ravensbourne residents submitted their objections to the council, focusing on a wide range of concerns including negative impacts on the environment, road safety issues, particularly due to the frequent foggy conditions, noise and visual amenity, as well as the socio-economic issues and negative impacts on local farmers and eco-tourism operators. Mr Sparshott said residents have also documented many sections of the TRC Regional Planning Scheme that they say have not been addressed adequately, He challenged the nine councillors who agreed in principle for the development to proceed, to answer the question: “What benefit will TRC and its residents gain from their decision?” 75ML was not a lot of water. He said some farms on the Cambooya plain were using 200Ml a year, and he said DNR had not sought to license bores in Ravensbourne because they considered the supply was not being overused. Cr Williams said Ravensbourne bottled water was being sold around Queensland and around Australia, and there was nothing more clean and green than that. Cr Bill Cahill said he was against approving the application. “Just because the business was conducted for nine years does not mean approval should be granted.” He said the Ravensbourne area was noted for its clean and green character, and an extractive industry was not a sustainable way for the future. Cr Cahill said Sketches resort and nearby farms had to compete for the same water. The council received 18 submissions on the matter objecting to the application. There were two not-properly made applications objecting to the proposal, and one submission supporting the development. An electronic petition objecting to the development with 220 entries was received but was not properly made according to council officers. However, the content of these submissions was considered. In approving the development application, the council committee imposed conditions, including the sealing and widening of 50m of Case Road from the farm gate to the intersection with Hampton-Esk Road, and the construction of a turning lane from Hampton-Esk Road into the farm. • Residents rally page 5 Police looking for a Hilux utility Toowoomba Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle and a break-in at a Centenary Heights newsagency. Initial investigations indicate that two men have stolen a white Toyota Hilux dual cab vehicle with Queensland registration 322 MRG from Wilsonton. The men have used this vehicle to attend the newsagency, break in and steal a large quantity of cigarettes, before leaving. The identity of these men is unknown and the Hilux is still outstanding. Investigators are urging anyone who has information on either the Hilux, or someone with a large quantity of cigarettes to contact police. Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24 hours a day. • LEFT - A B-Double tanker that is used to truck 40,000 litres of water a time from the Ravensbourne property to bottling factories in Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich. Up to 10 B-Double tankers a day in summer months will take water from the property. - Picture from applicant’s report to council.. To advertise phone 4615 4416 HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 - 3 Memorial for house fire victim Mayor determined to keep The Brymaroo community has met in support of the family of Melissa Dorries who died in a house fire last Monday night. An estimated 200 people met at the Canberra bomber park in Brymaroo last Friday to remember Melissa, support her family, and release dozens of pink balloons. Some said it was the biggest crowd in the park since the aircraft was placed in the park in the 1980s. Melissa was highly regarded in the community. Acting principal at Kulpi State School Rosita Lever said Melissa impressed many with her enthusiasm and leadership. Melissa became president of the school’s P and C committee more than a year ago when daughter Jackalyn became a student. Ms Lever said Melissa decided to “put her hand up” for the job, and was raising a lot of money for the school centenary celebrations scheduled for August this year. “Melissa had encouraged parents to support the small school in the community,” Ms Lever said. “She made an amazing contribution to our school and was well known for selling raffle tickets at the Kulpi pub.” Borneo Barracks Ms Lever opened the school last Thursday, even though children were still on holidays, so the students and their parents could talk about the situation. Many of the children went to the school last Thursday and also attended the community function on Friday. Danny Dorries’ brother Nev Horneman, a policeman, said it could be a few weeks Mayor Paul Antonio has before the investigation into requested an urgent meeting the fire was completed. with Defence Minister Kevin He said the coroner would Andrews in a bid to clarify the future of the Borneo Barbe involved. racks Defence base at CabarThe cause of the fire was lah. The request follows yet to be established. It was important the chilHowever, the family is speculation in recent weeks dren had the chance to say hoping to hold a funeral this that the base is among several goodbye and to be respect- coming Friday. - Miles earmarked for closure following a review of Defence Deful, Ms Lever said. Noller reporting. partment assets. Cr Antonio, right, said the Defence community played a key role in the Toowoomba region both economically and socially and he was determined to do all he could to preserve that contribution. “We estimate that the Defence Force Base currently provides jobs for more than 800 local residents and contributes more than $100 million annually to our local economy,” Cr Antonio said. “Any suggested rationalisation by the government would be at the expense of this community, and frankly, that is unacceptable.” Minister for Industry and Science and Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane confirmed that he supports the base remaining operational. Cr Antonio said he had spoken with Mr Macfarlane and he was assured that Mr Macfarlane was confident the future of the base was secure. “Ian has agreed to arrange a meeting with the Defence Minister and together we plan to make it clear that our community expects Defence to remain a vital part of this region.” Borneo Barracks began as a World War I training area and now accommodates the Army’s deployable electronic warfare unit and Defence’s electronic warfare operator training unit. TO THE EDITOR Environmental vandalism Melissa’s husband Danny Dorries, their Danny Dorries’ brother Nev Tracey, Toowoomba, Melissa’s six year old daughter Jackalyn, 6, and Horneman and Danny’s cousin, and Stacey Taylor, Melissa’s friend who organised the memorial. mother Roanne. daughter Tonya Sanderson. Physical inactivity New research shows only 54 percent of South West Queensland adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 33 percent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity. Cancer Council has warned South West Queenslanders could be risking their health and happiness, increasing their risks of overweight and obesity. CCQ spokesperson Katie Clift said the findings were alarming. “Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of overweight, obesity and chronic disease,” Ms Clift said. 4 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 The development and land clearing at Cabarlah on Happy Valley Road is extremely disappointing. The most disappointing thing is that, despite the then Crows Nest Shire Council stipulating that wildlife corridors and environmental buffer zones be included in the development when it was first submitted for approval in 2007, changes brought in in 2014 by Campbell Newman’s State Government to downgrade environmental protection laws have resulted in the lawful clearing of a pristine environment. Self-assessable land clearing laws have caused mass environmental vandalism across the State, particularly on the Darling Downs since the laws were downgraded, making it lawful for land owners of any treed block to assess and decide for themselves about land clearing with no approvals required. The current Labor Government has promised to revert the downgraded environmental laws to their previous state, but this is yet to have been completed. With regards to the 450acre former Braziers brick yard block at Kleinton. It is in no way of “lesser” environmental value than the Cabarlah escarpment block and is certainly not “light forest country.” One only needs to view the recent TRC flood migration aerial photos and plans to see that the former Braziers block is the thickest patch of remnant bushland in the surrounding Highfields area and a major part of the Bunya biolink and a vital wildlife corridor. This particular patch of land, which is actually owned by property developer and former Toowoomba City Council Mayor Ross Miller, has been a significant wildlife habitat for hundreds of years. Currently this block is home to many State listed and recorded vulnerable Koalas along with Greater Gliders and other important wildlife species along with remnant native vegetation. Any planed burning of this block, even mosaic burning, will result in catastrophic results for the ground dwelling species that are not fast moving, such as the Echidna and the native Chestnut Mouse, giving them no means of escape from a fiery death. Tree bearing animals including the vulnerable Koalas and hollow bearing animals such as the Greater Glider will also suffer the same grizzly fate as their ground dwelling relatives when such an area is burnt. It is worth noting that while the fire breaks were being installed by a bulldozer on the thick bushland block, a wildlife spotter was not hired to be onsite, thus showing the lack of concern by the owner, for the wildlife inhabiting this block. Local residents have expressed their concerns about the fire risk to their surrounding properties from the planned burn of this remnant bushland area and would like to see the area preserved as it has been done so by the former land owners. At what expense is progress and how should it really be defined? Judi Gray, president Wildlife Queensland Toowoomba Branch BreastScreen gala event BreastScreen Queensland and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation will be doing their best to make sure Toowoomba turns pink to raise awareness and generate funds for breast cancer support during May. Jessica Hobbs, Health Promotion Officer for Breast Screen Toowoomba, said planning was in full swing for an afternoon of elegant high tea and fashion on May 9. “We’re expecting a full house at Gip’s Restaurant from 2pm to 5pm,” Ms Hobbs said. To book phone 4616 6166.” To advertise phone 4615 4416 Residents rally against water application RAVENSBOURNE More than local residents gathered at Case Road, Ravensbourne, on Saturday to demonstrate to Toowoomba Regional Council that the community wants to be heard regarding the pending development application decision. The applicant, Mr Cid, has been operating without council approval for nine years, extracting 10 B-Double tankers of water a day and shipping it to Brisbane-based bottling factories. He was recently issued with a show cause notice by Toowoomba Regional Council requiring a Material Change of Use from Rural to Extractive Industry. Ravensbourne and district residents have rallied together to oppose this operation. Spokesperson Peter Sparshott said: “We have now spoken to individual councillors and provided the council with information to demonstrate that the assessment process had major deficiencies that could easily be challenged at a later date.” Residents have submitted their objections to the council, focusing on a wide range of concerns including negative impacts on the environment, road safety issues, particularly due to the frequent foggy conditions, noise and visual amenity, in addition to socioeconomic issues and negative impacts on local farmers and eco-tourism operators. They have also documented many sections of the Toowoomba Regional Council Planning Scheme that have not been addressed adequately. Mr Sparshott said, “The Mayor and councillors only have until Tuesday’s council meeting to give the residents of TRC an informed decision regarding this issue.” - Contributed Grant has Pinelands Hall looking better than ever Pinelands Hall north of Crows Nest is looking as good as it did when it was built more than 60 years ago, thanks to two projects that have been assisted by Heritage Bank/PCCN funding. Last week, a Heritage Bank cheque from the Crows Nest branch was paid to the Pineland Hall committee for a project that restumped the building. Hall committee president Scott Brown said 149 steel adjustable stumps were installed under the building, replacing ironbark timber stumps that had been there since the hall was constructed in 1953. Mr Brown said 36 of those old timber stumps were not touching the hall floor any more, resulting in noticeable movement when dancing was in progress. He said To advertise phone 4615 4416 600 man hours were required to install the steel stumps, concreting them in place and adjusting them to the floor joists. Heritage Bank branch manager Leanne Murphy and PCCN director Howard Littleton last week paid $14,234 to the hall committee for the project. It is the second such grant from these two organisations in recent times for improvements to the Pinelands Hall. Eighteen months ago, a grant of $20,000 was received to put a new roof on the building. This work was done by Tasso Kritikou of Crows Nest Carpentry. When the hall was built, most of the timber was provided by landholders in the district. Much of the ironbark for the stumps and weatherboards was from the Maidenwell area, and the timber for the hall floor came from one Crows Ash tree at Pinelands. The stump of this tree remains on a nearby farm and is said to be about three metres in diameter. . • Howard Littleton, PCCN director, Leanne Murphy, Crows Nest branch manager Heritage Bank, and Scott Brown, president of the Hall Committee. Mayor condems mosque attack Arts Council grant Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio has condemned an overnight alleged arson attack on Toowoomba’ mosque, calling the attack “un-Toowoomba.” “Toowoomba is recognised as a city where people from all creeds and cultures live to- Crows Nest Arts Council has received a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund of $13,867 to buy a Genie Lift. I congratulate Chris Harris in successfully applying for this. Chris has for a number of years operated and installed stage lighting for drama productions and each time we have had to borrow the lift from Highfields Cultural Centre. We have been made aware that we were not insured to transport this lift from Highfields and have had to rely on council transport. This is wonderful news as it has come just in time to buy the equipment so Chris and Barry Sharp, a qualified lift operator, can use it for our theatre restaurant Frank Annie’s Diary on June 12-13. - Sally Johnson, vice president drama PROGRESS ASSOCIATION UPDATE: Gowrie Junction Progress Association held its annual meeting resulted in a change in the association executive. The association now comprises Jason Chavasse president, Michael Tudman-Hook vice president, Jodine O’Connor treasurer, John Barber secretary, Peter and Fay McKenzie, Russell Czynski hall support group. - Jason Chavasse, president 0429 626 437 gowrie junction [email protected]. gether peacefully,” Cr Antonio said. “This community works hard to nurture and celebrate peace. This kind of behaviour, frankly is a terrible insult to the majority of good people who call our region home,” he said. HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 - 5 Schools work together to bring Broadway classic to life It’s one thing for Glennie, an all-girls school, to say we’re bringing a Broadway classic to life in Toowoomba but where do the male actor counterparts come from? Thankfully, we can always rely on our neighbouring school drama departments to assist us and fill the obvious void. The audition process has opened our eyes to the abundance of talent in the region from neighbouring schools and allowed us to secure actors for our male roles in the upcoming 2015 Glennie Musical 42nd Street to be performed at the Highfields Cultural Centre on Friday, May 1, at 7pm and Saturday, May 2, at 2pm and 7pm. Seven male actors in total from Centenary Heights State High School, Downlands College, Home Schooling and Toowoomba Grammar School are all eager to showcase their acting skills with our girls. Although outnumbered, they are not daunted by the task ahead and relish the opportunity to perform. 42nd Street tells the story of a humble, naïve young actress named Peggy Sawyer (Sophie Macansh) who has come to audition for a new Broadway musical. Unfortunately, due to her nervousness, Peggy arrives at the audition late and misses her chance to join the chorus. Luckily, Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director, Julian Marsh (Harry Paroz), and he gives Peggy her big break. However, the show’s ageing leading lady, Dorothy Brock (Molly Parker), quickly grows to dis- Highway upgrade On April 7, the Herald reported that Federal Government funding has been made available for the New England Highway. Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane’s office has advised that safety upgrades will target priority sections of the New England Highway between Warwick and the Queensland-NSW border, with works to include a new overtaking lane, pavement widening, intersection upgrades and improved linemarking and signage. like Peggy. On opening night, Ms Brock falls and breaks her ankle. Panic spreads through the company, as the show is doomed for closure, until it is suggested that Peggy take the role. In only 36 hours, Peggy learns 25 pages, six songs and 10 dance numbers and becomes a star. Toowoomba residents are invited to enjoy this superb production. Tickets are $20 Adults, $15 Student/Concession and can be purchased via the Glennie website http:// www.glennie.qld.edu.au/ sales-payments.html. Enquiries can be made by telephone 4688 8816. - Contributed. Leading actors include Charlotte Gehrmann, The Glennie School, Hamish McIlveen, Toowoomba Grammar School), Connor Heading, Centenary Heights State High School, James Nicholson, Downlands College, Elaine Wembri, The Glennie School, and Harry Paroz, Home Schooling. Oakey House receives New Hope grant Oakey House has received a grant from the New Acland Community Investment Fund. Oakey House was established in October 2013 to emulate Toowoomba Clubhouse after several members of the Oakey community contacted the organisation to fill a need in relation to an ongoing string of community suicides. The Toowoomba Clubhouse operates innovate programs ranging from a highschool education program, educating students about mental illnes and mental health social inclusion programs. The organisation has been responsible for developing four innovative social enterprises that employ individuals living with a mental illness and have assisted more than 150 people into employment over the past three years. It has also developed an innovative self-funded housing program that works with real estate agents and local partners to develop housing options for participants facing homelessness through mental illness. Toowoomba Clubhouse executive director Luke Terry receives a cheque for $31,000 from New Hope Coal for the Oakey Clubhouse. Lynnette Pirie, operations manager Toowoomba Clubhouse, Graham Cooke, chairman CRG, Luke Terry Toowoomba Clubhouse, David Fredericks, Jim Randell, New Hope Group. Executive Director of Toowoomba Clubhouse Luke Terry said the main objective of TCH and its outposts was to create opportunities for people living with a mental illness to live a meaningful and contributing life. “The Oakey facility was developed to work with indi- viduals who have been isolated because of their mental illness. “The objective of Oakey House is to create a community for people living with a mental illness where they can connect with peers who are going through a similar journey and to build the confi- dence needed to take part in active community participation and citizenship. “This grant from New Hope has enabled us to focus upon maintaining and enhancing an environment that supports these individual’s mental health,” Mr Terry said. Planning application clarification The following is a response from Cr Bill Cahill to a report in last week’s Herald concerning a development applciation relating to land at Cabarlah. • The Cabarlah development application was made under delegated authority. As such, it was assessed in accordance with all requirements for a Code Assessable application under the State Planning Act Code. Assessable applications are processed by council planning officers under Council delegation. These applications do not require public notification or signs to be placed around the site. This would only occur if the application were judged to be Impact Assessable, in which case there would be a public notification requirement. There also was no requirement to refer the application to Council’s Development Assessment Panel. Planning officers referred matters beyond Council’s jurisdiction to relevant authorities, who subsequently rule on their respective areas of control. - Toowoomba Regional Council Planning and Development committee chair Cr Bill Cahill. 6 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 TO THE EDITOR New Hope expansion - the other side of the story I have read the letters in the High Country Herald, Oakey Champion, and Toowoomba Chronicle by employees from New Hope Acland mine, as to why they think Stage 3 should proceed because they need the jobs to support their families. This has some truth, but had New Hope not bought up 80 family dairy, grain and grazing properties which supported many businesses in Oakey and surrounding areas, such as the saleyards, rural agencies and agriculture businesses who had many employed before being forced to close from lack of business or are struggling to keep the business open and cannot afford to employ anyone. In 1998 we retired to a property and built my dream home which would provide all our needs in our golden years. We started a tourist business promoting Alpacas and their handspun, knitted/crocheted products. New Hope bought Acland mine about 2000 and by September 2002 Stage 1 open cut mining started. We were only about 5 km from the mine. Before long dust was hanging over our property and noise had taken over our night quietness. As it moved closer we had to keep doors and windows of our houses closed most of the time. Soon NHA Company started buying more farms and telling the Acland people they had to sell their homes to them or put up with dust, noise and lights. These farmers and home owners sold on deflated values, having to borrow money to replace their homes in the surrounding towns. New Hope, in most cases, would not finalise these deals till the owner signed confidentiality contracts with the company. As all houses became empty (except two homes still occupied), New Hope started demolishing all brick homes and removing the wooden ones onto a property outside the township. They started talking about removing the war memorial to another area. This caused a huge campaign which has saved the war memorial from being moved. With the start of Stage 2 in 2006/7 our lives became insufferable. The dust hung like a very heavy dust storm day and night up to 10 days at a time. At night the lights covered the whole farm like day and even heavy curtains could not darken our houses. We were working in masks and some members were sleeping in them. We had become asthmatics, coughing till sick, bleeding noses, headaches and rashes the doctors could not clear up. Blasts with nitrogen dioxide left us with burning eyes, nose, throat and chest up to four days after the blast. The whole family was so ill and exhausted from sleepless nights, noise, lights, dust and the blasting two or three times a week which shook the house causing crockery to break. Our rain water tanks (the only water we used for drinking and cooking) which we had tested showed high levels of heavy metals, lead, ammonia, coal and many other chemicals. This water then had to be treated after a shower of rain to restore it to a safe level for house use. Our animals’ health was causing more and more stock losses. Our tourist business ended with the start of Stage 2 as the ‘asthmatics’ on the buses after a few minutes demanding the driver get them out of the dust. It was decided we had to sell as we could not live in these conditions any longer. The agents can’t get anyone to inspect places beside a mine, that left us with no choice but to accept the deflated price. New Hope offered, with no compensation for our improvements or lost business but, to get quality health for our animals and family, we had to forfeit my dream home to live in a donga on a property that was not even fully boundary fenced. If the writers of the letters had lived 24/7 beside Acland mine and Jondaryan coal dump and experienced what we have’ instead of sleeping and having off days at a safe distance from the mine like Glenvale, Geham, Kulpi, and even Turkey Beach, you would not be so vocal about us being activist. Think carefully about the future food bowl. We don’t need to destroy any more farming and grazing land or have any more bores dry up. Remember nothing can live without water. - Aileen Harrison, Yalangur. To advertise phone 4615 4416 HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 - 7 • COMMUNITY REPORT • Circle of Friends The Meringandan Circle of Friends Club was formed 19 years ago to bring the community together. Members are men and women of several faiths who meet in the Uniting Church building in Main Street, Meringandan on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am for a cup of tea and a chat. Each member brings a plate of something to share at morning tea and a gold coin donation covers the supply of the ingredients for a cuppa. Guests are invited to meetings to speak on different events and subjects. On other occasions, members visit places of interest • Herald Mothers Day giveaway or gather for a sing-along. On April 8 three speakers presented a salute to the ANZACS. Two had served in Vietnam and the other had memories of the Army base in Meringandan during the Korean war. After morning tea, members sang songs from both world wars and shared memories, including the Korean war. Photos and memories from World War 1 and other memorabilia from World War 2 were on display. The club will hold a soup luncheon in June with donations going to an appeal running at the time. A. Roach, leader. The Herald is offering a prize of an elegance escape package valued at $150 courtesy of Escape in Highfields and Styles@Escape to be won by one lucky lady this Mothers Day. If there is a special lady in your life you would like to nominate for the prize, send us her name together your name and contact details to be in the draw. The package includes a hydrotherapy spa and a 40-minute full body massage, followed by a hair wash and blowdry at Styles@Escapes. The special someone you • Mens shed excursion nominate doesn’t necessarily have to be your mum. It could be your wife, a daughter, a sister, a neighbour, a teacher or a carer – just someone you would like to surprise with this great prize. Nominations can be emailed to herald@highcountry news.net.au or posted to The Herald, PO Box 242, Highfields Q.4352. Details can also be dropped in to the Herald office, 10485 New England Highway, Highfields. Entries will close at noon on May 1 and the prize will be Highfields Men’s Shed members learned the history of regional rail announced in the Herald on when Downs Steam member Peter Eldridge, right, gave them a conTuesday, May 5. ducted tour featuring steam and diesel locos, a rare rail motor and several passenger cars at their museum in Drayton. - Gary Alcorn. • Seniors clock update Crows Nest Seniors clock project is coming to fruition. After a meeting with Cr Chris Tait and council officials, it has been settled, the clock will be situated on the corner of Charlotte and Curnow Streets. The Seniors are still looking into ordering and purchasing the clock. Honorary architect Lester Erhlich has made very attractive sketches which are in the hands of the council members. The first musical morning was held last week and a very happy crowd enjoyed Jim Strohfeld’s music and morning tea. Cost for the morning was $5. Raffle results1st Red Fisher, 2nd Pat Weis, 3rd Lynda Bruchester. The Seniors appreciate the patronage and intend to host more of same in November. We have our annual cent sale on May 20. Make note of it on your calendar and a proposed trip to Bell on Monday, June 15. Details will be advertised. The card session is held every second Monday at the Seniors hall from 7pm. Next session is Monday, April 27. Prizes for winners. Supper is provided. Membership is still only $10. - Vivian Anderson 0407 928 995 or Pat Williams 4698 4163. Cr Nancy’s recycling tip Cr Nancy says you can recycle aerosol containers and tins such as Milo or baked beans. Just empty the container first. Remove the plastic lid from your aerosol and put it in the recycle bin separately. Show you care, do your share. 8 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 • Charity dance • School’s in A dance in support of the Cancer Council is being held at Trinity Hall, 270 Hume Street, Toowoomba this Saturday, April 25, starting at 7.30pm. Music for dancing is by Joy Times and novelties include Monte Carlo, lucky spot, lucky numbers and lucky door. Admission is $10 and a plate to share for supper would be appreciated. For details phone Chris 0428 171 001. • Tombola Toowoomba War Widows Guild will host tombola in aid of Toowoomba Hospice on April 22 at the RSL, cnr Herries and Ruthven Streets. • Contributions Contributions to Community Report always welcome. Contact details page 2. 20 April RACQ has urged motorists to slow down and be aware of school zones, with students returning to class for term two this morning. RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said motorists needed to shake themselves out of holiday mode and be alert for children riding bikes, crossing roads, getting on and off buses, and in and out of cars. “Whenever a new school term begins, it’s vital for motorists to take extra care when driving through school zones, at crossings and anywhere children may be on the road during their journey,” Ms Ritchie said. “The reality is that young children can be very unpredictable, they’ve not yet developed the spatial awareness we have as adults, so motorists need to be alert and prepared for the unexpected.” 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 CHRISTIAN COMMENT Sacrifice of our ancestors Pastor NOEL WILCOX - Highfields Baptist Church It is a special year for ANZAC (Austral- death that we remember, as much as the ian and New Zealand Army Corps), being life, eternal life He has given to millions 100 years since the event we remember each worldwide. year. The hope He has given them when they So why do we continue to remember such turn from sin and turn to the Saviour of the a horrific loss of life? world. Many of us have lost loved ones in acciANZAC Day is certainly about the dents or in tragic circumstances. Yet, while tragic loss of life, but more than that, it is we remember, we have not made it an an- about the sacrifice of our ancestors that we nual date to remember. might enjoy the freedom we presently Like Jesus’ death on the cross of Calvary possess. over 2000 years ago, it is not so much His Lest we forget. Groups receive gambling funds Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts has welcomed the allocation of $91,711 to seven community groups under the latest round of State Government community funding from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Highfields Rollers Cycling Club, purchase equipment $7673.60. Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Qld, purchase electric forklift $16,960. Toowoomba State High School install air conditioners $31,818.18. Highfields District Kindergarten, purchase irrigation system and equipment $7401.37. Toowoomba Lapidary Club, purchase equipment - $8667. Wirraglen Support Group, conduct workshops $16,190.91. Toowoomba City Bowls Club, purchase defibrillator machine $3000 Mr Watts said the grants are designed for approved not-for-profit organisations and are not intended to replace existing sources of support for these organisations. “I encourage all groups to apply for the next round of funding before May 31. “Previously, community groups could access four different funding programs depending on their location and eligibility. This has since been streamlined. “The Gambling Community Benefit Fund now replaces the Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund, Breakwater Island Casino Community Benefit Fund, Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund, and the pre-existing Gambling Community Benefit Fund as a single, Statewide funding program,” Mr Watts said. History society open day and membership offer This year during the National Trust Heritage Festival, the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Family History Society will hold an open day this Sunday, April 26. The focus will be on WWI military research. The day will start at 9am with a presentation of the many general resources held by the society and easily accessible from the computers. At 10am Karen Rowe, who extensively researched the society’s WWI project - Men and Women who were either born in Toowoomba or who enlisted in Toowoomba, will give a tutorial focusing on digital records, tips and techniques for researching WWI military history. The society’s files on military personnel who were either born in Toowoomba or enlisted here will be available to research free-of-charge from noon to 4pm. The information that has been gathered includes many photographs as well as family information, not found in military dossiers. President of the society, Mrs Marie Green said if anyone was thinking of joining the society, Sunday would be a good day as they are offering as a special concession 14 months’ membership for the price of 12. The society is situated at 452 South Street, Toowoomba. Contact 4634 7377 or www.tddfhs.org.au Phone the Herald 4615 4416 DEATHS Mr Harold Walker, 68, Gowrie Junction. Died March 17. Funeral Gayndah, March 23. To advertise phone 4615 4416 HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 - 9 HERALD SALUTE – ANZAC CENTENARY 1915-2015 “Dad didn’t have a very good life. He spent a lot of time in Rosemount Repatriation Hospital at Windsor in Brisbane.” - Kath O’Brien, nee Bonner, August 22, 2008 PADDY’S WAR 1914 -18 Compiled by MAX and PAM BACON Photos courtesy KATH O’BRIEN T ake a quiet stroll through the Oakey cemetery and you will chance upon the grave of Patrick Edwin (Paddy) Bonner who died on April 15, 1955, aged 66. Marie Ann (Molly) Bonner who was Patrick’s wife lies at rest beside him. The graves also record the names of their children Kathleen and Francis. The brass plaque on 459 Driver P.E. Bonner’s grave informs us that here lies a veteran of the 9th Battalion of World War 1. The 9th Battalion took part in the dawn landing a Gallipoli and saw action on the Western Front Who then was Paddy Bonner, and how did troubled times so long ago affect his life? When Archduke Ferdinand of AustriaHungary was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, political alliances set a course towards war in Europe. Convinced that France was about to attack its borders, Germany declared war on France on August 3, 1914. Germany’s attack through neutral Belgium brought Britain into the conflict. Australia was automatically at war because of the way the British Empire was constituted. The Australian people were almost in total support of Britain. Labour leader Andrew Fisher from Gympie promised that Australia would be with the mother country to “our last man and our last shilling.” Paddy enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Warwick on August 28, 1914. Warwick came alive for a citizens’ send-off. A procession left the town hall led by a horseman carrying the Union Jack. The town band was then followed by bearers of the Scottish Standard, the Irish Standard, the St. Georges’ flag, troops in uniform, the Gordon Pipe Band and some members of the public. After a circuit of Warwick, the procession returned to a packed town hall. Streamers and Union Jacks decorated the stage. The chairman’s table was draped with a Union Jack and Australian flags decorated the east gable. Paddy sat on the stage with the other volunteers from the Southern Downs. The program included singing the National Anthem, patriotic speeches and much cheering. The crowd was so enthused when Mr. E.C. Robinson sang, “This Bit of the World Belongs to Us”, that he followed with “Rule Britannia.” Mr. C.E. McDougall said, “It would certainly be a terrible thing for them in Australia if Britain went under. But she was not going to go under. Germany, which had been suffering badly from swelled head, was going to be punished this time. Moreover, when the Australian lads got to the front they would teach the Germans to know that there was such a place on the map as Australia.” Paddy travelled to Bell’s paddock, Enoggera, Brisbane where the 9th Battalion was being formed. He was posted to D Company to begin his training. On September 24 at 4am the battalion entrained for Pinkenba where the former passenger liner S.S. Omrah was moored. The battalion embarked and was under way for Europe before breakfast. Three weeks in Melbourne allowed more time for training. A stop at Albany, Western Australia, allowed time for a route march and then the convoy headed into the Indian Ocean. When the convoy was 80 kilometres from Cocos Island word was received of an attack by the German raider Emden. The light cruiser HMAS Sydney peeled away from the convoy on November 9 to search for and sink the Emden. Men could hear the battle which was out of sight. The German sailors who were taken prisoner were put aboard the S.S. Omrah. Paddy made note of the battle in his diary. The 1st Division arrived at Alexandria, Egypt on December 4, 1914 and proceeded to Mena camp near the Pyramids. The troops began training in the desert. Because of very wet conditions in England it had been decided to disembark the Australians in Egypt . The troops began training in the desert. When the decision was made to force the Dardanelles and open the way to Russia, the Australian 1st Division was committed to the campaign. Troops of the 9th Battalion were some of the first ashore in the dawn landing at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. Entries from Paddy’s diary. April 25 - Troops landed early, very heavy fighting. April 26 - Heavy fighting and Bombardments. April 27 - Some heavy bombardments. April 28 - Heavy fighting, left for Lemnos about 12. April 29 - Laying in harbour. May 9 - Landed in Private PADDY BONNER Gassed and wounded Paddy’s final battle was war.” The Germans lost in August 1918. 17,000 captured and 500 General Monash had guns. a message read to the Paddy and the 9th Australian troops on Battalion joined the battle August 7 . He said, “ For the first on August 9. The Battalion historian time in the history of this Corps, all five Australian wrote, “Moving off just Divisions will tomorrow after midday in artillery e n g a g e i n t h e m o s t formation the 9th made a important battle operation very fine picture as it passed ever undertaken by the over the countryside.” Near Harbonniers the Corps.” “ I earnestly wish every Battalion passed a huge soldier of the Corps the German railway gun which best of good fortune and is now on display at the war a glorious and decisive memorial in Canberra. On victory, the story of which August 10, 1918 the 9th will re-echo throughout Battalion was engaged in the world, and will live the battle for Crepey Wood. forever in the history of our Poor planning meant the homeland.” attack was made by pure The Australian and infantry without adequate Canadian Corps attacked artillery support. The 1st the Germans at 4.30am on Australian Division lost August 8, 1918 along a 16 100 officers and 1500 men mile front of the Somme in three days. Valley. Paddy Bonner received a German General Erich gunshot wound to the right Ludendorff described this thigh and took no further day as “The black day of part in the war. On August 10 four the German army in this MOLLY WEBBER The girl who waited military crosses, one Distinguished Conduct Medal and six Military Medals were awarded to men of the 9th Battalion. Paddy was evacuated to hospital in England to convalesce. Casualties for the 9th Battalion during the war were 1094 killed and 2422 wounded (including gassed). The 9th Battalion Battle Honours were - Landing at Anzac, Defence of Anzac, Suvla, Sari Blair, Gallipoli 1915. Egypt 1915-1916, Somme 1916, Pozieres, Bullecourt, Ypres 1917, Menin Road, Polygon Wo o d , B r o o d s i e n d e , Poelcappele, Passchendaele, Lys, Hazebrouck, Kemmel, Amiens, Albert 1918, Hindenburg Line, Epehy, France and Flanders 1916-18. Paddy returned to Australia on March 17, 1919, aboard the hospital ship “Konowna.” He was a wearing a cot case tag and was on crutches. Molly was waiting for her man when he was discharged on November 2, 1919. They were married at Warwick and started life on a soldier settler block at Nangwee on the Condamine plain. When this venture did not work out Paddy found work on the railway. The Bonners settled in Oakey. Paddy had been gassed and carried shrapnel in his arms, legs and hand. His daughter, Kath O’Brien, who still lives in Oakey, said of her father, “Dad didn’t have a very good life and spent a lot of time in Rosemount Repatriation Hospital at Windsor in Brisbane.” Kath recalled shrapnel working out of his arms and seeing shrapnel under the skin of his fingers. Paddy, second from left, in hospital in England Paddy ploughing his soldier settler block at Nangwee Cairo Egypt 1915 - Paddy is on the right morning and went into support trenches. May 10 - In dugout heavy shrapnel fire. M a y 11 - D i g g i n g support trenches. Good few shells flying. May 12 - Went into supports heavy shell fire. May 13 - In firing line trenches J. Hall and S. Taylor killed by shell. May. 14 - Came out of trenches for a spell. May 15 - Making gun road few shell flying. May 16 - In supporting trenches not much doing. May 17 - In firing line a few shots at stray Turks. May 18 - Out for a rest heavy shell fire. Lieut. Charles Fortesque wounded. Australia’s official war historian, Charles Bean, records that the Australian Headquarters received a morse code message from the Turks on May 18 warning: “We will put you into the seas tomorrow, you Australian bastards. Big guns we will give you. We will give you mines you Australian bastards. Lieutenant-Colonel Mustafa Kemal planned to attack the Australian positions with 42,000 troops on May 19, at 3.30am. Aerial surveillance alerted the Australians to the build-up. F i n a l l y, t h e m o o n reflecting off bayonets convinced the Australian outposts that an attack was imminent. General Birdwood had warned the troops at 10pm to be on alert for an attack in force. Preceded by three hours of heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, the Turks attacked in waves from 3.30am to noon. The Turks lost 3000 dead and 7000 wounded. Australian losses were 160 dead and 468 wounded. Paddy’s diary continues. May 18, 1915: In out support Turks advancing. May 19: Turks attacked in large forces early and kept busy all day. May 20: Built up outer support. Turks attacked in evening and driven back. May 21: Wounded in thigh and brought to hospital ship. May 22: Sailed away and pulled into Lemnos. In March 1916 the 9th Battalion sailed for France to take part in historic battles on the Western Front. Paddy, left, on his way home, wearing a cot case tag Paddy’s military badges Paddy and Molly’’s wedding Students exposed to Downs agriculture By MILES NOLLER The Darling Downs last week became the training ground for future scientists in agriculture and the environment, and the Crows Nest district contributed to this future knowledge. The University of Queensland organised a one-week excursion for students in agricultural science, environmental science, and a handful studying environmental management and geography. The tour included a visit to a dairy farm at Pinelands operated by the Burgess family, lunch at Thornville, and dinner at the Pinelands Hall. Senior lecturer in soil management at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, Gunnar Kirchhof, said the week-long excursion was part of a course in land use and management which gets the “city kids out to see rural areas”. Mr Kirchhof said the tour lets the students observe real life agricultural activities and land management activities. The group of about 50 included students from both St Lucia and Gatton, and they visited the Tarong power station and mine, and observed the rehabilitation of land that had been mined. University of Queensland students Craig Parfitt and Lisa Steinke with Ian Eustace, left, Palmtree, who had a career with the CSIRO, and Frank Burgess a Pinelands dairy farmer who has hosted student groups for many years. Craig is studying agronomy at Gatton, and Lisa is studying for a St Lucia degree in environmental management. At Frank Burgess’s dairy farm at Pinelands, they inspected pastures and cropping, the development of conservation areas on the farm where remnant scrub and dry rainforest on the tops of ridges has been fenced off from farm activity, and studied the profile of the farm’s soil in a soil pit dug for the purpose. The next day they inspected a dryland cropping farm at Allora, the Hermitage research station near Warwick, and the Girraween National Park in the Granite Belt. The final day of the tour involved a visit to an organic farm and a forestry project at Beewah north of Brisbane. Mr Kirchhof said all were third year stuDARLING DOWNS OVERIEW dents doing four year degree courses. The following day they were given an overHe said the students get the theory in lecview of the Darling Downs by the Department tures. of Resource Management, they inspected a cot“But it’s important to see how that theory is ton farm, and visited the Grassdale feedlot. linked to reality.” Senior lecturer in soil science at the School of Agriculture and Food Science at the University of Queensland, Laura Wendling, standing right, with agriculture and environmental science students from both the St Lucia and Gatton campuses. Goombungee-Haden show results will appear next week 12 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 Shadow Ag Minister shows her support Professor joins agribusiness delegation to China for live cattle export Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Deb Frecklington had an upclose look at the live cattle export industry when she visited the Townsville Port. Mrs Frecklington inspected a live cattle transport vessel at the Townsville Port before its departure and said she came to Townsville to show her support for the sector. “I have been extremely keen to get on board a live trade vessel and demonstrate my support for this important market for Queensland graziers,” Mrs Frecklington said. “Having just spent time touring drought affected areas in the Central West with Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg, it’s clear these communities need our support. “Live cattle export provides an alternative market for our primary producers, giving them a chance to diversify and create resilience in their business. “Results out of the Port of Townsville for live cattle export volumes so far this year provide a definite indication of the relevance of live export. “Volumes of cattle being shipped by exporters have outstripped Darwin for the same period (January-February) and it Professor Steven Raine from the University of Southern Queensland will join a Toowoomba delegation to China to study the burgeoning Chinese food, agriculture and agribusiness marketplace. Professor Raine is Executive Director of the USQ Institute for Agriculture and the Environment. The tour to China in May is being organised by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise. Professor Raine, pictured, and a number of local business and industry representatives will visit Hong Kong, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Hangzhou and Beijing during the week-long delegation. Professor Raine said. he was pleased to participate in this important delegation to Hong Kong and China. “I’m particularly looking forward to better understanding the retail trends for Australian agricultural products as well as the food and beverage opportunities arising from e-commerce. “The program provides a great overview of all aspects of the food supply chain in China including port distributions, food processing, and retail and restaurant operations.” Big ticket items on the itinerary include exploring a variety of high end supermarket and retail outlets, meeting with a number of food processing companies and an imported food testing agency, and a meeting with the Beijing Agricultural University. Beehives stolen Feeling absolutely gutted. Today I went to one of our sites in the State Forest, to find some scumbag has stolen the 12 hives we had at that site. These hives were Branded with R820 /or P128 on them. This site is North of Toowoomba/Highfeilds. Please share with everyone you know and if you hear/see/know anything Shadow Minister for Agriculture Deb Frecklington aboard the Ocean Drover live cattle vessel in Townsville. looks like they’ll also beat last year’s financial year volumes as well. “The live export sector works alongside other markets such as meatworks and feedlots. It is a professional, regulated industry and I’m To advertise phone 4615 4416 here to show my support. “Unfortunately for farmers in Australia, farm gate prices are generally lower than prices received in third world economies such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bra- zil. When compared with the USA and Canada, our producers receive about half. “Our producers need competition at the farm gate. Competition makes an industry stronger, not weaker. “The LNP remains committed to enhancing the live cattle export trade and recognises that the industry’s associated jobs and development opportunities are vital to a balanced industry,” Mrs Frecklington said.. about the theft of these hives please let me know or the Toowoomba Police. We have worked hard to purchase these hives and to just have them stolen is heartbreaking. These were stolen from a registered apiary site I leased from the State Government, so I could have my hives in the State forest. - Facebook post.. Show report A full report of the Goombungee-Haden show will be published next week. • Mr Ken Wilcock, who officially opened the show, and show president Errol Luck. HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 - 13 Council plans gradual upgrade of McMahon Park GOWRIE JUNCTION: Toowoomba Regional Council has approved a master plan for McMahon Park at Gowrie Junction, and it will gradually upgrade the park over coming years as funds are allocated. Council’s Environment and Community Committee last week approved the plan and an initial allocation of $152,679 to be used to install new playground equipment. McMahon Park, covering 1.95 hectares, is located to the north-west of the service station, fronting Mansel Drive on its eastern boundary, and an unformed road on its western boundary. It is sited 400 metres north of Gowrie Creek and forms part of the broader floodplain of the creek. It is impacted by two overland flow paths from the north that course from north to south through the site during heavy rain. Existing facilities include a septic toilet block, dated play equipment, three large shade structures, a covered barbecue and table, and a concrete cricket pitch. The new master plan will upgrade the park and its facilities over a five or six year period. The park services a Gowrie Junction population of about 1900. • Toowoomba Regional Council master plan for McMahon Park at Gowrie Junction. COMMENTS: 1. Possible playground location with shelters and play equipment, centrally located with good visibility to Mansel Drive. 2. Broad kick about area and informal recreation space, suitable for large community gatherings. 3. Kick about area adjacent to playground with large shade trees 4. Possible highly visible location for temporary skate facility or relocation of half court. 5. Planting along boundary with native trees to define parkland within the suburb. 6. Pathway circuit approximately 450m around prk, future pedestrian links to Gowrie-Lilyvale Road and Burkes Road. 7. Existing shelter/BBQ to be removed and replaced within play area. ADVERTISING and PROMOTION CHIROPRACTOR FRAMING SERVICES REMEDIAL MASSAGE BEAUTY and RELAXATION CHIROPRACTOR GRAPHIC DESIGN and PRINTING PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES BEAUTY SERVICES DRIVING INSTRUCTION REMEDIAL MASSAGE PROMOTION and MARKETING BOOKKEEPING SERVICES FINANCE BROKERS and CONSULTANTS REMEDIAL MASSAGE TAXI SERVICE 14 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD, APRIL 21, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 CROWS NEST SHOW BALL PICTORIAL - APRIL 11 Master Tiny Tot Eli Christensen, left, and Miss Tiny Tot Lexie O’Brien, right, with MC for the presentations Vanessa Gossow. Junior Princess Prue Gardner, left, and runner-up Bianca Gardner. To advertise phone 4615 4416 Members of the Crows Nest Anglican Parish, Ivy Bridges, Lyn Rieck and Phil and Norma Turnbull who helped with supper. Miss Junior Showgirl runners-up Madelyn Falcon Green, left, and Caitlin Hickey. AUTO ELECTRICAL and AIRCONDITIONING BUILDER BLINDS and CURTAINS BUILDER BLINDS and SECURITY BUILDER BOBCAT and TIPPER SERVICES BUILDER HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 - 15 BUILDER CONCRETING EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES BUILDER CONCRETING EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES CARPENTRY and RENOVATIONS DECKS and PATIOS EARTHMOVING FENCING CARPET CLEANING and PEST SERVICES EARTHMOVING EARTHMOVING GARDEN SERVICES and SUPPLIES Site works, Desilting Dams, Land Clearing, Megamulcher, Road construction. DOZERS : GRADERS : EXCAVATORS TIPPERS : BOBCATS : ROLLERS DOUG. 0418 716 725 COMPUTERS and IT SERVICES EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES HANDYMAN and PAINTER – Dozer & Excavator – 6WLFN5DNLQJ6HHGLQJ 'DPFRQVWUXFWLRQGHVLOWLQJ &RQWRXU%DQNV/DQGFOHDULQJ COMPUTERS and IT SERVICES EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES HIRE EQUIPMENT CONCRETING EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES HOME and GARDEN SERVICES CONCRETING EARTHMOVING ELECTRICAL SERVICES LANDSCAPE and GARDEN SUPPLIES 16 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416 SEPTIC SERVICES LANDSCAPE and GARDEN SUPPLIES MOWING and SLASHING LANDSCAPE and PAVING PAINTER and DECORATOR PLUMBING SERVICES STEEL SUPPLIES LIQUID WASTE REMOVAL PAINTER PLUMBING SERVICES TIMBER SUPPLIES MECHANICAL SERVICES PAINTER PROMOTION and MARKETING TREE SERVICES MECHANICAL SERVICES PAINTER MECHANICAL SERVICES PAINTER RENOVATIONS TREE SERVICES MOWER SALES and SERVICE PLUMBING SERVICES SANDSTONE TYRES, BATTERIES and SUSPENSION MOWER SERVICE and REPAIRS PLUMBING SERVICES SECURITY SCREENS TYRES, BATTERIES and SUSPENSION To advertise phone 4615 4416 PLUMBING SERVICES HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 - 17 BEREAVEMENT THANKS EVENTS and ENTERTAINMENT LANDSCAPING and GARDENING GARDEN SERVICES and SUPPLIES TOP SOIL - GRAVEL DECOMPOSED GRANITE Rhino Machinery Hire • Bobcats • Excavators • Slashing Ryan - 0409 721 778 LOST and FOUND Sterling is MISSING PUBLIC NOTICES CROWS NEST SHOW OFFICE OPEN MONDAYS: 10.30am-1pm and 2pm to 5pm WEDNESDAYS: 10.30-2pm Schedules available www.crowsnestshow.com.au Limited hard copies available from local businesses Barry 0409 874 147 Show office 4698 1308 email: [email protected] INVITATION FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS Church St Crows Nest since Easter Sunday. Desexed male cat, grey short haired, approx 6 months old. Answers to "Sterling" WORSHIP TIMES and MEETINGS REWARD OFFERED 4698 2224 or 0459 760 339 PETS and PET SERVICES Crows Nest-Cooyar Masonic Lodge invites non-profit organisations in the Crows Nest district to apply for their 2014-15 funding grants Applications can be made to: The Secretary 2 Junction Street Crows Nest 4355 Closing date: May 21, 2015 Shop or Office TO LET Centrally located at Crows Nest Reasonable rent Phone 4698 1011 RECYCLING PUBLIC NOTICES HORSE RUG REPAIRS Dog rugs from $10 Crows Nest 0468 993 886 80TH BIRTHDAY PLANS and DRAFTING PLANS & DRAFTING CLASSES and TUITION Private SINGING LESSONS All styles catered for 0439 033 049 FIREWOOD FIREWOOD EVENTS and ENTERTAINMENT 18 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 IRONBARK Block or Split Delivered all areas 0408 716 147 FLORIST HIGHFIELDS FLORIST for building work Local Service www.petersplans.com.au QBSA No: 55773 Ph: 0428 978 144 PLANTS www.highfieldsflorist.com.au PLANTS for sale. 38 Hartwig St, Goombungee. TREES for sale. Lemon Scented Gum and Ficifolia (Flowering Gum) tubestock. $2.50 each or 10 for $20. Phone 0423 680 018. GARAGE SALE PLASTERER CROWS NEST: 18 Nolan St. Saturday - Sunday, April 25 - 26. From 7am. Homewares, tools, giftware, bric-a-brac, antique furniture. PLASTERER Tel/Fax 4615 5056 LOCAL - RELIABLE Call Gary 0418 733 749 QBCC No: 1002151 NEWSPAPERS collected for recycling. Crows Nest Boys Brigade - deliver to Crows Nest Lutheran Hall Ph: 4698 1205 OR Friends of Peacehaven Highfields. Contact 4615 4416. SPECTACLES recycled for charity. Crows Nest Lions project. Drop to Crows Nest Realty or High Country Herald office. WOOL: Donate new or recyclable wool to knit for charity. Drop to High Country Herald office, 10485 New England Highway, Highfields. RURAL and FARM SUPPLIES A comprehensive range of rural products available from 4698 2299 0459 791 451 Lot 10 Industrial Rd CROWS NEST (Next to Boral Concrete) WANTED TO BUY WANTED to buy: 3 tyne Napier ripper 3pl and steel shed 6m x 6m or larger. Ring 4698 1625 after 7pm. To advertise phone 4615 4416 Oakey High farewells Mr McLeod The last week of Term 1 marked the end of an era at Oakey State High School, as teaching and IT legend Mr Murray McLeod logged off his school computer for the last time. Mr McLeod is pictured after the farewell assembly with principal Mrs Tracy Tully and good friend and long time Oakey colleague Mrs Leigh Hilsdon. After 35¼ years of teaching at Oakey High, 40 years of working in Education Queensland, and 55 years of attending school, without a gap, Murray has decided it’s time to leave school. Mr McLeod started at Oakey in 1980 as a manual arts teacher on transfer from Emerald. Woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing were the order of those days, but as technology began to make inroads into business and society, Murray’s curiosity grew. He enjoyed the challenge of gadgets and gizmos, and by 2001 he became the school’s IT expert. Murray has been heavily involved in many aspects of school life from co-ordinating school holiday tours to publishing school magazines, training student leaders, designing time capsules, building sets for musicals, Mr MURRAY McLEOD Retiring after 35 years at Oakey High. and singing on special ocDuring the whole casions. school assembly on April He has been an in- 1, Principal Mrs Tracy staller, restorer and re- Tully and student leaders pairer of all things digital, paid tribute to the popuour resident Mr Fixit - lar teacher in the school’s and general life saver to official farewell to Mr staff and students, often McLeod. rescuing assignments, During his response tests, teaching plans and Mr McLeod said he had important emails from enjoyed his time at cyberspace and possible Oakey High and the chaloblivion. lenges he had experienced One of Mr McLeod’s over more than three decmajor claims to fame in ades. the education arena was He was looking forthe introduction of ward to finally leaving AUTO CAD into graph- school and entering a new ics curriculum at Oakey chapter of his life. and throughout QueensHe encouraged all stuland. dents to take advantage of their education and to get involved in as much as they can at school and in the wider community. As school captains, junior and senior, presented Murray with tokens of the school’s appreciation, Dan Achilles and Helen StewartKoster acknowledged Mr McLeod’s contribution to Oakey High. “A teacher’s words are the sparks that light up wicks of imagination in students’ minds,” Helen said. “You are definitely no exception to that quote. You’ve excelled in teaching manual arts, maths and practical computing, and you’ve been the best I.T. person I’ve ever known. “Now, in your 36th year at Oakey State High we say goodbye. “I know I’m not alone in saying that I’m going to miss your smile, your friendly greetings and your uncanny ability to always find a solution to any of our technological problems. The backbone of a good school is not fancy classrooms and large campuses. “It is formed from the excellent qualities imparted by teachers like you. It’s clear that the word farewell contains the essence of the kind teacher you were to us, a fair teacher who inspired us to do well in our lives.” GOLF BOWLS BORNEO BARRACKS MONDAY LADIES: April 13 - Two person ambrose 9 holes, played at Crows Nest. Winners P. Frazer, C. Weber, T. Higgins, runners-up J. Kruse, K McGrath. April 20 - Foursome. - Pam Campbell. BORNEO BARRACKS LADIES: April 14 Single stroke, monthly medal and putting for trophies donated by Pat Walker. Winner Connie Harrison 76, Fay Wood 77. Rundown: Pat Walker 78 on countback, Judy Edwards 78. Putting: Lotte Pedersen 28. Pins: 1/1 Judy Edwards, 2/5 Dawn Lord, 2/10 (pro pin) Fay Wood. April 21 - Bisque bogey. - Lotte Pedersen. CROWS NEST: April 8 - Winners were Bill Kruger, Kevin Stark and Les Chikos, runners-up Keith Herbertson, Laurie Cant and Doug Lane. April 11 - Club fours Chrys Robins, Peter Coman, Esbert Ehrlich and Terry Bowe (sub) d. Tom Hamilton, Allan Mutch, Les Guy and Bruce Bell. Consistency singles Tony Ryan d. Howard Cornwell, Rob Mortimer d. Roy Bell. April 12 - Winners of the social bowls day with visitors from the Brisbane Fire Brigade Social Club were J. Rodges, T. Smith, V. Horsburgh and E. Motley, runners-up B. Lynch, P. Coman, C. Marsh and A. Greenwood. Many thanks to the Firies for their companionship and friendly rivalry; as well as to master chef Dennis Russell for the fine lunch. April 26 - Ray White (Brisbane) trophy. May 2 and 3 - The club will host its second annual Crows Nest Carnival, so if you haven’t already been notified, and would like to nominate a team, get in touch with either Dennis Russell or Ray Weis for more information. The next management committee meeting is on Sunday, May 10. All officers are encouraged to attend. New bowls players and visitors are always welcome at the Crows Nest Bowls Club. Contact secretary Jim on [email protected] or on 4698 2278. - Gary Baker. OAKEY: April 15 - Ladies 4bbb stroke aggregate winners W. Fisk-Walsh and Y. Lebeter, runners-up J. Fisk and J. Brown. Pin 3 J. Fisk. Approach 5/14 J. King, 6/15 J. Fisk. Thursday Sporters winner B. Milverton 25. April 18-19 - Vss winner M. Reitveld +7, runner-up T. Muir +4. Ladies winner M. Deans +8. Pin 3 T. Muir, 8 J. Fisk. Approach 5/14 J. Fisk, 6/15 D. O’Brien. GOOMBUNGEE: April 18 - Third round HLO Shield. Overall winners: Men G. Egan, Goombungee, ladies P. West, Borneo Barracks. Winners Borneo Barracks men M. Burgess, ladies P. Walker. Rundown W. Aitken, T. McLean, G. Barnsley, W. Dinnes, P. Callaghan, R. Backhouse. Crows Nest men M. Strong, ladies B. Cox. Rundown R. Gardner, R. Burgess, T. Weis, G. Littleton, R. Freeman, K. Christensen. Goombungee men G. Freier, ladies K. Egan. Rundown D. Cass, T. Dawson, S. Elfverson, D. Darlington, G. Schull, M. Peters. Men’s pins 4/13 C. Mahaffey, 8/17 M. Burgess. Ladies pins 4/13 B. Cox 8/17 not won. All-in approach 2/11 P. Callaghan. Aggregate winners: Men D. Cass, Goombungee, ladies L. Alexander, Goombungee. Shield results Borneo Barracks 1113, Goombungee 1105 Crows Nest 1072. April 23 - Ladies single stroke for club trophy. Men’s single stableford for club trophy. April 26 - Single stableford, Combined Services, T. Langston trophies. Pennants, Oakey v Goombungee at Cecil Plains. - Dan Darlington, vice captain. CROWS NEST: April 15 - Sporters winner L. Kruger 31, runner-up D. Woodley 30. Putting D. Woodley 19. Pins 7/16 D. Woodley, 8/17 R. Gardner. April 19 - Nest O Pizza , single stroke winner J. Edser 65, runner-up R. Kennedy 69. Rundown R. Gardner 69, B. Wingett 70, J. Somerville 70, C. Watts 70. Pins 3/12 B. Wingett, 8/17 R. Kennedy. April 26 - Dennis Nissen Motors day. RIFLE SHOOTING SOUTHERN DOWNS: April 12 - 400 yards. F Standard Rifle, possible 126. Dave Taylor 122.14, Graham Eagle 111.2, Margaret Taylor 105.2, Rob Smythe 92.00. F Open Rifle, possible 126. Beth Caskey 120.3, Bob Tyllyer 107.3. Target Rifle, possible 105. Rob Bondfield 103.10, Chris Neave 88.1. Don’t forget our ANZAC rememberance shoot, April 26. Be there by 8.30 am to shoot at 200 yards seated or kneeling, 2 sighters plus 10 scoring shots, 300 yards prone, 2 sighters plus 11 scoring shots then a barbcue lunch and some retuned servicemen will recount their rememberances. Range fees will be waived for this special event. This event has been assisted by the Southern Downs Regional Council Anzac Commemorative Small Grants Program. The range was built by American forces during the Second World War to train allied soldiers and handed back to the Australian Government after the end of hostilities. The range has been used by local rifle clubs since and retains most of the original installation and equipment with shooting mounds from 100 to 600 yards and target lift frames in the concrete reinforced butts. Please contact Rob Bondfield on 0408 378 724 or Graham Eagle on 0407 584 510 and book your spot to arrange rifles and to help with catering. - www.southerndowns rifleclubwebsyte. com.au CROWS NEST-GOOMBUNGEE: April 18 400 yards. Target rifle, possible 105.21. John Gilliland 104.4, Nev Bidgood, Kathy Dompon 98.8, David Brown97.7. Scope Rifle, possible 126.21. Beth Caskey 121.7, D Rodney 118.2, Neil Austin 115.1 Dan Briskie 112.3, Ken Elliot 67. Next shoot 500 yards April 25. Kruger Shield SunCrossfit Highfields celebrated their first year on Saturday with demonstrations, membership day, April 26. - Contact David - 0427 399 347 or deals, giveaways, competitions and prizes. Among those taking part were: Faith Friend, Kyley Ashley 0407 374 378. Burgess, Tammy Nixon, Ian Wickham, Karren Geraghty, Theresa Wickham, Shaun Collins and Simon Verlaat (proprietors) Kate Verlaat, Graham, Trace Hart, Adrian Burgess, Deb Finemore, Jack Reacher and Daryl Finemore. Crossfit Highfields celebrates first year SQUASH CROWS NEST: Rounds one and two of Crows Nest squash fixtures have been completed. The club has welcomed a number of new players. Teams this year are the Butternuts, Gold Rushes, Sunbursts and Honey Bears. Round 1 - Butternuts d. Gold Rushes 5-1, Sunbursts d. Honey Bears 4-2. Round 2 - Honey Bears d. Butternuts 4-2, Gold Rushes d. Sunbursts 4-2. Catch up games are being played each Thursday fixture night. With school resuming this week, juniors will be back for Friday coaching and play afternoons. The courts are open Mondays 7 to 9pm, Fridays 4.30 to 6pm and Thursdays 7 to 9pm for fixture play. Social court hire is Madeline Burgess and Rachel Reukers, available during the week and at weekends. Contact Hampton, at the Crossfit birthday celebrations. Phil 0408 851 251. - Sage Garnet. CROWS NEST LADIES: April 16 - Championship games A. Cox, M. Fisher, J. Meadows and B. Vandersee d. P. Williams, V. Gillies, G. Russell and V. Horsburgh in the fours. V. Horsburgh and G. Russell d. K. Ryan and J. Meadows in the pairs. Consistency singles T. Smith d. B. Vandersee. G. Russell d. J. Meadows. April 23 - Meeting day as well as trophy day. One game of pairs is to be played. - Del Burgess. NORTH TOOWOOMBA LADIES: Correction - S. McManus, L. Mutch (L. Blaine, D. Parkinson) secured a round one win at the Prestige Fours not runner-up as previously stated. Social - G. Doherty, W. Smith-Squires d. B. Hall/ D. James, S. Chard; F. Dornbusch, R. Bradford d. L. Graham, J. Leerentveld. Winners for the day Fay and Reynelde. Scanlan Pairs tomorrow. All day play starting at 9am. Winter starting time of 9.30am to start May 6. Congratulations to S. McManus, V. Mahony, T. Thomas, J. Baldock, B. Shea, (Reserve C. McLatchey) chosen to represent the Downs District at the Queensland District Sides’ competition at Sunshine Coast District (Maroochydore/Caloundra) June 3-6. P. Graham, J. Baldock, T. Thomas, V. Mahony for a runner/up day prize at the North Brisbane threeday carnival. Good luck to our three teams competiting in the DDLBA championship pairs starting April 28. Team away - Ipswich two-day carnival starting Sunday, April 26 - P. Graham, J. Baldock, (L. Harrington), T. Thomas. Roster this Friday Team 3 A. Jones, L. Jones, M. Dallemolle. - Reynelde Bradford. DDLBA: Nominations accepted for the DDLBA championship pairs to start April 28 at South Toowoomba. Teams to be at the club at 8.30am for the draw. Mornign tea 8.45am, play 9.30am. K. Jenkins/M.Gibbs, F. Connors/M.Pyne, G. Jeans/R. Byers, C. Kennedy/V.Collins, F. Hunter/J. Slattery, V. Chant/T. Thomas, L. Blaine/S. McManus, F. Dornbusch/J.Pauli, L. Mutch/C. McLatchey, E. Atkinson/D. Derrick, I. .Brumpton/T. Foster, M. Hannant/P.Muller, K. Ryan/T. Smith, M. Morris/G. Menzies, C. Ward/B. Shea, M. Brosnan/S. Beresford. Challenge Match (v) Gateway at Mt. Gravatt at the weekend resulted in a win for Gateway District, scores Gateway 256, Downs 195. Well done to all the ladies who made themselves available for this challenge match. - Joyce McGeorge. OAKEY: Wednesday triples winners Millmerran 2, runners-up P. McKenzie’s team. Best round L. Hudson’s team. Thursday night winners C. Cramp, E. Dornbusch and P. Wolski. April 26 - Triples S. McCormack, K. Ciesiolka and L. Fanning v. G. Sprott, S. Lorrimer and S. Bradford. C grade singles M. Hall v. V. Rush (D. Barfield) No competition called on Anzac day April 23 - Night bowls names in by 6.30pm to play at 7pm. April 26 - Club selected mixed three-bowl pairs. Sam Lorrimar. OAKEY LADIES: April 14 - J. York, B. Currey, B. Lorrimer d. V. Allen, E. Voll, S. Hudson. E. Jones, J. Sloss, B. Poole d. L. Groves, D. Buckley, F. Farley. April 21 - B. Poole v. B Lorrimer in a singles game. April 28 - B. Lorrimer, J. York v. D. Ciesiolka, V. Allen in the final pairs. April 21 - Team for Cambooya fund raiser D. Ciesiolka (car), E. Voll, D. Buckley, V. Allen. May 13 - Visit in from 30-40 Wide Bay P/P. Morning play and lunch. Mixed fours. Please put your name on the board if you wish to play with them. May 19 - South Toowoomba Fiesta. May 21 - Gatton fund raiser. May 27 - North Toowoomba fund raiser. Team D. Ciesiolka (car), B. Poole, B. Lorrimer, E. Voll. May 29 - Toowoomba fund raiser. - Elsie Voll. Send your results to the Herald editor@highcountry news.net.au NRL ROUND 7: Dragons 12 Broncos 10. Bulldogs 28 Sea Eagles 16 Titans 32 Panthers 6 Cowboys 28 Warriors 24 Storm 17 Roosters 16 Raiders 30 West Tigers 22 Eels 28 Knights 22 To advertise phone 4615 4416 HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 - 19 West of Elsewhere with Clinton Ireland Bug identification required Can any reader identify this brightly coloured beetle resting on the trunk of a young Brachychiton tree in Charles and Motee Rogers Reserve in O’Brien Road. A dozen Green Army volunteers will start a week long weed removal campaign across this unique bushland remnant on May 11 - Gary Alcorn photo. 20 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD - APRIL 21, 2015 To advertise phone 4615 4416
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