High Country Herald - July 4, 2017

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TO THE EDITOR Letters are always welcome. Please include full name, address and daytime telephone number. Contributions are accepted on the understanding they could be edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, repetition, verbosity, legal considerations, etc. Herald policy is to retain the writer’s intent in all correspondence. The editor neither agrees nor disagrees with sentiments expressed by correspondents. High Country Herald, P.O. Box 242, Highfields Q. 4352 or editor@highcountrynews.net.au Timely reminder - water security I noticed in a recent council update for the Toowoomba region that our dam levels are at 59 per cent capacity. We may think that that is good. There is still plenty of water left. But, is it good? Each of Toowoomba’s three dams need a flood event to fill them or a least give them a major replenishment. Still fresh in our minds are the 2011 and 2013 floods which is not long ago. And we are already down to 59 per cent. In the past, this region has experienced drier periods over many years' duration. Youth and the job market It is scary when you think one in 10 young people in the Darling Downs and Maranoa want a job but cannot get one. Well, that is sadly the case as youth unemployment continues to shoot up across Queensland. The extent of Labor’s jobs crisis has been laid bare, with new figures showing more than 600 youth jobs slashed from the Darling Downs and Maranoa jobs market in the past year. The latest ABS figures now show the region’s youth unemployment rate at 8.8 per cent, after a 1.9 per cent rise in just the last 12 months. Statewide, a total of 11,200 young people saw their jobs disappear in the past year. All while the Palaszczuk Labor Government has been at the helm. Queensland is leading the nation for all the wrong reasons under Labor, with youth jobs vanishing in 13 out of 19 regions in Queensland last year. These facts irrefutably show Labor’s jobs budget is nothing more than a con job and Queensland is being held back by a do-nothing Labor government. In contrast to Labor’s inaction, the LNP’s $100 million Get Queensland Working program will create up to 20,000 jobs for young Queenslanders, and reverse Labor’s youth jobs trend by reducing the cost of working for young apprentices and offering financial incentives for businesses who train and retain staff. Only an LNP Government will create jobs across Queensland, deliver the vital infrastructure projects the Darling Downs and Maranoa needs and Build a Better Queensland. - Scott Emerson, LNP, Shadow Treasurer. To find out more details, please call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au Updates from the Toowoomba Region Ruthven St Grand Opening It’s official. The Ruthven Street Streetscape Upgrade is now complete. From Ruthven St to Chalk Drive we’ve extended the look and feel of the CBD. The upgrade includes increased parking bays, new paved footpaths and artworks. We’d like to invite you to the official opening on Friday, 7 July from 9am-12 noon at Cathro Park. Come along and enjoy a BBQ, radio station giveaways from 6am and fun activities for the kids. For more info call 131 872. Environment grants now open Grants of up to $5,000 are now available through our environment grant program. Applications close 1 August. For more info or to apply online, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/grants Fit for Kids! Keep your kids’ active over winter with fun school holiday classes happening at Milne Bay and Highfields Aquatic and Fitness Centres. For more info call 4699 6530 or email aquaticandfitness@tr.qld.gov Recreation providers Calling outdoor recreation providers! Do you run an outdoor recreation activity? Register your details with us and receive information on available resources, promotion and upcoming networking events. Email info@tr.qld.gov.au or phone 131 872 for more info. Toowoomba is one of the fastest growing cities in Queensland with more and more houses and businesses being hooked up to the same old water supply - no change since Cressbrook dam was built in 1983. How much bigger the population now (and still growing.) For many people who experienced the situation before 2011, water restrictions are still fresh in our minds. In fact, it was a desperate time, facing the possibility that Toowoomba could run out of water. Unfortunately, we could easily face the same scenario in the not so distant future. Well, at least we have the Wivenhoe pipeline to fall back on if and when needed. But is that the complete answer? Will the supply always be there if we need it? Not to mention the exorbitant cost for the power required to pump it up to Toowoomba at ratepayer’s expense. A dam built on Emu Creek could help, but once again, a flood would be needed to fill it. Then there is recycled water which also was considered a few years ago, but which was one of the most divisive issues that Toowoomba has ever experienced. It is great that our region ins booming with such potential for continuing development, but I just hope that the powers that be are considering the future of our water supply as seriously as they are all other areas of development. At the very least, individual households and business owners, where possible, can at least be taking steps even now to harvest their own rainwater as an insurance for when the time will surely come that we are faced with a critical shortage of water once again. - Jim Watson, Highfields. Wedding Expo pictorial pages 8 - 9 Toowoomba Camellia Show Most of our garden’s flowers fade in winter, but the beautiful Camellia thrives! Joining us at the 2017 Toowoomba Camellia Show & Garden Expo on 15-16 July, 9am-4pm at the TAFE Horticulture Centre, Campbell Street. Entry for the show and expo is $8 OR just $5 for the Winter Garden OR $10 for both. For more info, visit www.toowoombacamelliashow.com Council meetings The next meetings of Council’s Standing Committees will be held on 11 and 12 July commencing at 9am. The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held on 18 July commencing at 10am. All meetings are at City Hall, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba. NZ Friendship Tour We have a sister city relationship with Whanganui in New Zealand. This year we’re visiting and we’d like to take you with us! We’ve partnered with Stonestreets Travel to create a stunning 14 day tour through the North Island. Departing from Toowoomba’s Wellcamp airport on 7 November, this legendary tour begins in Auckland and will show you highlights including New Plymouth, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua and Paihia before returning to Toowoomba on 20 November. For more info or to book, call Stonestreets Travel on 4687 5555 or visit www.stonestreets.com.au TRC_SEC_040717_HCH_16x4 Dissatisfaction with bus timetable With regard to the recent change by Translink to the bus services, may I bring to your attention the neglectful frame of mind by the company to Crows Nest. There is only the one example; allow me now to present it. Firstly, the 6.20am departure is simply too early. The next is 10am which now takes 90 mins to achieve its destination; the bus terminal. With regard of a return trip, the next departure from Toowoomba is an hour later which would not be suitable in the least after the initial lengthy I am a six year resident of Highfields and have noticed a large increase in the amount of rubbish strewn on the footpaths and roadways of the Highfields and Toowoomba district. I do a walking litter run a few times a week and have no problem collecting several large bags of rubbish. I have contacted the council in regards to trying to organise volunteers to help out and clean We have received so much publicity recently about the proposed Acland Stage 3 mining development and local jobs. However, it appears that no one has mentioned the jobs that could be created by the alternative of new farms. During the Land Court hearings an experienced local farmer was asked about the area of about 10,000 ha acquired through the sale of farms to New Hope at Acland. He said that 20 good farmers could make a wonderful living there for the rest of Litter getting worse Toowoomba but to no avail.oowoomba and districts are becoming very unsightly. It seems to me that people are just stepping over the problem. I would like to put the problem out there and see if we can form a group here in Highfields to get the ball rolling. My Facebook group is called, Our War on Litter Waste. - Bill Kelly, Highfields. 2-4 Plaza Circle Operating Hours: Highfields 4352 Mon-Fri: 8.30am-6.00pm Phone: (07) 4615 5600 & Sat: 8.30am-4.00pm Fax: (07) 4615 5700 Email: highfields@discountdrugstores.com.au COMVITA - The original Olive Leaf Extract • Immune Support & General Wellbeing • Coughs, Cold & Flu • Natural Antioxidant • Blood Sugar Support circuitous bus ride. The following bus to take home would be the 3.30pm which takes another 90 minutes return journey, resulting in a trip to and from Toowoomba taking three hours and would mean a total of six and half hours away from home, irrespective of what one had planned. Previously, the same expedition would take four hours; in that a person would leave at 9am and return home at 1pm - just in time to make lunch. The community has depended on the same timetable for many a commute over many a year but Switch to NBN their days and their children’s days. Consider the employment that could be created by the farmers and all businesses that serve them. Consider how the aquifer water supplies would be secured for the future. This is in stark contrast to the lowering of bore water levels predicted across more than 22,000 ha as a result of proceeding with the Manning West, Manningvale East and Willeroo pits. What happens to employment when mining ceases? • Natural Flavour • Peppermint Flavour • Mixed Berry Flavour I received a generic letter from Telstra advising that the NBN was coming to Highfields in the near future. This has left me feeling a bit anxious considering the stories I have read over the past 12 months which have been critical of the NBN, especially in relation to the reported loss of speed compared to existing ADSL connections, wild fluctuations of speed with the NBN, poor installations and inability to get the provider and/or NBN Co to rectify the problems. Our existing ADSL connection speed and reliability have been great and I am anxious and fearful that NBN will not maintain that performance. Are there any households in the readership area that have any good stories to tell about their NBN switch? - Steve Kropp, Highfields - s.kropp@ bigpond.com. Acland and local jobs Sitting watching the carpark at Coles Supermarket, it surprises me how many parents put their groceries in the car before they put the children in the car. I have seen little children run to the back of the car where mum or dad are and if they don’t stop, Thank you to all those who have signing the Highfields petition. As your strong local voice I will soon be presenting this Petition to our Mayor Paul Antonio, so I have a favour to ask. Could you please forward the link for the Highfields Petition to any friends you believe might be interested in supporting this cause. Children first Fresh Picked 500 ml $24.99 the recent changes have been without rhyme or reason. The result of Translink's changes has been decidedly negative in its consequences with not only the elderly being left feeling confused isolated and without value. I urge all those in charge to fully appreciate what damage in my local community has been done to the lives of families, workers, aged and the disabled as a result of the much heralded new bus service. Please contact Translink 13 12 30 to express your concerns. - S. M. Thomas, Crows Nest. Remember that about 10 million litres of milk are produced annually from four dairy farms near Acland. We cannot afford to risk losing these dairy farms because of a lack of water. Consider the potential for exporting “clean, green” produce from the Acland area through Wellcamp airport. Agricultural development means more guaranteed long term employment for Oakey and district. - Dr John Standley, Rockville. the risk of being hit is inevitable by cars trying to get a park and who cannot see this little person. Please mums and dads put the kids in the car first before some little one gets hurt. - Lyn Collier, Crows Nest. Highfields petition This will ensure that the TRC does not continue with its plan of forcing people to sell their homes to open up cul de sacs for a new road network at Highfields. toowoomba.north@parliament.qld. gov.au - Trevor Watts, Member for Toowoomba North. - Authorised by L. Folo, 66-68 Bowen Street, Spring Hill Q. Congratulations to Pony Club The team at Zeller and Co. would like to congratulate the Crows Nest Pony Club for a very successful campdraft held recently. Congratulations too, to those who organised the day as it is good to see local events being held. In addition, we would like to thank the organisers of the Pony Club for conducting the fortnightly canteen at Zeller and Co. Rocky Dip sale. It is magnificent food and the best patty cakes. - Rick Zeller, Crows Nest. 2 - HIGH COUNTRY HERALD, JULY 4, 2017 To advertise phone 4615 4416
All aspects of landscaping available including: turf prep and turf supply and/or lay All aspects of garden maintenance available including: hedging, lawn mowing, garden make overs, commercial/residential, bobcat/dingo hire, wholesale nursery Get onto those winter weeds before they spread Call us today for a quote Garden Care & Turf Supplies 0407 912 535 51 Spies Rd, Meringandan aa.maintenance@outlook.com Minister extends time to decide fate of Acland mining The Ministerial decision on whether to approve New Acland Coal Stage Three, is being delayed as Dr Anthony Lynham considers the detail of the Land Court’s recommendation not to allow further expansion. Dr Lynham, the Minister for State Dr ANTHONY LYNHAM - Minister for State Development, Resources and Mines Development, Resources and Mines, told a forum in Toowoomba last week that he was extending the time for a decision. “I want to have time to consider the Land Court’s lengthy and complex report, and I want to make surethat I am Not favouring one side or the other fully informed on the issue.” Dr Lynham said the Judicial Review of the Land Court’s decision would proceed. This review was sought by the New Hope Group following the Land Court’s rejection of their application to develop stage three of the New Acland Coal mine. The Minister refused to answer questions on New Acland, saying there were strong feelings on both sides of the issue, and he did not want to be seen as favouring one side or the other. All aspects of landscaping available including: turf prep and turf supply and/or lay All aspects of garden maintenance available including: hedging, lawn mowing, garden make overs, commercial/residential, bobcat/dingo hire, wholesale nursery FREE QUOTES 0407 912 535 4596 3183 Maintenance AA Maintenance Garden Care & Turf Supplies 51 Spies Rd, Meringandan aa.maintenance@outlook.com Highfields Landscape Supplies Suppliers of all your landscaping needs HIRE EQUIPMENT 7 DAYS Friendly staff, quality products with great everyday prices FREE COURTESY TRAILER FREE QUOTES 0407 912 535 4596 3183 AVAILABLE NOW!!! • Grassmaster • Cow Manure • Blood & Bone • Lime Impact Wood shavings $ 11ea WATER TRUCK HIRE • Road works • Carting water for lawns • Filling pools Get onto those winter weeds before they spread Call us today for a quote 0407 912 535 Open: Mon-Fri 7.30am-5.00pm Sat & Sun 8.00am-4.00pm P: 4696 9111 I M: 0427 135 899 E: sales@highfieldslandscape.com.au www.highfieldslandscapesupplies.com.au 4 Darian St, Highfields Industrial Estate 2 mins past McDonalds Left off Highfields Road Split Firewood NOW IN STOCK New England Highway Opposite Toowoomba Christian College New Season Deciduous and Fruit Trees have Just Arrived Too many varieties to list Come in and have a look today!! Ironbark Firewood HAND STACKED CRATES (Dont Pay for air) SEASONED IRONBARK $130 ea Available for Collection or Delivery – ALL DAY EVERY DAY – Like, Follow and Share us on Facebook for Offers and Specials LONG BURNING 9 Recreation Reserve Road, HIGHFIELDS 4630 8548 Highfields Largest Plant Nursery No other media reaches anywhere near as many LOCAL people as the 4615 4416 To advertise phone 4615 4416 HIGH COUNTRY HERALD JULY 4, 2017 - 3
Page 1: Keeping communities connected Heral
Page 5 and 6: Mayors support Antonio on Acland Da
Page 7 and 8: ART EXHIBITION - TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL
Page 9 and 10: TOOWOOMBA WEDDING EXPO Maggie Ihaka
Page 11 and 12: Ma Baker's Tonic - Just what the do
Page 13 and 14: Pony club conducts first event at m
Page 15 and 16: COMPUTERS and IT SERVICES COMPUDON
Page 17 and 18: IT’S PERSONALISED SERVICE “I ma
Page 19 and 20: BUY and SELL BUY and SELL QUALITY F

High Country Herald - July 4, 2017

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