Whitsundays Plus More | Community organisation

Whitsundays Plus More

Phone: 0738217440

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Community organisation

24.01.2022 Time to clean up the Yard-But. With the pre-storm season yard clean up now upon us here’s a timely warning from Ergon Energy. They’re reminding tree trimmers to be aware of overhead powerlines.... Community Safety Manager Aaron Smith says 77 electrical safety incidents involving vegetation management last financial year should serve as a powerful warning. We’ve seen potentially deadly incidents where tree branches and bamboo have contacted powerlines while being pruned, creating an electrical hazard and cutting power to the neighbourhood. "Don’t put your life or someone else’s at risk if there is overgrown vegetation near the service wire that runs to your home or on the footpath near overhead powerlines, consult a professional tree trimmer. Similarly, we’re urging home gardeners not to take shortcuts where powerlines are involved call a professional for your own safety.

23.01.2022 New mine to bring 1000 CQ jobs The $1 billion Olive Downs coal mine in central Queensland which will create 1000 local jobs has been given the final approvals which means construction of the mine can now start. Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Coking Coal Project had been granted the necessary mining leases, the last of the major approvals required for the project to start building the mine.... It’s expected core construction activities at the mine site 40km south-east of Moranbah will begin in 2021 with mining starting as soon as construction is complete. At its peak, Olive Downs should produce up to 15 million tonnes per annum of metallurgical coal, which will be transported by rail to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal for export to key international markets like Japan, China, India and South Korea. The project is expected to contribute an estimated $8 billion to the local economy and more than $10 billion to Queensland’s economy over its 79-year lifespan. Pembroke Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Barry Tudor says the mining lease approvals were the final approval hurdle to commence the first stage of the project. Olive Downs has already assembled the key elements required to commence construction following the grant of the mining leases, including securing access to power, water, rail and port, even as finance and offtake partners are finalised. Pembroke is committed to providing workers with an opportunity to live in towns near the mine including Moranbah and Dysart and is building sustainable futures for people in the communities in which Olive Downs operates.

20.01.2022 Natural disaster guides to help producers get ready for the season Now is the time for primary producers to prepare for natural disasters-That’s the warning from Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner. With a La Niña underway and likely to last through to at least the end of summer, there is an increased chance of above average rainfall across most of Queensland for both spring and summer.... We’ve already been hit with hailstorms and heavy rainfall this spring and conditions have the potential for more tropical lows leading to the increased possibility of significant rainfall in areas of the state. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, there is a potential for an above-average number of tropical cyclones expected this season and typically, in La Niña years, the first cyclone occurs earlier than normal around mid-December. The Minister is encouraging everyone to check the specially tailored natural disaster guides the Department has prepared to help producers protect their property, business, livestock and crops. Tips include photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensuring everyone on the property are familiar with a plan to get to safety in the event of a flood and to ensure livestock have access to higher ground. To view the guides, visit www.business.qld.gov.au and search for ‘natural disasters’ and ‘preparing animals for natural disasters’. Mr Furner is also advising pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans. Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape. If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food, bowls, a leash and toilet litter or old newspapers. If they are to be left at home, secure them in a confined space, preferably inside and under cover, and provide access to water. For more information about how to prepare your property or business, visit: https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/ For information on animal welfare during a disaster contact biosecurity.qld.gov.au, the RSPCA, your local council or your veterinarian.

19.01.2022 Border restrictions eased This Week What you need to know Queensland border restrictions have now eased, allowing all Queensland residents to travel to the defined New South Wales border zone and return into Queensland. Police want to remind everyone of what the new restrictions now mean.... From 1am, yesterday,(Thursday, October 1), the defined New South Wales border zone has been extended to include further New South Wales Local Government Areas (LGAs): The New South Wales border zone (PDF) has been extended The Queensland border zone no longer exists Queensland residents can travel anywhere in the New South Wales border zone for any purpose New South Wales border zone residents can travel anywhere in Queensland for any purpose. Click Here: https://www.health.qld.gov.au//map-border-zones-qld-border The remainder of New South Wales and the state of Victoria remain declared COVID-19 hotspots and are closed to people travelling via road, unless an exception applies, or the individual has been granted an exemption by the Chief Health Officer (CHO). Queensland residents intending on travelling within the New South Wales border zone and re-entering Queensland, will need to apply for the updated ‘X’ pass, also known as ‘Border Zone Resident Declaration Pass’. The eased border restrictions also include, New South Wales border zone residents who have not travelled to a declared COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days, to travel anywhere in Queensland for any purpose. Providing false information on the declaration or entering Queensland unlawfully could result in a $4,003 fine or a notice to appear in court. Anyone with information about potential breaches of the Queensland COVID-19 Border Direction should report the matter online or call Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. For more information including questions and answers about the new restrictions click here https://www.qld.gov.au//public-health-/border-restrictions.

16.01.2022 Road Map Out of Restrictions. The State Government has launched au updated plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions during October, November and December. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the new roadmap gives more certainty to the community and businesses through to the end of this year by outlining monthly easing of restrictions including increasing gatherings in public spaces, unseated drinking and eating, dancing at weddings and removing some border restrictions.... From 4pm today, Queenslanders will be able to celebrate this achievement by getting a drink or a meal out without having to be seated. Stage 4 of the Roadmap started at 1am on 1 October by extending the Northern NSW border zone and moving Queenslanders outside, where a Summertime Taskforce will also be established to identify more outdoor opportunities. Unseated drinking and eating will come into effect from 4pm 2 October. If there is no unlinked community transmission in NSW for 28 days, Stage 5 could start from 1am 1 November and will see the Queensland border open up to NSW visitors and return travellers, while also increasing public gatherings to 40 people, permitting unseated drinking and eating at venues with a COVID Safe Plan and allowing up to 40 people to dance at a wedding with a COVID Safe Plan. Stage 6, anticipated from 1am 1 December, will see public gatherings increase to 50 people, increased attendances at outdoor events and no restrictions on people dancing at weddings. The Queensland border will remain closed to Victoria until community transmission is under control.

14.01.2022 Health heroes thanked for their hard work with extra leave Queensland Health heroes fighting COVID-19 on the frontline will be recognised during Health Heroes Week starting Saturday 26 September with two extra days leave. The additional two days leave will apply to permanent and temporary full-time health care staff (excluding executives) across Queensland Health, including the Department of Health, Hospital and Health Services and Queensland Ambulance Service staff. Part tim...e staff will be pro-rated. Eligible staff will be able to take the pandemic leave from 1 November 2020 and within two years. Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles says Health Heroes week is an opportunity for Queenslanders to say thanks to the state’s frontline and support health care staff for their hard work to keep Queenslanders safe over the past eight months. This strong health response has helped us avoid the situation we have seen in countries like the USA or Italy, where health systems have been overwhelmed and devastated entire economies. This is one way we can say thank you to all our health heroes for their ongoing and tireless commitment to the pandemic response.

12.01.2022 Bowen, Mackay and Moranbah hospitals to be expanded The State Palaszczuk Government has launched planning for the expansion of the Bowen Mackay and Moranbah hospitals. Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles says the projects would ensure the hospitals continue to meet the current and future health needs of the communities in these regions and would deliver various benefits for local communities.... The business cases will explore the potential scope for each project, which will deliver benefits such as meeting growing demand for services, alleviating pressure from other nearby hospital services and refurbishing aging assets to deliver improved models of care, The Bowen Hospital redevelopment will aim to increase the self-sufficiency of the hospital to ease pressure on Mackay Base Hospital, delivering new or refurbished facilities at the site.

10.01.2022 Safe Work Month. It’s a month to think about work practicesBig and small, and about staying safe at work. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland says we all need to take the time to focus on our work health and safety whether that's taking the time to walk away from our desks and stretch to avoid back pain, prep healthy lunches for the week or taking a mental health day. For those on the land and related industries AgForce is asking us to remember that agriculture is wit...hout doubt one of the country’s riskiest industries-Big workloads, big machinery, and big landscapes result in one of the nation’s highest fatality and injury rates. For a full list of events during the month from @WorkSafeQueensland, visit bit.ly/35Sy0YP #SafeWorkMonth2020 provides an opportunity to consider and hopefully solve these challenges to make sure we go home safe to our families each night. There’s a series of workshops-completely free workplace e-health and safety events featuring expert speakers and panels across the month. Register at https://okt.to/I8REgt See more

09.01.2022 AgForce Urges Support AgForce CEO Mike Guerin is urging all Queenslanders to join Ag Force in its Stand With Queensland campaign as we run up the state election. Mr Guerin says farming has always been at the forefront of Australia’s development, feeding and clothing our growing population while providing an underlying economic lynchpin vital to our prosperity.... Agricultural businesses not only provide for our population but are a significant exporter and contributor to our economy. In 201718, the value of Queensland rural exports alone exceeded $9.5 billion a whopping 12.8 per cent of the State’s total goods exports. He says Governments can, and should, continue to champion Australia’s robust food safety standards and high-quality beef, sheep and goat meats, as well as grains and cane products, over and above all other world supplies. This is more important than ever if, as has been publicly stated, agriculture is to play a significant role in helping lead Queensland, and the rest of Australia, out of its COVID-induced economic gloom and onto the path towards full recovery. COVID has understandably dealt a massive blow to our ability to reach our traditional markets, with many borders around the world still closed and the pandemic far from over. Of course, integral to this are the strong biosecurity systems that protect our planet and ensure agricultural production and ongoing trade. He says agriculture is embedded in our daily life, it is a major contributor to our economy, and it will help sustain our population and those of our export partners in the years to come. It helps connect all Queenslanders urban and rural and is why with the State election approaching you need to join AgForce in its Stand With Regional Queensland campaign. Jump onto our Facebook page to see how you can make sure Government hears you.

09.01.2022 Indecent treatment of children, North Mackay Police have charged a 25-year-old man following an investigation into the alleged photographing of a young girl in a Bunnings store at North Mackay last weekend. It is alleged the man indecently photographed the eight-year-old girl while she was shopping with her family at the store on Saturday, September 5.... Detectives from the Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at an address in Ball Bay where the man was arrested. He was charged with one count each of indecent treatment of a child under 16, possessing child exploitation material, breach of bail and fail to comply with reporting conditions. He appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on Monday where he was remanded in custody to reappear on December 2. Several images of other girls at the store, who are yet to be identified, were located on a mobile phone during the search warrant. Investigators are appealing for anyone who was at Bunnings North Mackay on Saturday, September 5 between 11am and midday in the company of female children aged between five and 15 years to come forward. If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

08.01.2022 Cluster fencing grants The State Government is providing another $5 million dollars in Cluster Fencing grants to drought-declared local government areas. The funds are available through Round 5 of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner says landholders wanting to discuss inclusion in Round 5 projects should contact their local government, industry group or regional NRM group.... The success of our agriculture sector is a vital part of Queensland’s $8 billion plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, and funding like this will help them build on that success, The closing date for applications is 5PM Wednesday 11 November, to be submitted to [email protected] Further information about the latest round of Queensland Feral Pest Initiative grants, call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au See more

08.01.2022 Katter pleads with Govt: ‘The world is bigger than China’ Bob Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy is hitting hard this week over trade and China. He says he’s had a gut-full of China’s trade terror tactics on Australian producers and has slammed the Federal Government for failing to aggressively market our produce to other countries.... It comes as China began its investigation into anti-dumping allegations, slapping Aussie wine makers with a 200% duty from midnight. We wouldn’t be in this position if the lazy, useless b.a.s.t.a.r.d.s, who occupy with their big fat backsides the parliamentary benches in Brisbane and Canberra, got out there like Jack McEwen did when Britain went into the Common Market and we lost 30% of our exports. McEwen drew up an agreement on the supply of beef, grain and coal into Japan all of which made us extremely unpopular because it was only 20 years after the war but it was successful. Mr Katter says the Government has done absolutely nothing to develop alternative markets. "Clearly the VIP countries, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, our bloody neighbours who have 700m people living there should be the priority? China may think they are tough and big and throw their weight around, but it was stupid that they picked a fight with the Muslim provinces, the Mongolian provinces, they have picked a fight with India and they have picked a fight with the United States, and that’s not a smart thing to do. They have managed to pick a fight with everyone and well, I don’t know of any fights they have ever even won against Japan but I certainly wouldn’t be provoking that little tiger either. It sure would be nice if we had 300 patrol boats with 60 cruise missiles on the back of them so we can defend our country. And yes, it may cost 2% of the federal budget, but quite frankly it’s not going to break the bank. We must remember that we live on an island, with vast coastline, and are extremely vulnerable. We are overwhelmingly a European country in the middle of Asia with a landmass that is completely empty. You take out the coastal strip from Cairns through to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and take out a little dot around Perth, well you have less than one million people living there. And in that wasteland is all of our oil, all of our gas, all of our bauxite, and all of our coal and all of the nation’s water. ’A land without people will be taken by a people without land’. That is the truism of history. So get off your backside and go chase up the VIP countries, get off your backside and do something about protecting us.

08.01.2022 Firearms Oversight Committee Established Queensland Police have established a Firearms Oversight Committee. They say the group has been established to ensure Balance between community safety and public interest with the rights of firearms applicants and licence holders.... The committee is coordinating the implementation of all 13 recommendations from a Queensland Audit Office (QAO) report into the regulation of firearms in Queensland. The QAO report identified the QPS could regulate the acquisition, possession, use and disposal of registered firearms more effectively. The QPS is addressing the recommendations across three key themes of deciding who can access firearms, monitoring firearm licence holders, and regulating dealers and firearm movements. Committee chair Deputy Commissioner Tracy Linford says the QAO recommendations largely relate to opportunities previously identified by the QPS, with a number of projects already commenced to renew processes and systems. Finding the necessary balance between community safety and the rights of the lawful firearm owning community will continue to be the focus of the QPS as action items are implemented and assessed. It is important to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of the QPS to enhance the service Weapons Licensing delivers to the community. The community can have confidence that the work is well under way and over time will provide a better framework for all stakeholders.

07.01.2022 Postal vote applications are open now. With the State Election knocking at our doors, (Oct. 31st), e can from this week apply for a postal vote on the ECQ website here: https://bit.ly/ECQpostal Postal votes close on Friday 16 October and while we can apply for Postal votes form this week the ECQ can’t mail the ballot papers until after candidate nominations close in mid-October.... Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says the option to apply for a postal vote weeks before the start of the election period, will support electors who may not want to vote in person due to COVID-19. We remind electors who applied for a postal vote in March and want to postal vote in October, they need to apply again. The ECQ is also establishing special postal voting arrangements for residents of certain aged care facilities which would usually receive a mobile polling service as a ‘declared institution’. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and to protect vulnerable residents, the ECQ is unable to provide this service for this election. However, the ECQ says it will streamline the postal vote process for these facilities, to make sure it is easy for residents to vote by post if that is their preference. We are planning for an election period with two weeks of extended early voting days and hours, including voting on Saturday 24 October as well as election day voting between 8am and 6pm on Saturday 31 October.

03.01.2022 Be Bright About Christmas Lights Nothing says Christmas like a sparkly strand of decorative lights and Ergon Energy is encouraging everyone to remain electrically safe when stringing them in the coming weeks. Area Manager Graham Burke says dangers ranging from electric shocks to house fires are a real risk, which can easily be avoided by following a few safety procedures when you’re installing powered Christmas decorations.... Ultimately Christmas lights and powered decorations are electrical appliances and, like any appliance, if they’re used incorrectly or they’re faulty, they can be dangerous, So before plugging them in check for signs of obvious damage, such as frayed cords and exposed wires. If you’re satisfied they’re in good condition, plug them in and stay with them for five or more minutes to check that concealed or less obvious faults aren’t at play and there’s no burning smell or damage occurring, such as melting insulation. Mr Burke also says we need to make sure any powered decorations you’re using on the outside of your property have been manufactured to withstand the elements. Quality decorations should always specify if they’re built for indoor or outdoor use. Of course, using outdoor lights inside the home is perfectly fine, but never use lights built for indoor use outdoors because they are not water-resistant and can deteriorate, quickly becoming a hazard. Christmas is about spending quality time with loved ones and you want to keep them safe by following a few simple precautions.

03.01.2022 Power in Opinion. The Queensland Government-owned electricity companies are calling on the community to help shape the future of the state’s energy industry. Ergon Energy and Energex, as part of Energy Queensland, along with Powerlink are seeking participants in the Queensland Household Energy Survey, which is the largest of its kind in Australia, to gain an in-depth insight into Queenslanders’ changing electricity needs.... The input will help Queensland’s electricity distribution and transmission companies plan for the industry’s rapidly evolving future. CEO of Energy Queensland, Rod Duke says in the past, the annual survey had provided valuable information that is now being used to plan for the next generation power network. Previous survey respondents have clearly shown that Queenslanders are very keen to adopt new technology, such as home energy management systems, smart home assistants, electric vehicles and solar PV just to name a few. This includes developing new power tariffs, building a network that accommodates their needs and ensuring we’re providing services that remain relevant to everyone’s requirements. The companies say the survey’s annual insights on emerging technologies, particularly in storage and energy management systems, help to deliver better solutions for the future. Queenslanders keen on having their say on the future of the state’s electricity industry can participate in the survey and have the chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards by logging onto : https://bit.ly/2JcNiyz .

02.01.2022 More Border Restriction Relaxation Five additional NSW shires will now be included in open borders with Queensland. From next week the shires of Glen Innes, Byron, Ballina, the City of Lismore, Richmond Valley, (inclusive of Casino and Evans Head) will be added to the border zone from 1am on October 1.... Residents in those council areas will also be allowed to travel anywhere in the state without going into quarantine but will have to fill out a border declaration pass. Queenslanders coming back to their home state still need a border pass to return declaring they have not visited a hotspot, but they will not need to quarantine. The new border arrangement will apply to all Queenslanders and those in the specific NSW council areas.

01.01.2022 Govt delivers on school-leaver fruit picking incentive Bob Katter, Member for Kennedy has applauded the Federal Government for backing his push for a monetary incentive program designed to attract school-leavers to fruit picking during holidays and as a gap year. The Government’s response to Covid-19, whether good or bad, has left us with a serious lack of willing workers in north Queensland which is impacting industries that hold our communities together. ... Under normal circumstances, the backpackers comprise 50 per cent of the fruit pickers in north Queensland which is a region that produces 20 percent of Australia’s fruit and vegetable supply. But due to border closures, the number of backpackers available is dwindling by the week. We applaud and congratulate the Federal Government for the tremendous work they have done here in announcing this. I was out there humping bananas last week, and while it’s definitely hard yakka, it can be great fun in the packing sheds and you’ll feel good about helping to feed your country,