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The Clifton Courier Circulates in the Clifton, Allora, Nobby, Greenmount, Felton, Leyburn, Pilton, Victoria Hill, Cambooya and Wyreema areas.

Vol. 120 $1.40

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

$1.40 Your Local News

HERE FOR YOUR HEALTH

Receptionist Leanne Harrigan with practice manager Luke Myers and Senior GP Francisco Rodriguez-Letters.

Staff at the Clifton Medical Centre are urging residents not to delay their appointments or regular health check-ups at the practice if they are fearing they may catch COVID-19 or ‘clog up the system’.

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build the mentality within the public to come back,” he said.

“We clean daily, we’ve still got our social distancing, we’ve widened the space between our seats, everyone has to sanitise when they come in and we offer masks to anyone with respiratory conditions.

“It’s also important for people to get the COVIDSafe app, that’s the biggest priority and the biggest government push at the moment,” Mr Myers said.

Then Centre’s Senior General Practitioner (GP), Francisco Rodriguez-Letters said if you are planning on coming into the

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contact with the virus or not.”

Dr Rodriguez-Letters said if a patient is showing COVID-19 signs, they may be sent straight to a testing facility.

“We do a triage system,” he said.

“Patients can come in, we’ll isolate them assess them and go from there or potentially we can ask them to go directly to get tested, completely avoiding the practice.”

As has been the 22case for several months now, doctors are urging people to continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

The Clifton Medical Centre can be contacted on 4697 3097.

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practice, it’s of vital importance that you selfassess first.

“Hand washing is absolutely vital and if you’ve got a cough you need to phone up and tell the receptionist before you come in,” he said.

“This is extremely important because if you don’t it shuts the place down until we know for a fact you test negative.”

Dr Rodriguez-Letters said if these steps are followed it will make it much easier for doctors to give you the required treatment.

“We’re just relying on people’s abilities to make that judgment call, whether they think they’ve had

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Clifton Medical Centre practice manager Luke Myers said there are plenty of open spots available.

“We initially shut the doors in late March and moved primarily to telehealth, so it was all telephone consults,” Mr Myers said.

“We were still fairly booked out but there was a reluctance for people to come into the practice as people relate the doctors’ surgery to one of the worst places to potentially contract COVID-19.”

Mr Myers said it was important that people know all health related issues are just as important as the virus.

“We are now trying to

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Page 2

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Local students keeping their Chappy happy

Chaplains across the state are being recognised for their vital contributions to Queensland Schools this week and that’s no different in our region, with local students getting behind their favourite chappies this Chappy Week.

The annual event is run informally, I can talk a bit “I love the teachers and I

by SU Queensland to help more informally and the kids love the kids - it’s great to see raise awareness and funds are more willing to open up them grow up and develop.” for chaplains to keep doing because they know I won’t Mr Espie’s sentiments what they’re doing. get them in trouble and that were shared by fellow Doug Espie has been the I’m here for them,” he said. chaplain Annette Akeroyd chaplain at Clifton State Mr Espie, who lives in who serves Pilton, High School for 12 years Toowoomba, said he’s really Greenmount and Emu Creek now and said it’s a role he come to appreciate the town State Schools. cherishes each and every of Clifton and the people he Mrs Akeroyd said her role day. works with. is to provide social, “I think part of having a “The community and the emotional and spiritual non-authoritarian role is people really grow on you,” support for the students. that I can dress a bit more he said.

“I work with the principal and meet whatever support is needed in the school,” she said.

“Whether that be educational support in a classroom, working with a child that’s going through some things, or running a friends resilience program, it’s whatever the principal thinks.”

ABOVE: Clifton State High School chaplain Doug Espie chats to school leader Clayton Principal of Pilton State Brady about his time off whilst learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

School Jon Robertson said chaplains have played a “Chappy’s great,” he said.

“In every small school, It was clear having major role at the school since we always find that human someone like this at the “She helps us out, looks he’d been there. resource is a limiting factor school is something students after us if we’ve been hurt “We’ve been really and by having someone like really appreciated. and she’s very social. fortunate to have great a chaplain that looks after “She’ll even come and Pilton student Charles ABOVE: Pilton State School chaplain Annette Akeroyd chaplains at our school the human resource so much said he and his fellow have a chat if you’re sitting helps students with their reading. whole time I’ve been here and brings another point of students loved having a by yourself at lunch.” and Annette is no exception,” view into your school is a chaplain around the school Chappy Week runs from he said.

May 24 to May 31. really great thing.” grounds to talk to.

Students return across the region

Students finally returned to classrooms on Monday, to the delight of parents and teachers.

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VEGETABLE GARDEN At Ramsay State School last week the students were busy planting vegetables in the school gardens.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART The students have also been working on their skipping skills and have seen some improvement.

They have raised well beyond their goal to donate to the Heart Foundation.

ABOVE: Wyreema State School Preps working with the letter “F”.

Our practise has opened its doors again, combining Telehealth and face to face consultations with strict social distancing rules in place To arrange your preferred consultation with a doctor

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Wednesday, May 27, 2020

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Page 3

TRC local Service Centres still closed Funding for Clifton

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has re-opened four of its Customer Service Centres but Clifton and Greenmount will remain closed for the time being.

On Monday, the Council re-opened counter service at Toowoomba, Millmerran, Crows Nest and Pittsworth.

Those Service Centres have re-opened with no appointment necessary and new measures in place for the safety of staff and the community.

However, at the three remaining centres, staff have been relocated until such times as a decision is made to resume service.

This is the case at Clifton and Greenmount, although it is envisaged that these will re-open during coming weeks.

Mayor Paul Antonio said Customer Service was a critical service for the organisation.

“Council has been working with State The current closure of the Toowoomba Regional Council’s Customer Service Centre Government advisors at Clifton is temporary and is not related to a review of Council services initiated in to determine practical October last year. implications on what the easing of restrictions means the Pittsworth counter is no alternative is available. guidelines, whether at home for our customer service open from 1pm to 4pm on Personal Protective or attending public spaces. centres,” Mayor Antonio Monday, Wednesday and Equipment will be provided “Precautions include said. to staff when handling cash washing your hands or using Friday.

“To re-open any of our Mayor Antonio said the or in the course of their hand sanitiser, covering your mouth when coughing or facilities, we have had Customer Service Centres normal duties.

“Council is committed to sneezing and disposing of to work through the will be trialling Point of Sale practicalities of hygiene screens where appropriate, re-opening our facilities as tissues properly, practising distancing and requirements, staffing with additional cleaning and soon as practical; however, social arrangements and sanitiser product provided we also need to ensure the avoiding physical contact, health and wellbeing of staff such as shaking hands.” importantly the ways to for customers and staff.

For more information allow our staff and the “Social distancing and our community.

“We will continue to on updated Queensland community to maintain markings and signage will social distancing be added to all front update the community on Health Guidelines on the requirements. customer areas/ the status of services and easing of restrictions go www.health.qld.gov.au/ “Council will re-open thoroughfares, entries and facilities that are affected to more of our Customer exits and furniture will be by State and Federal health coronavirus For more information on Service Centres, and hours spaced to adhere to social directives.

“We thank the community changes to Council services will extend as health distancing requirements,” he for their continued patience and facilities, due to the restrictions ease.” said. impact of the coronavirus, The Toowoomba Branch “Cashless transactions during this unique time. www.tr.qld.gov.au/ “We ask the community visit is open from 8.30am to 5pm will be encouraged, although Monday to Friday, while cash will be accepted if to continue to follow hygiene servicechanges

Is he trying to rack up some ‘frequent flyer’ points with police?

Clifton Police are becoming regular visitors to a Grimes Street address where a local resident is causing grief to the surrounding neighbourhood.

On at least four occasions this month, police have been called to the address.

On Wednesday 13th May, at 8.30am, officers executed a search warrant which revealed drugs and drug utensils at the residence.

A 21-years-old male was subsequently charged with possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug utensils.

He was issued a Notice to Appear in the Warwick Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 26th August.

A 42-years-old female at the same address was also found to be in possession of drug utensils.

She has entered a police drug diversion program.

Police were recalled to the Grimes Street address on Friday 15th May where a 21-years-old man was acting in a disorderly manner.

Two days later, on Sunday 17th May, another call was made to police who found a man yelling, including swearing at neighbours and at barking dogs.

The 21-years-old male was issued a $400 fine for causing a public nuisance.

On Monday of this week, 25th May, police made yet another visit to the address.

A resident was yelling and

swearing at neighbours.

Police spoke to the 21years-old male and subsequently issued a Notice to Appear in the Warwick Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 26th August.

Senior Constable Tyson Morris of Clifton said police will always act on calls received from the public relating to anti-social behaviour and/or suspected drug offences.

Incidents can be reported to the Clifton Police Station on 4631 6939 or to Policelink on 131 444.

FINES ISSUED FOLLOWING KINGS CREEK PARTY After completing inquiries into a house party held on a property at Kings Creek on Saturday 9th May, Clifton Police have issued fines to two women.

The party is believed to have been attended by up to 25 people, in contravention of COVID-19 restrictions.

Police had issued a warning to the residents that they should not be conducting such a gathering however after the warning was ignored, it was decided to take the mater further.

Police have now issued fines to a 24-years-old woman and a 28-years-old

woman, both from Kings Creek.

They will each pay $1,334.

Others who attended the party have been issued with a stern warning.

Clifton Police have again warned the public that it is the responsibility of individuals to remain aware of the restrictions being imposed in relation to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

They reminded people that the rules are changing regularly and said residents should abide by what regulations are currently in force.

While officers are prepared to issue warnings, repeat offenders will be fined.

RURAL PROPERTY TRESPASSER Clifton Police were called

to a rural property at Hirstglen on Friday night after a trespasser was detected by a resident.

Police said the incident occurred at about 11.30pm when a male was found on the property.

They spoke to the informant who provided a description of the offender and a vehicle registration number.

Police later visited a residence in the Toowoomba suburb of Rockville where a 52-years-old man was issued with an infringement notice for trespassing and fined $266: to rub salt into the wound, they also fined him $53 for a parking offence.

Police have warned rural landholders to ensure that their properties are securely locked.

Landcare Group

This week marks National Volunteer Week and the Clifton Landcare Group will benefit from an $1800 grant to support its volunteers, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.

“The Clifton Landcare together through thick and Group is undertaking a thin.” project to help protect In Maranoa, 21 groups the endangered bulloak received a 2019-20 Volunteer butterfly which involves an Grant, ranging between 80 kilometre trip to the site,” $1,000 and $5,000, to better Mr Littleproud said. support their volunteers by “Volunteers will be able to purchasing small equipment, use this $1800 grant to assist paying for fuel, transport with fuel costs so that they and training costs. Maranoa can continue to monitor the received $65,770 in 2019-20 butterfly habitat.

Volunteer Grants.

“This grant is a token of National Volunteer Week appreciation to support runs from 18-24 May and those who serve. is run by Volunteering “Volunteers are an integral Australia. part of our society, especially You can get involved in during difficult times. Their online activities by visiting contribution is vital to the Volunteering Australia ensuring that we continue at www.volunteeringaustralia. to support those in need and o r g / u p d a t e - o n - n a t i o n a l in bringing the community volunteer-week-2020/#/

New roads to create local jobs

Toowoomba Regional Council has secured $4 million through the new Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) to improve roads and community facilities.

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the investment will help support local jobs and businesses.

“One of my top goals as the member for Maranoa is to keep improving our public infrastructure, highways and roads for safety, more efficient movement of goods, so that we are better connected with our community and to boost tourism,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Under the LRCIP, eligible road projects include constructing or improving bridges and tunnels, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.

“Projects to improve public infrastructure include upgrading bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, picnic shelters and barbecue facilities at parks.

“The LRCIP is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local

roads and community infrastructure.

“I will be working closely with council to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”

The Southern Downs Regional Council also secured funding worth $1.5 million.

The Federal Government is delivering a $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects through local governments across Australia.

This includes $500 million through the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

More than $25 million is being invested in the program across Maranoa.

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Page 4

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Letters to the Editor

Updates from the Toowoomba Region Council meetings

The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held on 16 June commencing at 10am. A special meeting of Council to consider reports relating to development applications is being held Wednesday 27 May commencing at 2pm. All meetings are at City Hall, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba. All meetings are now live streamed via our YouTube channel at www.tr.qld.gov.au/meetings

JOHNSON GRASS Dear Editor We read with interest your article about Johnson Grass in the “Back Paddock” section of the Clifton Courier [May 13].

An observant traveller would notice that there are some roads and farms that have no (or next to none) Johnson Grass.

This does not happen by accident but by prudent actions of landholders and being vigilant.

I agree that Johnson Grass is a difficult weed to control around creeks and gullies.

But if it is not on the roadways, it shouldn’t be on any farmland.

One way that this grass pest is spread is by the use of contractors (headers,

Thank you volunteers

Volunteers are the glue that keep our community going. We’re grateful for each and everyone one of you, for your kindness and the time you put in to providing services and making our Region a wonderful place to live. Thank you!

Waste collection

Wheelie bin collection is continuing, please ensure you put your bin out by 6am on collection day (5am if you live in the CBD.

Changes to services

The safety of our community and staff is our priority.

To assist in the management of Coronavirus and meet State Government guidelines, we’re working through a staged approach to re-open our services and facilities.

Playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor gyms and barbecue areas have already re-opened. Please remember to follow hygiene, social distancing and people gathering guidelines.

Coronav

STAGEiru1s 25 M AY 2020

Pittsworth Customer Service Centre will open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-4pm.

Toowoomba Customer Service Centre will extend their open hours Monday - Friday to 8.30am – 5pm. Crows Nest and Millmerran service centres remain open Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 1pm - 4pm. Clifton, Goombungee, Greenmount, Highfields & Oakey customer service centres remain closed at this stage.

To find out more details, call 131 872

Clifton Courier Crossword

TR_SEC_270520_CC

Libraries open for ‘Reserve and Collect’ via the website or MyTRLibrary APP. Reserve up to 20 items such as books, magazines and DVD’s for collection at your local library and return items via the return chutes. Choose your collection notification method of email, phone call, text message or letter. Our online e-library and resources continue to be available 24/7. For more information on how to access the library catalogue and APP visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/library

Crossword_Layout 1 16/08/16 2:22 PM Page 1 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au

sprayers and similar).

Farmers must ask their contractors to clean down their machinery before entering different farming properties.

There is an old saying: “it is easier to keep a clean farm clean, than clean up a dirty farm”.

If farmers have loads of grain rejected through contamination of Johnson Grass seed, they have no-one else to blame but themselves.

There are always a few rogue plants that germinate each year – whether these are spread by council slasher or grader, but when these appear near our property, our process is to de-head and bag and spray the offending plant and the

job is done.

Neighbours working together on adjoining boundaries are also an important part of the control of this weed pest.

You will also find that while being diligent with the control of Johnson Grass, you will also become aware of other noxious weeds, for example, oil plant (Datura), Noogoora Burr and tree pear and these too you will eliminate (simply because you are there).

Your valuable land asset is enhanced with a weed free status.

It is only through persistence that this problem weed can be eliminated Clifton property owner (Name and address supplied)

Aussie Helpers’ urgent call to buy local amid COVID-19

25 May 2020

Changes are being reviewed and updated regularly, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/servicechanges to stay up-to-date.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

One of Australia’s biggest rural charities, Aussie Helpers, is urging Australians to ‘buy local’ in a bid to support farmers experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.

Following a savage were continuing to price Australia. bushfire season and years meat competitively.

With Australia Post of drought, the coronavirus “Just three months ago, reporting a huge increase pandemic is another blow Australia was in the midst in parcel business, and to farmers who have been of a cattle crisis with the nation’s grocery retail forced to drop meat prices many farming families giants continuing to by up to keep their farms faced with the reality of conduct delivery forays afloat and feed remaining losing their livelihoods into smaller towns such as stock. and their land,” Ms Kocks Clifton, Nobby, Greenmount Aussie Helpers CEO said. and Allora, there are real Tash Kocks said despite The call by Aussie fears that the viability of the significant economic Helpers echoes the feelings small local traders is being downturn caused by of business organisations in overlooked or ignored by COVID-19, supermarkets large and small towns across local residents.

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CLIFTON AND DISTRICT

WEATHER 5 DAY FORECAST

TEMP

RAIN FROST RISK

WED

Partly Cloudy

7/22°C

<1mm

THUR

Mostly Sunny

7/22°C

<1mm

Nil

FRI

Mostly Sunny

7/21°C

0%

Nil

SAT

Sunny

6/22°C

<1mm

SUN

Partly Cloudy

7/22°C

<1mm

0% 5%

Nil

<1mm

0% 20%

Nil

Nil

LOCAL WEATHER Tempratures are set to remain cool as overnights low remain in the single digits, a slight repriev can be expected during the day ad tempratures peak in the low twenties.

NATIONAL WEATHER

A front will gain vigour, sending strong winds, a colder change, showers and small hail across much of WA’s southwest. A trough will cause thundery showers in northern WA. A high will bring a cold morning and dry day to much of the southeast. Showers may develop on the east coast.

Friday 29th May 30th May

6th Jun

13th Jun

20th Jun

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Page 5

Limited hours as Library re-opens Police call for care

Toowoomba Regional Council has re-opened the Clifton Library although it is operating on a limited basis at present.

The Council began reopening its library services from Monday, with reduced hours and, a new ‘Reserve and Collect’ process.

At this stage the reopenings will not include mobile library services which are normally used to service towns such as Greenmount and Cambooya At Clifton, the Library is open on Tuesdays from 10am until 1pm and on Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm.

Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was committed to re-opening facilities as soon as practical; however, he acknowledged that this would need to be through a staged process to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and residents.

“The staged re-opening letter. portfolio leader Cr Tim resources. of library buildings will be “To minimise visits to McMahon said other library “To join the library, all different to what residents the library, Council will services and programs you have to do is complete are used to but this is increase the total items that would be gradually re- the Online Membership necessary to help everyone a customer can borrow from introduced on a staged-basis, form available on the ‘Using comply with the updated 15 to 20 in this initial phase. consistent with the State Your Library’ page on the health restrictions,” Mayor Mayor Antonio said Government’s Roadmap to library’s website.

Antonio said. current social distancing Easing Restrictions.

“Our e-library resources “The ‘Reserve and requirements mean that “All return chutes will continue to be available to Collect’ service is an customers may have to re-open, and customers the community 24 hours a innovation that allows the queue to collect their items. can return their borrowed day, seven days a week. library user to reserve items, “At this stage, current items.,” he said.

“Council will continue to such as books, magazines health precautions will see “We also provide Wi-Fi update the community on and DVDs, through the reduced library operating access free to the public the status of services and library’s online catalogue or hours and some services outside all libraries. facilities that are affected the MyTRLibrary APP. such as the mobile library, “We thank the community by State and Federal health “As reserved items in-branch borrowing and for their continued patience directives.” become available for browsing, and the use of during this unique time.

For more information on collection, customers will Public Computers are not “Online membership is how to access Toowoomba be alerted by their chosen available,” he said. currently available for new Region Libraries Catalogue notification method of email, Environment and members and provides and APP, go to www.tr.qld. phone call, text message, or Community Committee access to the library’s online gov.au/library

Council provides boost for local suppliers

Clifton Police have urged motorists to be wary of things that can be hazardous to road users following an incident on the New England Highway.

Emergency services were the limb. called to the highway after a Her car was written-off. large limb broke away from The Cambooya woman was a eucalypt in strong winds. treated at the scene for minor A 42-years-old Clifton abrasions. woman managed to dodge Officer in Charge of the limb with only minor Clifton Police, Sergeant damage to her vehicle.

Bruce Willett has urged She attempted to warn a drivers to remain vigilant. car travelling some distance He said motorists need behind, but the 28-years- to be aware of road old female driver from conditions and potential Cambooya failed to spot the hazards such as fallen limbs warning and slammed into and animals.

After it came crashing onto the southbound lane of the New England Highway, this large limb was responsible for a car being written off when it struck the obstacle.

Lifeflight seeking more volunteers

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue is recruiting an army of volunteers, as restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic begin to be eased.

While the road to recovery team of volunteers in the will be a long one, the rescue South West,” Ms Luhrs said. chopper service is hoping to “Our volunteers attend restart fundraising activities, events and help out with at a grass roots level, in small jobs leading up to July. those events, help engage “Due to the COVID-19 the community and build a pandemic the LifeFlight strong relationship between Foundation has had to locals and RACQ LifeFlight indefinitely postpone or Rescue.” cancel events which The buzz of the contribute significantly to Toowoomba-based RACQ the need to cover up to 30 LifeFlight Rescue helicopters per cent of the cost of running is familiar across the region, the community rescue with more than 707 airlifts helicopter fleet,” South to and from the region in West Senior Fundraising 2019.

Coordinator Amy Luhrs Passionate volunteers said. fundraise in the community “It’s been a tough few and in turn, help rescue months, but we’re looking crews continue to provide forward to getting back out locals with 24/7 access to to our community.” emergency medical care.

This week is National But more helpers are Volunteer Week. needed in the South West and More than 200 volunteers LifeFlight is encouraging are the backbone of the locals to get involved and LifeFlight Foundation, sign up, to give back. helping to raise vital funds If you’re interested in to keep the helicopter joining the RACQ LifeFlight crews flying to the aid of Rescue family, contact Queenslanders. the South West Senior “We would love to build Fundraising Coordinator up our already fabulous Amy Luhrs on 4592 5799.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has provided a boost for local suppliers, announcing an amendment to its Procurement Policy, giving extra price weighting to local suppliers when engaged by Council to supply goods or services.

Finance and Business • Give local suppliers an spending locally and these and indirectly.

Strategy Chair Cr Geoff additional 10 per cent price amendments will go a “The further 2 per cent McDonald said the changes variance for purchases up to long way to not only help price advantage to local to the policy ensured local $50,000 us achieve this goal, but suppliers in regional businesses were given the • Give local suppliers possibly surpass it. areas is also a win for our best chance possible to work an additional 5 per cent “This will provide regional businesses based with council. price variance for purchases opportunities to upskill outside of the Toowoomba “This is a great result for greater than $50,000 but local businesses and ensure CBD. our entire community and less than $200,000 money spent stays within “The changes allow stems off the work we did “In addition to this, the Toowoomba Region potential to provide local jobs earlier this year when the Council will give a further which will benefit everyone and provide opportunities Coronavirus pandemic first 2% price advantage to local in our community.” for other businesses in the impacted our Region,” he suppliers in regional areas (all President of the Clifton supply chain.” said. areas inside the Toowoomba and Districts Chamber of Toowoomba Chamber of “At that time Council Region boundary that are Commerce and Industry, Commerce Chief Executive made a decision to assist local outside of the Toowoomba Amanda Beatson has Officer Todd Rohl also suppliers wherever possible City, i.e. postcode 4350) welcomed the changes. supported the amendments. with its procurement and for anything up to “The amendments to the “The decision is a win purchasing activities and $200,000,” Cr McDonald procurement policy are very for local small business today’s adoption of the said. commendable,” Ms Beatson and the local economy policy not only cements “Effectively this means said. and demonstrates a real these changes, but extends that if a local supplier “This not only offers commitment by Council on those principles, to provides a quote for opportunities for local to buy and source provide further incentive for $44,000 and we receive suppliers but has potential to locally,” he said. our local suppliers.” another quote from outside provide local benefits for the For further information As part of the changes the Region for $40,000 whole region, both directly visit www.tr.qld.gov.au to the Procurement Policy, then we’ll be able to go Council will: with the local supplier • Seek quotes from thanks to the changes in our The Clif�on Courier only local suppliers for policy. procurement under $200,000 “Council already has a Your local community new�paper covering The Darling Downs - Clifton News (where possible) target for 60 per cent of - Clifton FoodWorks

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Page 6

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

As we get out there again, it’s up to all of us to

And if you’re experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, stay home and speak to your doctor about getting tested.

For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit health.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Page 7

St Francis de Sales Another job for our busy Mayor students return to school

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio is about to take on another task, this time associated with the Inland Rail project.

The new chair of the MBIRA is Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio.

After two years as Chairperson of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance (MBIRA), representing all local government authorities on or adjacent to the Inland Rail route right through from Melbourne to Brisbane, Moree Plains Shire Council Councillor Sue Price has stepped down.

Mayor Paul Antonio will be the new Chair.

Cr Price said, “MBIRA has been a tireless advocate for the Inland Rail since well before the Federal Government endorsed it and handed it to the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to design and construct in 2018.”

“MBIRA’s advocacy is still vital to make sure the project gets finished in time, to world’s best-practice standards and to futureproof eastern Australia’s freight networks.

“The national freight task will treble in 30 years, outgrowing the road network’s carrying capacity.

Rail must take up the balance.

“Not only that, but Inland Rail has the capacity to drive economic recovery in regional Australia post the COVID crisis.

“More than $8 billion will be pumped into the communities in the corridor – at least 75 per cent to local industry and workers.

“It can be the post-

COVID boost that the Snowy River Scheme was post World War Two.” Mayor Paul Antonio agreed with the sentiment, thanking Cr Price for her service to the role.

“Inland Rail is key to stimulating the economy in the next 12 to 24 months,” he said.

“My biggest worry at present is for any potential delays there may be in relation to the Inland Rail.

“I know that private industry is poised to get right behind this project, but they need certainty in order to invest.

“Let’s get on and get it done, to the highest standards, with the needs of affected landholders addressed and compensation paid to those for whom the impact cannot be eliminated.”

While heading up Toowoomba Regional Council is his primary role, Paul Antonio is also the founding Chair of the Darling Downs South West Queensland Council of Mayors and Deputy Chair of the Council of Mayors South East Queensland, serves as patron of a large number of local organisations, as well as being a White Ribbon Ambassador and ambassador for several other community organisations, and has an interest in farming enterprises at Millmerran and Captain’s Mountain.

ABOVE: Principal Mr O’Reilly at school parade.

BELOW: Year 4/5/6 teacher Natalie O’Brien working on Quick Writes with a student.

spotlight

ABOVE: Mrs Julie Malbon working with Years 4/5/6 students.

BELOW: Mrs Angela Skillington guided reading.

business

KEEPING IT LOCAL

Bartranz Petroleum is a bulk fuel & lubricants distributorship based at Allora on the Darling Downs. Specialising in bulk fuels - Diesel, Unleaded, PULP 95 & 98, Kerosene & Heating Oil sourced direct from Brisbane and the quality Australian made Fuchs Lubricants.

Owner/operators Justin and Gretta Barton have been in the industry over 20 years. 18 of those years were spent at the very successful local business Glenmar Fuels. Their passion for local business led to the commencement of Bartranz Petroleum. The Drought and COVID-19 crisis have placed immense pressure on small family operated businesses so there is no time like the present to support them.

The Bartranz Petroleum fleet at HQ in Allora

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

WE’RE OPEN

& seeing patients FACE to FACE and via telehealth ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM

OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS

156 - 158 Spring Street Middle Ridge

T 4635 1688

www.middleridgefamilypractice.com.au

Justin & Gretta with their four children Ambrose, Eddison, Claudia & Harriet It is often thought that buying from small businesses means paying more but this certainly is not the case in the fuel industry. Bartranz are fully independent (of oil companies) which means they can source their product from several different terminals ensuring fiercely competitive pricing among their corporate giant competitors.

Born and bred on the Darling Downs (Gretta from Allora and Justin from Greenmount) and raising their young family here means they understand how rural communities operate.

Their extensive local knowledge ensures that their clients are serviced on time, every time.

Bartranz Petroleum operate out of the Allora depot on the New England Highway and currently service clients all over the Darling Downs and Northern NSW regions.

YOUR ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUEL DISTRIBUTOR!

STOCKIST

Website www.bartranzpetroleum.com.au Email bartranz@bigpond.com Orders Justin 0439 972 223 Accounts Gretta 0448 262 223 or 4666 2223

Page 8

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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History of project cars, small tractors & machinery (find us on FACEBOOK), Contact Dave Maskell on 0418 138 653 Mobile Cold Room For Hire - Party or weekly hire. Phone 0428 887 900.

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• Auto Electrical • Logbook Servicing • Wheel Alignments • Safety Certificates • Air Conditioning • All Mechanical Repairs

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First grandchild for Rob and Genny Imhoff and Jill Perkins (U.K.)

CHURCH SERVICES

0428 198 992 PUMP REPAIRS

Services cancelled until further notice due to COVID-19 Restrictions

Letters to the Editor

STRICKS PUMP REPAIRS • Supply of New Pumps

Send Letters to the Editor to 60 Clark Street Clifton or email editorial@cliftoncourier.com.au Include your telephone number

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that appear in the Clifton Courier are available for purchase at our office: 60 Clark Street, Clifton

MOBILE DIESEL REPAIRS & WELDING SERVICES 0427 038 508 damian@maidah.com.au

Lic# AU34116

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• Air Conditioning & Auto Electrical Servicing • Steel Manufacturing,Fabrication & Machining • Design & Manufacturing of Custom Made Products • Sheds, Carports, Garages • Concrete slabs • Posi track and 4t Excavator • Crane truck, Scissor Lift & Tilt Tray Hire • 24hr Breakdown Service

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Page 9

Peeps into the Past 25 Years Ago Extracts from The Clifton Courier dated June 1, 1995

Okay, so driving with me is a bit of an experience.

But, then, driving with anyone is a bit of an experience.

Because, if you pay attention, the way someone acts behind the wheel can be quite revealing about what is going on in the thinkbox atop someone’s neck.

The most obvious is the selection of music.

You can learn a lot about a person based on their playlists.

With me, you have the depressing indie songs that allude to my pretentiousness.

There’s the Fleetwood Mac, which suggests I’ve reached a certain level of maturity in my late 20s where I crave easy listening music. The selection of a few specific Top 40 songs that say I’m aware enough about current trends to be relevant, but not so obsessed with them that I’m mainstream. And then you have the sprinkling of Lee Kernaghan to communicate my regional town roots but complete lack of agricultural knowledge – in case the clean Akubra and liberal use of the word “mate” didn’t already drop that hint.

You also get a glimpse of the rage that bubbles underneath my serene (it’s serene, right… right?!) exterior by my angry commentary of the drivers behaving like absolute roo heads in front of me.

I mean, I’m not someone who hangs out of the car screaming obscenities at people and shake my fists or anything.

I don’t want the other drivers to know I’m taking about them, so I am usually quite restrained in my body language.

My style of road rage is more like a stream of consciousness kind of a thing – I’m more of a mutterer, kind of like I’m hexing someone under my breath.

But perhaps the best insight into the way I think is when people are giving me directions.

When I’m driving by myself, I usually stick to the same routes I’ve travelled before as I click into a focused but somehow also absentminded autopilot mode.

I tap into a way of thinking that feels more instinctual than analytical.

More humanities than science.

More art than maths, ya know?

Like, I go by feel, not by following steps.

Kind of like how learning a dance by breaking it down into tiny steps feels impossible and silly, but breaking out an interpretive number on the dance floor is completely natural.

That’s like how I drive.

I mean, people can say “turn right” but what does that actually mean, you know?

This is the part where I level with you.

I’ve always had trouble with my lefts and rights.

It’s just never been my thing.

Like, you know that thing where you make an L shape with your index finger and thumb on both hands and the one that looks like an L is your left hand?

Well, for the longest time, I just thought the angle of the left hand fingers was closer to the 90-degree corner angle than your right hand, therefore making it a better L shape.

It just didn’t occur to me that one of the Ls was back to front.

Maybe it’s dumb, but maybe it’s an example of my brain just not confirming to the boxes of society, man. Like, maybe it’s not that I don’t know my left from right, but that I transcend lefts and rights.

And maybe me needing to go for my Learners’ test four times because I kept mixing up my lefts and rights was a journey I needed to go on because I still had unfinished business on the school bus that I couldn’t have completed if I was behind the wheel of a car, you know?

So, with all this in mind, I’ll describe a recent scene when I was driving with a first-time passenger who directed me to turn right and was flummoxed when I changed lanes to turn left.

I had to explain that, sometimes, it just doesn’t occur to me that left is left or that right is right.

That it’s more of the vibe of the thing and that, sometimes, the left direction just has more of a right-hand vibe, you know?

It’s been a little while now and that first-time passenger hasn’t become a second time passenger yet.

I’m not really sure why.

- Dannielle Maguire

CLIFTON RUNNERS-UP AT REGIONAL FINALS Dalby hosted the South West Queensland Regional Auxiliary Fire Fighting Championships over the weekend.

Nine teams competed in the event but none were quite strong enough to beat the team from Jandowae, who will now go on to represent the region, along with Clifton, who finished in second place at the weekend, at the State Championships to be held in September at Dalby. «««««««« GRADUATION CEREMONY A Graduation Ceremony was held on Friday evening to present a “Statement of Attainment” from the Australian Institute of Care Development to Mrs Lenore Muller and Mrs Heather Miller on successful completion of a twelve month course in Aged Care for Registered Nurses, and to Mrs Pauline Williams, Mrs Gloria Rennick and Mrs Judy Keleher on successful completion of a twelve month course on Aged Care for Assistant Nurses and Personal Care Assistants. «««««««« MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND GLENMAR FUELS Your local BP Distributors Depot on the corner of Logan Road and Centenary Road, Clifton

50 Years Ago Extracts from The Clifton Courier dated May 29, 1970 LIONS CLUB’S DONATION TO STATE SCHOOL On Monday night the president of the Clifton Lions Club, Dr Godfrey Gapp, presented a Multi-base Arithmetic Kit to the Clifton State School on behalf of the Lions Club. This kit is made up of a number of wooden shapes representing various numerical values. «««««««« MRS WOOLLETT RUNNER-UP IN MASTER SINGLES Mrs E. Woollett was runner-up in the final of the Toowoomba Ladies Bowls Club Master Singles title, played on Wednesday, to Mrs M. Davy (wife of the Australian singles champion). Mrs Woollett was defeated 31-20 in the final after winning her semifinal in the morning against Mrs V. Muller. Clifton’s other

contestant in the carnival, Mrs J. Cranitch, won her first round game but was defeated in the second round. «««««««« $700 LIBRARY GRANT FOR HIGH SCHOOL The Clifton State High School has been allocated a Library Grant of $700. The principal, Mr C. Reisenleiter said that the grant this year allowed the school to purchase Encyclopaedias. «««««««« FOUR TEAMS TO CONTEST POLO FIXTURES Four teams will contest the Downs Polo Fixtures which commence on June 6 at the Clifton Recreation Reserve. Former top player Marshall Muller will make a comeback to polo after an absence of two seasons.

He will captain the Light Blue team.

75 Years Ago Extracts from The Clifton Courier dated May 26, 1945

CLIFTON DAIRYMEN Over seventy shareholding suppliers of the Downs Cooperative Dairy Association Ltd. attended a meeting convened under the auspices of the Clifton branch of the Q.D.O. for the purpose of giving consideration to the appointment of Clifton factory representatives on the Suppliers’ Committee of the Association. After a lengthy and at times acrimonious debate the meeting voted against sending a delegate to the Suppliers’ Committee. «««««««« HAIL STORM AT PILTON A severe hail storm was experienced in the Pilton district on Saturday night.

It was accompanied by thunder, lightning and hail that varied in size from a three-penny piece to a florin.

So thick was it in places that hail was still to be seen as late as last Wednesday. «««««««« ON WAR SERVICE Mrs T. A. Muir, Nobby, has received a cable message from her husband [named but unreadable] advising that he has arrived in England after being a prisoner of war in Germany for three years and 11 months.

In a letter to his parents, Mr and Mrs E. F. Moton, F/ Lieut. E. K. Moton gives some interesting details of life on Tarakan. He was with the invasion force there, being the first dentist on the island.

Within a few days of the landing they were occupying comfortable quarters in well furnished homes vacated by the retreating Japanese.

Snapshot from Yesteryear

The Europeans who settled on the Darling Downs from 1839 were popularly known as the ‘Grass Dukes’ and ‘Shepherd Kings’, and lived up to their image as Antipodean aristocrats, erecting fine homesteads such as that at Glengallan, along with grand stables and woolsheds, whilst transforming the landscape with exotic plants and formal gardens. This image shows attendees at one of their staff picnics.

Photo, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

100 Years Ago Extracts from The Clifton Courier dated May 29, 1920

SYDNEY MAIL TRAIN The N.S.W. Railway Commissioners announce that the 2 p.m. mail, Sydney to Wallangarra, on Saturday, and the 6.40 p.m. mail, Wallangarra to Sydney, on Sundays, which have been running for some time past to abnormal traffic, will be discontinued after next week-end. The traffic dealt with, the department states, is not sufficient to warrant a seven days a week service. «««««««« BENEFITS OF A SILO An interesting demonstration as to the efficacy of the use of a silo on the

• Auto & Marine • Tarps • Antiques & general furniture

Darren & Liz Ranger

Wide Range of Materials Free Quotes | Pick-up & Delivery

66 Clark Street CLIFTON QLD 4361

Downs, was recently given at Newbury, Cambooya, the holding of Mr F. F. Renn.

The farm where the demonstration took place is happily situated in close proximity to the town and railway. «««««««« PERSONAL Mr W. Evans (who has “managed” the “Pittsworth Sentinel” for the past three

years) left on Tuesday last en route to Brisbane and Sydney on holidays. On his return he will “take over” the “Sentinel” for a term on his own account. We wish him every success.

Mr and Mrs J. J. Fitzgerald and family left Clifton on Thursday last for Brisbane, where they will spend a short holiday.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Leyburn Sprints cancelled

This year’s Historic Leyburn Sprints for historic and classic cars, which were scheduled to run on 22-23 August, have been cancelled.

This year would have community organisations whom are of the older been the 25th anniversary of and projects and the event generation, to have people the Sprints however due to delivers a significant from afar potentially the cancellation, celebrations economic benefit to the bringing the virus with of the event deferred to next southern Darling Downs them. year. region.

“We know that Australia The local communityOne of the most popular will be in a much better run organising committee highlights of the national position to cope with this could not guarantee that the historic motor-racing virus in 12 months’ time. original date or a possible calendar, it was the 2017 “There’s no point in postponed date later this Queensland Motor Sport running the Sprints if we year would be able to run Event of the Year. can’t accommodate a good viably within Covid-19 Sprints President Tricia roll-up of competitors and restrictions.

Chant said the organisers spectators, who often come In a statement, the had waited as long as from interstate or elsecommittee said it was possible to make the difficult where in regional also keenly aware that decision.

Queensland. large crowds at this time “We were of course keen “We also would not be could potentially bring the to run, because the event able to do justice to our virus to the small Leyburn means so much to the small planned 25th anniversary community of around Leyburn community and celebrations.

350, which until now has because we look forward “We’d rather hold these remained Covid-19 free. to the reunion with our over to 2021 and ensure The Historic Leyburn competitors, but many they’re the memorable Sprints, which were organising commitments occasion they deserve to be.” launched in 1996 to would have to be made now A proposed date for the commemorate the 1949 while the future is still too 2021 Historic Leyburn Australian Grand Prix on an uncertain,” she said.

Sprints will be announced ex-wartime airfield, usually “We wanted to ensure after consultation with the attracts up to 210 competing also that our little community national organising body cars and around 15,000 stayed safe during these Motorsport Australia, spectators. times. although it is expected Annual proceeds are “It would not be fair on that it will be in August as distributed to local our population, many of usual.

Funding available for COVID-19 affected groups

As community groups across Queensland struggled to cope with the impacts of COVID-19, RACQ Foundation has announced organisations doing it tough could now apply for grants of up to $20,000.

RACQ Foundation this pandemic. recovery efforts. spokesperson Renee Smith Eligible groups can now “We’ve provided said while funding had apply for up to $20,000 immediate funding to historically only been in funding, which were charities helping Queensissued to community hoping will help them landers stay on their feet groups impacted by natural and their communities during this crisis and are disasters, the COVID-19 recover. now opening this process crisis had seen RACQ “Whether you’re a local to all Queensland-based Foundation make a special community group that community organisations or exemption. has lost other forms of charities,” she said.

“It’s been truly devastating sponsorship, advertising “We want to make sure to see the impact COVID-19 revenue or patronage no vulnerable Queenslander has had on communities and due to COVID-19, or an is left behind as a result of a charities across our State,” organisation involved community service shutting Ms Smith said. in reconnecting older down.

“So, we’re really pleased Queenslanders with their “Whether it’s a cyclone, to be able to extend our community, we encourage drought or a pandemic – eligibility to community you to apply.” we’re here to help you and organisations or charities Ms Smith said the RACQ your community get back on that are either assisting in Foundation Board had your feet.” the recovery process or already approved nearly For information and to whose operations have been $80,000 in funding to apply for funding, visit significantly impacted by several charities involved in RACQ Foundation’s website.

Page 10

CLIFTON GOLF CLUB

TUESDAY SPORTERS 19th May, 9 hole Stableford competition.

Winner, Greg Andrews 23; Runner-up, John Davis 21.

Rundown: Greg Smith 20.

Other scores: Ralph Snars 17, Mitch Gillam 16, Ken Turner 16, Ian Jones 16, Tony Gillam 15, John Keleher 15, Les Scotton 15, Christine Snars 14, John Beard 14, Grant Humble 13, Andrew Imhoff 12, Charlie May 11, Graham Gregory 9, Mike Conway 8.

Sporters is played every Tuesday. Hit-off from 11.30am to 2pm.

WEDNESDAY LADIES 20th May, Ladies played an 18 hole Stroke competition for the Monthly Medal.

Winner, Vicki Brewer 69 net; Runner-up, June Kuhn 73.

Fewest putts winner, June Kuhn 31. Other scores: Mary Pidgeon 74, Jean Payne 75, Christine Snars 87, Collette Rynne 88.

Today, 27th May, 18 hole Bisque V.S.S.S. 3rd June, 18 hole Stableford competition.

Names in 8.45am, hit-off 9am. All welcome.

FRIDAY HACKERS 22nd May, 12 hole Stableford competition.

Winner, John Harper 25; Runner-up, Greg Andrews 24 (ocb). Rundowns: Mike Conway 24, Christine Snars 23, John Davis 23. Other scores: Tony Gillam 21, Ralph Snars 19, John Keleher 18, Mitch Gillam 18, Ian Jones 12.

Hackers is on every Friday. Hit-off from midday to 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come and play.

SATURDAY SLASHERS 23rd May, competition was the 3rd round of the Riverina Saturday Cup, 4 Ball (Mixed formats).

Winners, David Robins and Jack Farrell 64 points; Runners-up, Bill Bailey and Jake Castles 56. Rundowns: Daniel Hedges and Col Hoey 50. Other scores: James Ehrlich and Adrian Hilton 49, Wendy Ladewig and Paul Ladewig 49, Greg Andrews and Paul Laverty 48, Gary

Riddle and Doug MacBeth 45, Joe Coorey and Wendy Ladewig 44, Jane Farrell an Lyster Rickert 43, Paul Ladewig and Joe Coorey 42, Darren Hedges and Dan Hoey 40.

30th May, 2nd round of the Clifton Courier Challenge. 18 hole Stableford (best 5 of 10 rounds). Daily Winners as well. (Time sheet.)

SUNDAY SWINGERS 24th May, competition was an 18 hole Stroke for a club trophy. Winner, Collette Rynne 70 net; Runnerup, Jake Castles 72 (ocb).

Rundowns: Jane Farrell 72, Craig Newman 74, Rougan Geraghty 75, John Baxter 76, Darren Hedges 76, Jack Farrell 76, Robert Meara 76, Megan Murphy 77, Michael Bowe 77, Gloria Moore 78, Col Hoey 79, Troy Hughes 80, Lyster Rickert 80, Col Shields 80, David Robins 80, Cutta Murphy 82, Bill Bailey 83, Greg Dalgliesh 85, Greg Smith 85, Rob Imhoff 92.

31st May, 18 hole Stableford competition, sponsored by Pat Weir, Member for Condamine.

(Time sheet).

14th June, 27 hole Mixed Foursomes. Time sheet only. The teams list is on the bar at the clubhouse.

Contact Darren to get your tee time. No other competition will be held on this day other than the Foursomes. If you want to play golf it will be a social game only with Foursomes players given right of way.

Players are encouraged to turn up and have a competition game on the Saturday.

SINGLE MATCHPLAY Names to be on the list at the bar or by contacting Darren if you are unable to get to the club by Sunday 31st May. CLUB ROSTER Mowing, Col Hoey.

GOLF AT CLIFTON DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Saturdays and Sundays, time sheet only. Contact

Darren on 0411 960 393, or mail djhedgesgolf@gmail.com or Facebook messenger/ Clifton Golf Club page message for available tee times. A reminder about competition golf on Saturdays and Sundays.

We are playing preferred lie fairways in play only and no “Gimmies”. All staked trees (no matter the height) are a free drop no closer to the hole.

Players are encouraged to only turn up 10 to 15 minutes before their booked tee time.

Bill Bailey, Darren and all members to ensure all players respect the government’s restrictions.

All players, and especially those over 70 who play golf will do so at their own risk.

Do not congregate in more than 10 in a group at the club.

Keep a 1.5 metre distance.

Flags are not to be touched or removed. They are to stay in the hole at all times even when chipping or putting.

No rakes (preferred lie in bunker.)

No pin shots.

No alcohol to be served or brought onto the course, however take away alcohol will be available to take home after completion of your round.

Sanitised cards will be made available to players prior to play.

All prizes will be club vouchers and golf ball rundowns given out to players in the following days. No presentations to be done on the day.

All competition green fees are as normal. Club members playing social golf are required to still pay the $5 social fee.

Providing we continue to follow these restrictions, we have a good case to continue playing.

Let’s do the right thing to protect each other and our Golf Club.

Thanking you all for your patience and support at this time.

- Darren Hedges and Gary Riddle

Page 11

THE CLIFTON COURIER

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Toowoomba, Southern Downs Regions still drought declared The entire Toowoomba and Southern Downs Regions remain under drought declaration after Local Drought Committees (LDCs) did not recommend any changes to the current standings across the whole of southern Queensland After a disappointing wet welcome, there was a lack into spring is looking Drought Program Reforms to continue the Drought “If their drought season, the total area of of follow-up rainfall and the more optimistic, especially until 1 July 2021,” Mr Furner Assistance Package and declaration is revoked, Queensland that is drought- benefits were limited. there’s an additional $100 producers can access compared to this time last said. declared remains unchanged “There has been limited year,” he said.

“These measures were million for concessional returning from agistment at 67.4 per cent. and restocking freight pasture growth, failed winter “This reflects changing based on agreed loans to primary producers.

Minister for Agricultural and summer crops in many sea surface temperatures in recommendations of the “I’d like to remind any subsidies through the Industry Development and areas, as well as significant the Indian and Pacific oceans Independent Panel Drought producer who is experiencing Drought Relief Assistance Fisheries Mark Furner said concerns about stock, which may bring average, Program Review and will difficult conditions in any Scheme (DRAS) for up to LDCs had not recommended irrigation and rural domestic or possibly above average, improve drought and council area that is not two years after the end of any changes to drought water supplies moving rainfall to some areas over climate risk preparedness drought declared, that they the drought declaration,” he declarations due to a lack of forward into our normally coming months.” for future droughts and can apply for an Individually said. drought-breaking rainfall.

“However, to be eligible dry winter period.”

Mr Furner also announced better align Queensland Droughted Property (IDP) “LDCs meet at least once a This gives for these subsidies producers Mr Furner said that the that planned reforms to with the National Drought declaration. year, generally at the end of lack of rain combined drought programs scheduled Agreement. them the same access to our must ensure their property’s the summer rainfall period, with well above-average for this year would be “The Queensland drought assistance as an area drought declaration is first to discuss the impact of temperatures in 2019 and delayed due to the impact of Government has already declaration.” revoked before introducing seasonal conditions and early this year means there COVID-19 on producers.

Mr Furner said producers any livestock.” invested more than $745m in make recommendations has been a serious impact on The drought declaration “With so much of our drought-affected industries in any drought-declared area about the drought status of Queensland’s agricultural focus on COVID-19 while and communities since the who believed their property map can be viewed at their area,” Mr Furner said. conditions were improved longpaddock.qld.gov.au while production. having to maintain high drought began.

“They found that while “One bright note is that levels of ongoing drought “Another $74.6 million enough to allow restocking information on drought rainfall received during the seasonal climate outlook support, we are postponing was allocated over four could have their property assistance see daf.qld.gov.au February-March was for winter and potentially the or call 13 25 23. implementation of years in the 2019–20 budget individually revoked.

Southern Downs Victoria Hill sheep feedlot creates Council’s plan to new market and job opportunities combat wild dogs

Southern Downs Regional Council has revealed how it plans to spend around $1.5 million worth of grants to help control wild dogs in the region.

Environmental, Waste, “Round one will also Sustainability and Disaster help fund other exclusion Management portfolio fencing through an EOI leader Cameron Gow said process. council had been planning “The ‘Trial Electric the process for years.

Cluster’ has a length of “We received $1 million 55 kilometres and will previously through round encompass a further 10,400 one and that will be used to hectares and it is this that has help landholders build five been funded under round clusters in priority areas in two.” the Traprock sheep and wool Minister for Agriculture growing part of our region,” and Member for Maranoa, Cr Gow said.

David Littleproud “The clusters have been announced the second round identified and worked of funding two weeks ago, up in conjunction with which saw Southern Downs landholders and through Regional Council secure Council’s Pest Management another $450,000.

Advisory Committee over a Cr Gow said this funding number of years before the will go towards the Trial funding even being made Electric Cluster. available.”

“We don’t have the Cr Gow said the clusters funding agreement as yet, that have been identified but we have had verbal will cover a vast area. confirmation from the “There have been five department that the Trial cluster areas identified and Electric Cluster project they have a combined length has been funded through of 167 kilometres and will the round 2 funding that encompass an area of 25,500 David Littleproud has just hectares,” he said. announced,“ he said.

A Western Queensland cattle and sheep producer will build a new sheep feedlot at Victoria Hill and support close to 150 regional jobs with a funding boost from the Queensland Government.

Minister for Agricultural additional jobs will be most mustering, livestock businesses have received agents, livestock transport $3.34 million under the Industry Development and welcome.” vets, grain, second round of funding Fisheries Mark Furner said Victoria Hill Lamb companies, the RED Grants Schmidt Grazing Industries Feedlot will be constructed hay and silage farmers, for was one of fourteen at Schmidt Grazing freight companies, livestock program. suppliers, Overall these fourteen businesses in Queensland Enterprise’s Victoria Hill supplement to receive a Rural Economic operation, supporting close saleyards and abattoirs, projects are expected to Development (RED) Grant to 150 full time jobs across meat packagers, butchers create more than 600 jobs across the agricultural of up to $250,000 to fund the region once all phases are and meat wholesalers.”

The Rural Economic sector in regional the expansion of their completed. business.

Grazier and project Development (RED) Grants Queensland.

Funding for Round 3 “Schmidt Grazing owner Stephen Schmidt program offers emerging Industries is a family said the feedlot would projects up to $250,000 of the RED Grants will be co-contributions to announced later this year. owned and operated help diversify Schmidt in build industry and grow The Queensland Rural business that has identified Grazing Industries’ business employment opportunities and Industry Development an opportunity to capitalise portfolio. the agricultural Authority (QRIDA) on an emerging opportunity “The feedlot will allow across administer the RED Grant for sheep producers,” Mr Schmidt Grazing Industries sector.

The $10 million grants scheme on behalf of the Furner said. to value add their own provides for Department of Agriculture “The funding will be livestock as well as program three funding rounds over and Fisheries. used to construct a new buying in from other For more information lamb feedlot over three sheep producers,” Mr a three-year period ending 2021. about the RED Grant scheme phases.

Schmidt said.

A total of fourteen visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au “By the third phase the “We have extensively feedlot will be able to hold researched modern 16,200 head. and innovative feedlot “This project will create designs, based on years of jobs that directly and advisors’ experience, data indirectly support the analysis and the latest development of the sheep technology to maximise industry in Queensland. profitability.

“We know the COVID-19 “The primary production Member for Condamine pandemic has made it value chain will be tough for a lot of businesses impacted at all stages: and communities, so these sheep producers, contract PLEASE

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Page 12

Dog off-leash areas now open

Residents and their dogs can now enjoy new freedoms when temporary restrictions requiring dogs to be on a leash in an off-leash area are lifted.

Toowoomba Regional in restrictions, it is sensible Council Parks and to allow normal rules Recreation Services portfolio to apply for dogs to run leader Cr Tim McMahon off-leash, but supervised, said normal rules would at our designated dog offapply at the city’s dog off- leash areas. leash areas from this week “It is still important for onwards. people to heed the current “The temporary advice around gatherings restrictions requiring all and the ongoing need to dogs to be retained on observe social distancing at a leash were introduced all Council parks and open in early April to ensure spaces.” safe social distancing To find the approved requirements could be dog off-leash parks visit maintained at Council’s www.tr.qld.gov.au/dogoffleash dog off-leash areas in line For more information with state and federal on changes to Council government Coronavirus services and facilities, regulations,” Cr McMahon due to the impact of the said.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2020

TRL season scrapped

The Wattles Warriors will have to wait until 2021 to have another shot at the premiership title after all TRL clubs decided unanimously to cancel this year’s season.

The decision was made after clubs were told only 100 people would be allowed at the games, with this number including players, staff and officials, allowing for virtually zero spectators.

Warriors’ president Amanda O’Halloran said the club was disappointed with the decision, but it was the best outcome financially.

“We got told that the QRL had made a submission asking for 500 people to be allowed at games however the Queensland Government said no to that,” she said.

“If that was agreed to, we probably would’ve said ‘yes we’ll have a go at doing that’.”

Ms O’Halloran said the club wouldn’t be able to continue playing without its valuable spectators.

“With no supporters, we would’ve had no income,” she said.

“We would have had to have a tent at the front of each game asking people if they’ve been with in contact with anyone that had the virus.

“We also would have been disinfecting balls, closing off

ABOVE: The Wattles Warriors will have to regroup for the 2021 season after the TRL clubs decided to cancel this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making games financially unsustainable. the grandstand and be pretty much unable to use the dressing rooms.

“Even the players bags would’ve had to be 1.5 metres apart.”

It’s a disappointing end to what was a promising pre-season for the Warriors who made a number of key signings in the

off-season.

“They’re all disappointed because so much work has gone into the preseason from everyone, including the players, coaches and staff,” Ms O’Halloran said.

“They were fit, ready to go and there were going be three strong teams in each competition.

“The good thing is at the moment, hopefully, we can retain most of the player base and the coaches that we currently have,” Ms O’Halloran said.

Wattles’ campaign was ended in the preliminary finals last season after the club went down 47-28 to Valleys.

Denny focused on 2021

Allora’s Matthew Denny is staying focused going into 2021 after his Olympic campaign was postponed until next year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

His father, John Denny said Matt has been doing his best to adapt in order to keep his fitness up for the next Olympics.

“He’s set up a home gym so he’s going okay at the moment,” Mr Denny said.

“He’s been going down to the park to do his throws and he’s got himself a portable circle which he can move around.”

Mr Denny said the postponement is definitely not a disadvantage for Matt, who is younger than most of the field he competes against.

“Every year at his age Allora discus thrower Matthew Denny is remaining focused ahead of the postponed he seems to be getting Tokyo Olympics. stronger which is definitely Mr Denny said Matt had podium and get himself a an advantage for him,” he disappointed that it was medal of some colour, that’s postponed, he’s still young big goals for 2021. said.

“He’d like to be on the the goal,” Mr Denny said.

“Even though he was enough to do very well.”

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