Janine Keating | Community organisation

Janine Keating

Phone: +61 417 648 125

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24.01.2022 No, I did not I imagine a long, hard palm frond in the left hand lane of the road today. Travelling northbound on Blain Drive. It WAS unwelcomingly there, and ample more fronds are lying ready to be blow onto the road. Quite a few fronds are already hanging over the guttering, intruding on the road space. Not great for cyclists or motorists, or visual amenity. Palm frond cleanup on Blain Drive has recently been, again, requested, by yours truly. To date, the matter has... not been acted upon. Abundant strong winds abound, yet paid public representatives and staff seem determined to not take action to tidy the town. Feeling sorry for all who have invested in tyres, on cars and bikes. I try. I am ignored. I still call for creation of necessary jobs. I still feel better for trying to make a positive difference. I am not one of those paid to 'maintain' our Region who simply don't give a damn. Ugly stuff annoys me. We deserve better.

23.01.2022 Appreciative of the great maintenance in areas of Gladstone that have been neglected in recent years. Still yearning for better broader efforts, to enhance the view for residents, visitors and tourists who fly in and drive past this Dawson Hwy eyesore. We can mow better - and look much better - ... and have previously, though inconsistently. Still keen to make a noise about the undesirable practice of 'mohawk mowing". Be daring. Turn your speakers up, then create a job and call for better action. Do it once and do it well, rather than waste public money on 'half a job'.

23.01.2022 Seeing all sorts getting their groove on today. Colour and movement is always a delight to witness. Cheers to the workers revamping the paint on the Hanson Rd bridge, and removing the dead-looking palm fronds along Blain Drive. Hopefully several teams are employed to minimise the traffic disruptions on both roads. It is great to see the logical removal of dead fronds from the palm trunk themselves also. Even if all the palm fronds were removed from the road and roadsides, it surely wouldn't take long before our lovely ocean breezes and blasting rains encouraged more down to litter the area again. It has been enjoyable to see all sorts getting their groove on today. Colour and movement = positive energy

22.01.2022 Fresh mowed again - the local way. I mow better. Mohawk is lazy and our Gladstone Region residents and visitors deserve a tidier view. Respect is lacking.

22.01.2022 My social awareness extends beyond my local region.

21.01.2022 Hello and happy weekend to you. I was quite sure I'd mentioned how GRC funds are wasted as staff are paid to read and respond to my numerous requests for service. While I failed to sight such a post as I perused the page today, I wish to advise I am still emailing, phoning and creating jobs....Continue reading

21.01.2022 Looks like another weekend coming up without any boat action.

20.01.2022 Still seeking a tidier town. Still costing ratepayer expense, causing email generation (not always followed by prompt or effective action) and trying to create real ongoing maintenance jobs in this town. Email - Thanks (customer person) It is truly a GRC oversight that nobody checked beforehand to minimise - and mitigate - safety risks. A Park Use Permit had been obtained.... Two human attendees slipped and evidence suggests a fox did previously also. Not fit for use, nor in a condition worthy of a Park Permit. Why should others care to complete paperwork when the outcome upon arrival is less than any reasonable person would expect? It would not have taken long for staff to attend and remedy concerns. Mind you, visible litter levels were low so I truly credit GRC's team as being responsible for that. Grass was cut. Litter was low. A rubbish bin was on site. Seats and shade were available. Toilets weren't. Slip hazards. Dirty seats. Obstructed paths. Points for praise and improvement in that mix. Next time a Park Permit is issued, please ensure the risks and amenities included in the experience are as is reasonably expected. Today, Park Permit issued. 30 people turned up. The absence of toilet amenities was noted and caused disruption to event attendees. It would be a welcome gesture should GRC invest in reinstalling toilet facilities, which did exist on-site previously. The walkway from the shade area to the water was obstructed by low hanging branches. I broke many off to clear the path for the participants return journey. The branches I broke off are piled on the shade area side of the path. The steps safety risks could also be mitigated by the path being cleared of twigs, leaves, etc. Then of course there is the slippy patch of unidentifiable gunk. Hoping to see better care being shown when next I step out. Sincerely, Janine Keating Gladstone

20.01.2022 Sorry to report there is no significant change to the waterways at Lakeview. The Salvinia Molesta outbreak has still not been effectively managed, although small pockets of water are now becoming visible. There is hope we can use our remote control boats on this waterway in future. Stay tuned. A water surface may yet eventuate in this residential waterway suburb. Pleased to report the gorgeous lizards are still on site regardless - far from where first and second sighted, though still nearby.

19.01.2022 Litter is magnetic. It attracts more litter. This lot is growing too Gladstone Regional Council

19.01.2022 Days like this make me yearn for buckets of paint. I know the view can be improved in many locations. I'm happy to make a start at Miriam Vale. This sight could look so much better. Where there's a will, there's also a way. A better way forward is what I'm about. I so want to paint that tower, and shed.

18.01.2022 It's still here Gladstone Regional Council

18.01.2022 Driving North into the Gladstone Region recently, I was astounded by the welcoming efforts of Gladstone Regional Council. The cleared road margins reduced the unpleasant risk of a roadkill incident. The public rest areas were exceptionally well set-up, surpassing offerings observed interstate in road trips of recent years. Sure, I'd add bits, given the chance. A baby change table could be easily included in the spacious toilet amenities. A soap dispenser would also add to th...e welcome. Outside, a waste bin on the holders could provide favour through travellers being able to rid their vehicle of accumulated waste. A dump point for caravanners, and water refill, would inflate the welcome level further, as would pretty pics and current details of opportunities within our region. Maybe they will come. Regardless, the Southern Highway entry, looked rather good. Sure, a gerni hit to the regional sign would prove of merit. The current unkempt state of it was forgotten as the road ahead proved to be most safe and clear. Thanks to all who have made this welcome atmosphere happen. It is a job well done and you should feel proud of your efforts. Not just one awesome rest-stop, two! Better than I've seen in NSW, WA and elsewhere in Qld. Very, very good planning and execution. Waterless toilets even. Seriously, gooood. Cheers See more

17.01.2022 World Wetlands Day 2021 - "Like a duck to .... Salvinia". Local waterway remains choked for 10 months due to ineffective management.

16.01.2022 Nothing to report at the local waterway. Still no Lakeview. Observer mob tried, they said. Twice. "It didn't get much traction" they said. Ratepayers don't seem to get much traction either. This weed dies in the sun. Scoop it out and leave it for a couple of days. Traction is not needed. Action is.

15.01.2022 Lovely to see a tidy lunch perch. Thanks Gladstone Regional Council

15.01.2022 I regret not pausing, detouring, U-turning to photograph the two awesome workers who tamed this steep and previously-overgrown slope. I drove past last week as they brush cut their way to a great outcome. Excellent to observe the consideration of neighbours and passers-by. Roadside debris was minimal.... Mighty effort considering the slope and the height of the shaggy grass. If I had opportunity, I would not just employ these mighty folk. I'd call for them to be team leaders, supervisors - or whatever was required - to ensure their fantastic work ethic inspired others. Mighty job. Mighty well done. Required due to stupid landscape and building design, yet still, very well managed regardless. Gladstone proud.

15.01.2022 Yes. 'Waterway'. I saw a Real Estate ad spruiking a house for sale 'overlooking the duck ponds'. No water, just dead Salvinia Molesta. Other paid authorities handle this weed so much better. Not my local mob.

15.01.2022 One image July 2019 One image of now Mohawk Mowing affects my mental state. Grinning, and glad to have prompted a better standard of care; or groaning, begrudging contributing to the workers wages. Depends on one's outlook.

15.01.2022 This property has not been so well-maintained ....ever. Thank you to those who did a proper job in Beak St recently. Still more to be done for sure.. unkempt medians and retaining wall upper 'gardens'. That's a job for the paid authorities and I trust they will get around to it eventually or with subtle encouragement. Still, loving the fine, thorough and diligent efforts of those recently provided with a gig.... I really truly like how you work. Those who do a proper job are always admired. Cheers

13.01.2022 Still enjoying life in Gladstone and still seeing jobs ..

13.01.2022 Sometimes I request others to take action. Sometimes I just do it myself. It's quicker and saves ratepayers funding multiple staff to talk and email about the job at hand. I'm far more the 'hands-on' type and prefer to just get things done. Tidy is good

13.01.2022 This is a waterway. Native Title has been acknowledged in this region. I wish traditional custodians had say in actions required. Salvinia Molesta was introduced to Australia recently. It has been allowed, tolerated and enabled to continue densely infesting this waterway since May 2020. Weevils were applied, and a herbicide, yet water remains a scarce sight.... Other mobs said they'd just scoop out the weed, if it occurred in their area. Two days drying in the sun and it's done. The local mob here do it different. I do not think they deal well with the matter. Brown but still present, this weed infestation continues to irritate. We will see water, eventually. I just need a 'cattleprod-like' prompt for politician and public servant action. Til then, I'm still not okay and itching to paint ugly bits in bright colours to call attention to them. Look at the pictures again and remember I expected to see water, as would everyone else. It's a waterway. I've seen it look better and will again. Why do we pay for 'authorities' who can't do their GBO, or JOB. Spell it how you like, this view should not exist today. It is a disgraceful shame that it does. We can do better. Next election, vote for better, and in every election thereafter.

09.01.2022 Leucaena continues to grow and spread. Not yet removed in commercial business precinct.

09.01.2022 'Funds for infrastructure, to create jobs' were radio headlines today. More important, and obvious, should be the call to fund jobs that need doing. There are thousands of taxpayer-funded webpages that offer words about weeds. Ample jobs abound. Authorities need to stop writing about weeds, and take effective action to get rid of them. That's a job worth paying for and, more importantly, a job worth doing. It is time to cut the crap. Private landholders take better care of land and water, than those we currently pay to (under) perform as 'custodians'.

09.01.2022 More U turns required I believe it was about this time last week, I drove past two workers tackling this steeply sloping task. Big job. Well done. Roadside not filled with grass debris, as has been commonly sighted at other nearby properties.... I wish I had stopped. I could have performed a U turn and found out who they were. If I had opportunity to employ them, I would. In fact, I would provide them a team of workers. Their work ethic was awesome and exemplary. Regretting not performing a U turn at the time and finding who. Still proud to show what manual labour can achieve. Too many visible jobs not being done these days. Prior to the effort exerted last Friday by my unidentified dynamic duo, the entire pictured brush cut area was densely overgrown with long grass. The neighborhood looks so much tidier due to their diligent effort. Grateful and hoping visual evidence of this effort inspires others obligated to manage lesser tasks to do so with as much care.

09.01.2022 Dead bird smeared on the road Not a welcome sight for anyone - locals, visitors, tourists, men, women, kids. Not to mention the nearby businesses, school or shops. I see 'stuff' because my eyes are always open to delight. Often a patch of colour is a bright parrot, butterfly, moth, dragonfly, blossom, lizard or other delightful embellishment of nature. ...Continue reading

08.01.2022 Not yet a duckpond Gladstone Regional Council

07.01.2022 Today's pic on the way home. Nothing has changed with regards to the Salvinia weed being removed from the waterway in a residential area. Last night, I was shocked - to the extreme - to see roadworks STILL evident on Philip St - causing eyesore, noise pollution, dust and disruption to folk nearby and passers-through. I hadn't been that way for months and had clearly felt all was done and asphalted.... Seems not - judging by all the bollards and excavation plant ratepayers are still funding. Hope however is promised by manmade shade structures hoisted high and token replacement trees planted young and therefore sitting low at this time. I just hope they have not planted something stupid and unsafe in public areas, e.g. Flindersia Australis. Regardless, there SEEMS to be 'progress' happening. Not happening in a hurry re the roads, though certainly with the land previously noted (in an earlier consultant report funded by ratepayers) as deserving of protection in a natural state, developed for leisure and fitness pursuits, e.g. walking and cycling paths. It looks like more than that is happening. It looks like it. I suppose that is the point. 'Looks like' and 'actually is' are two different things. I leave you with an image of the weed-choked waterway the same management have failed to rectify in 9 months. If they dropped a few grand, a harvester could have scooped it all out back in May 2020. The weed dies in the sun, within a day or two. They chose differently - opted for weevils and chemicals. I would have advocated for better value, straight up, and supported ratepayer investment in a harvester. There are Qld contractors who know how to make this stuff disappear. Qld is still local. I'd support funding someone trucking in and making this muck go away.

06.01.2022 World Wetlands Day 2021 - Enjoyable morning celebrating the importance of wetlands at Joe Joseph Park. Thanks Harbour Watch team.

05.01.2022 Staying safe is simply better. It is also challenging to achieve. This is not my first swing on this roundabout.... Years past saw calls for action made, and job creation that prompted the safer outcome sought. Months past, I called again for action. I was told they would get to it - in a few weeks. That did not calm me. I know this road carries many B-doubles, other trucks and more. I also know, with a speed limit of 80km an hour, it is safer to have a clear view of oncoming traffic. I waited. Not happy, though not wishing to be perceived as impatient, I waited. I have since seen labour has been exerted on the site. I am still not happy. Half-a-job never makes me so. I will never stop calling for a safer, tidier community for us all to enjoy and survive in, regardless of the obstacles paid authorities and their contractors decide to leave on our path. 2nd Snap Send Solve contribution has been lodged. Still hoping the responsible folk try harder and fix their mess. Wondering also about RACQ , AAMI , Youi, Allianz , Elders Insurance and other motor vehicle insurers, do they not care for our safety either? Road users deserve better protection. I am so sick of ugly and stupid. We can be better than this, and should be. We certainly pay enough for the right to. It is not a privilege. This is a basic right we deserve. Safe roads. Seriously, it is not that hard to achieve, and maintain. Where there is a will, there is a way. Folk doing half-a-job makes many ways a dangerous proposition. Hoping others continue to join the chorus calling for better.

05.01.2022 Yes, the dead bird was still there today, and yes, so too, the discarded plastic agitator from a washing machine. That was no surprise, though disappointing nevertheless. Trying my utmost, to not delay my journey to work, by stopping and picking said items up. Trying also to stem my desire to report such matters for collection and incur ratepayer expense. Surely someone - paid to drive around in publicly-funded vehicles - can see these and could/should remove them? If they ...Continue reading

03.01.2022 Feeling most excited. I hear noise. Serious tree branch crunching machinery noise. It sounds close. A recent community cleanup effort in my neighborhood revealed abundant tree debris. A couple of years ago, cyclones messed up the natural bushland in a residential and sporting neighborhood. Residents and others contributed to cleaning the area up recently. As the years of shaggy grass were cleared away, the revealed wood was gathered in piles.... A request was made for advice regarding GRC's preference. Would they create a wood pile pickup job or could we have a bonfire night? Wood piles harbour snakes, vermin and all sorts, as well as create fire risk. Noise has stopped. Perhaps they are not clearing the overgrown tree-debris treasures up the street. Bonfire night might still be a chance. Guy Fawkes night prompts fond childhood memories for many fellow Australians. In case ours happens, does anyone know where I can buy some penny bungers? Either way, pleased to know the next time young people run to gather the football kicked through the goal posts, they will not be confronted by 2 metre tall grass with concealed trip hazards. I love my neighbourhood. It gets tidier, better and more proactive by the day. See more

03.01.2022 Thoroughly enjoyed my drive today. Grateful to all who provided flowers and other colourful joys. Cute letterboxes will never go out of fashion. (Sorry no pics). Local parks and yards were looking gorgeous. Litter-free and tidy in most parts. Thanks all who respect the privilege of living in this beautiful part of the world

01.01.2022 Enjoying the positive interactions with many in my community today. Gladstone continues to be a surprisingly delightful engine room of vitality.