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Oakey Champion

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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Cooby Dam, which is one of three dams supplying water to the Toowoomba Region that spilled over last week. - Photo, Brian Ireland Emergency alerts were issued for the entire Lockyer Valley region, towns near the Condamine River including Warwick, Millmerran and Allora as well as the immediate towns surrounding Cooby Dam, which spilled over

by 10mm last Thursday, 12th May. Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said there was no immediate risk to Oakey. Mayor Antonio, who is also the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chair, said a

standard emergency alert for a Flood Watch and Act notification was issued the same day the dam spilled at the request of the Local Disaster Coordination Centre. “Council’s Water Operations centre is monitoring the Region’s

three dams around the clock and will provide updates as required,” he said. “Council started contacting property owners who are directly downstream of Cooby Dam,” the Mayor said. - Continued on page 3

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Page 2

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Jondaryan Woolshed morning tea Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has sent out invitations to locals, welcoming them to a morning tea at the Jondaryan Woolshed on Saturday 28th May.

The morning tea is an opportunity to provide the local community a chance to come and have a look at the woolshed and see what has been happening since its closure in 2020. The event will go from 9.30am to 11am at the

Jondaryan Woolshed, 264 Jondaryan-Evanslea Road. The Woolshed is Australia’s oldest and largest shearing shed. Today, the it is owned by Toowoomba Regional Council and operates as a separate entity. The Woolshed closed

temporarily in 2020 due to weather events which required the site to undergo repairs and upgrades. TRC will provide locals with a status update at the event. RIGHT: Woolshed.

Jondaryan

Local crime rates lower over past 2 weeks

Oakey Police Officer-in-charge Sergeant John Cook says Oakey has not suffered much crime throughout the past two weeks, mainly due to recent heavy rainfall. cause for the low number. “Really, we are just urging people to be careful on the roads now,” he said. “There’s been an increase in the number of fatal crashes across all of

Oakey Police Station.

Queensland due to wet weather. “Make sure you’re always wearing your seatbelt when driving and to follow the fatal five causes of crashes speeding, not wearing seatbelts, mobile phones and distractions, fatigued driving and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” Sgt. Cook reminds people to continue to be vigilant to stop theft and break and enters. “The number one thing that thieves want is your car keys,” he said. “So lock your house and hide your car keys because we know that its the best way to prevent theft.”

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Sgt. Cook said local residents would be pleased to hear that all crime has been extremely low over the past two weeks. He said the recent wet weather was the probable

Disaster assistance available for latest QLD floods

Disaster assistance is now available for twelve Local Government Areas (LGAs), including the Toowoomba Region and Southern Downs. Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The twelve LGAs eligible are Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Gympie, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, North Burnett, South Burnett, Southern Downs and Toowoomba. Personal hardship disaster assistance has been activated to help

flood-affected residents in the Lockyer Valley and Southern Downs to cover the costs of immediate essential needs, such as food, temporary accommodation, clothing and medication. Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said it has been yet another farreaching weather system. “These grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, are

Around the

available to those eligible who are still experiencing financial hardship because of the unfolding severe weather,” he said. For information on Personal Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/ disasters-emergencies. Information on disaster assistance can be found the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Heavy rainfall causes dams to overflow Continued from page 1.

Flood waters making their way throughout Toowoomba. - Photo, Toowoomba Regional Council

“We are continuing to update these residents in line with our emergency action plan, along with residents downstream of Cressbrook Dam,” Mayor Antonio said. “There is no imminent threat to Oakey township. “Council will continue to issue advice that directly concerns the Oakey community if the situation changes.” Cressbrook Dam was 1.02 metres over the spillway crest and occurring at a rate of approximately 50mm per hour, while Perseverance Dam was

0.59m over the spillway crest and rising around 20mm per hour. “We are monitoring rainfall readings and forecasts,” the Mayor said. “Rainfall in the catchments will influence further inflows to our dams. “Please avoid travelling if possible and always heed the simple message; ‘If it’s flooded, forget it’.” In a life-threatening emergency call 000 and for emergency flood or storm assistance, call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

Page 3

New super scheme for housing proposal

To appeal to young voters, the Coalition has proposed that first homebuyers may be able to access up to $50,000 or 40 per cent of their superannuation balance to assist with the deposit on their first home. BuyersBuyers CEO Doron Peleg said the suite of housing measures proposed by both sides of politics should draw a line under any expectations of a property crunch. “Both major parties have been drawn towards measures supporting demand for first homebuyers and other marginal players in the market,” he said. “Figures on superannuation balances suggest that the biggest impact of the proposed scheme

TRC launches National Road Safety Week

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Mayor Paul Antonio, in partnership with emergency service representatives, launched National Road Safety Week 2022 on Monday. Mayor Antonio was joined by Inspector Greg Wheeler of the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Chief Superintendent Jason Lawler of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Chief Superintendent Glen Maule of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Councillor Carol Taylor, Road Infrastructure and Road Safety chair. The launch took place in the carpark of a local business with a display of emergency service vehicles as a backdrop and Mayor Antonio calling on all citizens to take the

pledge and ‘Drive so others Survive’. National Road Safety Week runs from Sunday 15th May to Sunday 21st May, with a different theme for each day. The daily themes are: Sunday, May 15: Remember the 1,200 – Remembering the lives lost on our roads Monday, May 16: The Road to Zero – Take a pledge to drive so others survive Tuesday, May 17: Road trauma – the true impact – Travelling safe so we can all live without injury and trauma

Wednesday, May 18: Protect our protectors – Slowing down to protect those who protect and assist us Thursday, May 19: How safe is my car? – Think about safety when choosing a car Friday, May 20: Let’s all get home safe – Slow down and look out for pedestrians Sunday, May 21: Share the road – Give each other

would likely be for couples aged 30 and above. “In their younger years, most Aussies only have relatively small superannuation balances due to a lack of time in the workforce. “The supply side of the market remains a major challenge, and a lack of coordinated approach between federal, state, and local governments has created a chronic under-supply of familyappropriate housing in many of the major employment hubs.”

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the space needed to be safe Sunday, May 22: Take care on regional roads – Slow down, be alert and drive to the conditions. You can join these community leaders and also make your pledge – online: road safety pledge For further information on National Road Safety Week, visit the website at https://roadsafetyweek.com. au/.

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THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Mirror

TO THE PAST The Brown Bomber

Forty years ago, on May 17, 1982, this paper clipping was in the Toowoomba Chronicle telling of a proposed trip to Oakey of the Brown Bomber steam engine on May 22. After it arrived in Oakey, the engine was turned on the triangle on the railway reserve (now all taken up by Riverina) and refilled with water for its return trip to Roma Street,

Brisbane. The photos were taken on that day with no worry about safety concerns, with all the onlookers crowded round the engine. - Valerie Weise-Young

LEFT and ABOVE: Onlookers watching the train arrive in Oakey. - Photos, Valerie Weise-Young

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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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Excerpt from The Chronicle informing locals of the train ride to Oakey. - Photo, Valerie Weise-Young

OAKEY AND DISTRICT

WEATHER

The week ahead Temperatures are expected to drop this week as daytime highs are expected to peak in the high teens/early twenties. Overnight lows are also expected to drop down to single digits on Thursday.

6 DAY FORECAST

Wednesday,, March 23, 2016

Telephone: (07) 4691 1376 Facsimilie: (07) 4691 2625

Email: editorial@oakeychampion.com.au advertising@oakeychampion.com.au 2A Cherry Street, Oakey. Qld. 4401

Published each Wednesday by OurNews Pty. Ltd. Printed by Greenridge Group, 4 Freighter Avenue Toowoomba

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TThe heEstablished Cha amp pion n Champion 1984

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 5

Ag students honour ‘Do it for Dolly Day’ Two organisations get TRC discounts

On Friday, Oakey State High School agriculture students dressed in blue in remembrance of Dolly Everett - a 14-yearsold girl who took her own life due to cyberbullying.

Dolly Everitt was from Katherine, in the Northern Territory, but attended Scots PGC College in Warwick. Dolly’s Law, which criminalised cyberbullying, was introduced in honour of her story. Additionally, it also provides a basis for victims of cyberbullying to seek apprehended violence orders. LEFT: Oakey State High School agriculture students dressed in blue.

Chappy’s Chats: The power and the glory

It was revealed at last week’s Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Planning and Development Committee meeting that the Highfields Pioneering Village and the Cecil Plains Historical Group will receive funding for upcoming projects. General Manager Stewart Somers said the Highfields Pioneering Village will receive $46,000 and Cecil Plains Historical Group will receive $7,000 which will go towards performing works on their premises and relocating existing buildings. Mr Somers also delivered the monthly financial report. The TRC approved

49 new lots in March, compared to 1 in February. It approved 79 houses in March, compared to 71 in February, as well as two units in March, compared to the four approved in February. Mr Somers said the total value of the building industry in the region was $48.1 million in February and has increased to $55.6 million in March.

In our world today, we see abominable examples of people using their power to suppress others, even other nations – all for their own glory and prestige. This is not a new thing. History is always repeating itself because we, as humans, do not seem to learn from the past. On the Saturday before what is known in the Christian Churches as ‘Holy Week’ members of the local choir, ‘Oakey Voices’ presented a thought-provoking musical presentation of the triumph of Jesus on what is known as Palm Sunday, and the move through the week before His crucifixion and then it moved on to the resurrection, ascension, and went even further to the world beyond that time, if and when people accepted faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour of the world. This musical presentation showed the power of Jesus even in His suffering, and emphasised the glory that would result if and when people come to believe in Him. For most people Easter finished a couple of weeks ago, but in the churches, we have another two weeks while we wait for forty days to pass after Christ’s resurrection, for the time when Jesus ascended to

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Members of ‘Oakey Voices’ following their presentation on 9th April. - Photo, Daphne Webster OAM His rightful place at the right hand of His heavenly Father, our God. In those forty days, Jesus appeared to His followers on several occasions and instructed them on how they were to continue the work He started. People in the churches today continue to follow these instructions. As believers contemplate

on the details of the Easter story and the following six weeks, they can be moved by the humility of Jesus Christ and the influence His life has had on our world over the past 2,000 or so years. Unfortunately, over the centuries, divisions within the Christian faith have led to conflicts which have not upheld the tenets of the

Christian faith. The power and glory of Jesus are not for Himself, but to show people how much God cares for His people and His creation. Let us remember how much power and glory there can be in serving others in our communities. - Daphne Webster OAM, Pastor, Oakey & District Uniting Church

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Proposed new silo manufacturing site

Kotzur Group Pty Ltd submitted plans to Toowoomba Regional Council on 5th May to construct a silo manufacturing building and an attached ancillary office in Charlton. The proposal states that the buildings will be on land within the Charlton Wellcamp Enterprise Local Plan Area and a Medium Impact Industry Zone in an existing industrial area. The address of the new premises is Lot 1 (RP79671) Steger Road, Charlton and which will have frontage onto both Steger Road and Leeson Road. Kotzur Group Pty Ltd will build 115 on-site car spaces, as well as a 12 metre wide sealed road

providing street access to Steger Road. The premises’ operation will include the fabrication of metal grain silos, abrasive blasting (less than 10,000 tonnes of abrasive material per annum), spray painting (less than 20,000 litres of paint per annum), storage of plant and equipment and ancillary administration activities within the proposed attached office building. It will operate 24 hours

Artist’s illustration of the proposed adjoining buildings. a day from Monday to Sunday. The proposed building coverage is 8,813.01m2, which is about 6 per cent of the total lot space and will be two storeys high at 27.5 metres. According to the Traffic Impact Assessment Report the proposed use will not have any adverse impacts upon the operation of the roads or require road upgrades or improvements to the roads. The subject land has access and can be connected to urban infrastructure, including electricity, sealed roads, sewer, water supply and stormwater infrastructure. LEFT: Aerial view of Lot 1 the undeveloped land that the submitted plans are requesting for a material change of use.

Getting ready for Chaplain Week

Tomorrow (Thursday) from 3pm to 5pm, local church chaplains will be joining Oakey PCYC Youth Connect workers at the Oakey skatepark to offer their services. While most schools around Queensland will celebrate school chaplaincy from 22nd to 29th May, in Oakey two local youth workers are getting in early. Tomorrow (Thursday) from 3pm to 5pm, Oakey LEFT: School Chaplain Sharon Salomon and youth worker Kat Medland.

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School Chaplain Sharon Salomon and PCYC Program Coordinator Kat Medland have planned a Chappy Week warm-up in Oakey’s Skatepark for local young people and their families. Kat’s usual Thursday PCYC sausage sizzle will be bolstered with homemade soup, and a number of service providers will be present to meet members of our community, while some surprise guests will add their talents to the afternoon.

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TSBE looking for members to join Olympic taskforce

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has released the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) report into the Region’s Olympic opportunities ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Games. Mayor Paul Antonio Games Sports Schedule, said the report provided but with aspirations to be an overview of the admitted to the Games opportunities available for over the next 10 years,” she the Toowoomba Region said. and areas to focus on in the “TSBE will be working lead up to the Games. with stakeholders to “The Olympic Games develop a scope of works and the major infrastructure for a Sports Tourism it will deliver to support strategy that will enable the the growing SEQ region is Region to be better placed one of the best legacies we to attract national and can leave for our future international events in the generations,” he said. run up to 2032 and for the “An event of this scale years beyond 2032.” allows us to dream and to To ensure the project explore the possibility of continues to gather what we can secure for our momentum, TSBE said a Region. local taskforce would need “This isn’t just about to be formed. the Olympics – it’s about “We are calling for ensuring we give our nominations from members Region the best possible of the public to form an chance to capitalise on all Olympic Taskforce for the of the opportunities which Region,” Ms Davenport lie ahead over the next 10said. 20 years. As Council’s economic “While sport is the major development group, focus of the Olympics, Mayor Antonio said TSBE there are so many different was best placed to lead the ways we could benefit in taskforce. the coming years which “I thank TSBE for their is why we need to do the hard work in preparing the ground work now. Olympic report,” he said. “The entire South East “They’ve done a great Queensland area is on the job and I look forward cusp of major change and to continuing to work we need to be part of this with them as we prepare movement.” our Region for the 2032 TSBE CEO Ali Davenport Olympics and beyond. said TSBE was continuing “An event of this nature to engage with the State is a once in a lifetime Government and Council opportunity and we specifically about sport need everyone in our infrastructure upgrades to Region working together increase the capacity and in unison to get the best capability of the Region possible outcome for our to support national and community.” international events. Nomination details for “We’re engaging with the taskforce can be found a number of national on TSBE’s website, www. sports governing bodies tsbe.com.au/toowoombanot currently on the 2032 olympic-taskforce.

Mayor Paul Antonio and TSBE CEO Ali Davenport.

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Page 7

New textile artwork at Allora Bull Ride Cancelled Crows Nest Gallery Come along to the Crows Nest Gallery this month to see Karee S Dahl’s exhibition, ‘... eat a lot of peaches’.

Ms Dahl’s exhibition features re-creations of domestic objects made from a single continuous thread. The showcase of Karee’s textile works focuses on the process and material relationships between drawing, painting, sculpture and installation. Inspired by her daily surroundings as a mother and homemaker, Karee’s current body of work draws on imagery from the domestic space. The accumulation of intricately placed fibres in her works recreates images of bowls, jars and various cooking utensils used in the home. Karee uses these familiar objects as a means of memory recall and personal

A piece from her collection - ‘Chocolate Melting Bowl -Paris 01 2022’.

introspection – reflecting on important places, people and moments that shaped her life. For exhibition details, visit the events register website at https://user.tr.qld. gov.au/events/96842/meetthe-artist-karee-s-dahl. ‘... eat a lot of peaches’ is on display at Crows Nest Gallery until May 29th. Enquiries can be directed to the Crows Nest Gallery on 4698 1687 or crowsnestart@tr.qld.gov. au. Crows Nest Gallery is on the corner of the New England Highway and William Street and is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays.

Waste levy expected to rise

The Bull Ride scheduled for this Friday, 20th May at the Allora Showgrounds has been cancelled.

The Showground has been awash with water three times in the past few months and the area is extremely wet underfoot. It is very disappointing, however the weather Events of 2022 have been unprecedented and unfortunately The Allora

Show Society Bull Ride is just one more casualty. The Committee of the Show Society extends its gratitude to the sponsors and volunteers who had put time aside to assist, and we look forward to your continued support in the future.

it, rather than just putting it in the bin and thinking it’ll go away.” General Manager for Water and Waste Services Damian Platts said the point of the new proposal to the state legislation is to change behaviour by imposing a cost. “The revenues derived from that levy is to increase the industry and change the business cases of things like processing of marginal materials,” he said.

“The underlying policy objective is to make things more commercially viable to divert from a waste stream, rather than the cheapest form which is to put into landfill. “We guarantee that our yellow bins are all being recycled here in Toowoomba. “For some councils that’s not the case and some yellow bins in Queensland go to landfill, but ours all go to recycling.”

At last Tuesday’s Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Water and Waste Committee meeting, Acting Manager for Waste Services David O’Shea said the waste levy is expected to rise by $5. Mr O’Shea said this increase is a requirement due to state government legislation which reduces the TRC rebate. “As a result, we have reviewed the disposal fees and charges of our waste facilities and this report is seeking the endorsement of the increase as per the attached schedule,” he said. Cr Nancy Sommerfield said she wants to stress to residents that this $5 increase has purely been made to cover the difference in costs now that the state government has reduced its discount. “I’d like to see a media release go out on this to ensure the community understands this is a state government levy increase, not a council increase,” she said. Cr Carol Taylor said she agrees with Cr Sommerfield’s remarks. “I think there has been very little noise communication from

Cr Nancy Sommerfield. anywhere on this and to suddenly come up with a rise like this,” she said. “And the community thinks everything we charge is ours and this is because of a charge that has been levied on us by the state government. “I would like to see it [the message] put out. “Not in journalist speech, but absolute common The language that everyone can understand and we need to put it everywhere.”

Cr Carol Taylor. Cr Taylor asked whether the spike of what has been put into landfill reflects the February rainfall event, which cause a tremendous amount of spoil from businesses and shops. “In our particular area, I don’t believe there was a large amount of quantity that made any changes to our operations,” Mr O’Shea said. Tavern “The levy we pay is on all waste - commercial and domestic.

“What we get as a rebate from the government is for the domestic quantity.” He said this increase in price is not a surprise. “Lowering the rebate is a proposal on the legislation, and it states that the rebate will reduce over a number of years,” he said. “What we get now is 105 per cent repayment and that’ll progressively reduce in the 2023-24 financial year to 95 per cent and progressively down.” There are no changes to the domestic waste charges at this time. Cr Sommerfield said that reducing the waste levy has been introduced in all states now and she believes Queensland is one of the last ones. “The whole reason behind this is to divert the waste from landfill to ensure there is more recycling and more reuse of our waste,” she said. “It’s to make people more focussed on recycling

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New funding model to support Region’s community events

At this week’s Ordinary Meeting of TRC, Council endorsed a change to the way community events are funded with a move towards a competitive funding model over the next three years which would see fourteen events across the Region become eligible for greater funding. Core Community events such as Clifton Country Week, Jacaranda Day, Crows Nest Day Festival, Westbrook Family Fun Day, Millmerran Christmas in the Bush and Oakey Santa Fair could all receive greater funding under the new model endorsed by TRC. TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea said events would be categorised based on patronage and eligible funding would reflect the

size of each event. “Events across the Toowoomba Region will fall into three categories, major, regional and community with funding eligibility based on the size of the event which gives greater consistency to our event funding model,” he said. “TRC identified that the previous funding model did not provide an equitable opportunity for funding for all regional and community events. The level of support and funding varied greatly and this new approach gives consistency to TRC’s event support model. “The transition of core community events to competitive funding will encourage self-sufficiency, sustainability and funding compliance allowing for equitable opportunities

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More than a dozen events across the Region could be in line for increased future funding after Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) endorsed a change to its Core Community Event Program funding model this week.

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for all events in regional townships. “The current allocation to Regional Core Community Events totals $35,505. “Under the competitive Event Support Grant Program those same events would be eligible for up to $79,500. “This is a positive move towards making these community events more self-sufficient into the future.

“TRC will continue to support a vibrant regional events calendar each year as these events enhance the liveability of our Region and help to foster community spirit and pride,” Cr O’Shea said. Event organisers of eligible organisations can apply for funding twice annually, with grant programs to run in February and July each year.

Local students visit UQ’s rural clinical school

Local high school students today will be given a unique insight into a day in the life of a healthcare worker, thanks to the upcoming Aspire2Health program. The workshops take teenagers out of the classroom so they can experience simulated scenarios and meet health professionals in the field. This program will help grow the workforce by inspiring the youth of today to look to the health industry as a career and thus helping to address issues in the workforce of the future. TSBE Health General Manager Jaden Frame said it’s an exciting opportunity for those interested in entering the growing industry. “The health sector is the largest employer in the region so the Aspire2Health program is a wonderful way to ensure we link some of our brightest students to health,” he said. The series of workshops will begin in May and host 13 events in various locations including Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Dalby, Goondiwindi, St George, Charleville, Roma, Stanthorpe and Warwick. Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH) Director Associate Professor Geoff Argus said the Aspire2Health program identifies high school students who are interested in working in medicine, nursing or allied health and gives them a full immersion into regional and rural healthcare. “The students participate in interactive clinical skills stations which expose them to the broad range of medical, nursing and allied health professions,” he said.

“We know that students from a rural area who undertake a health degree are more likely to return to practice in a rural area so bringing these workshops to regional and rural Southern Queensland creates a pathway for health career choices to grow the rural health workforce.” The UQ Rural Clinical School (UQRCS) Deputy Director Dr Doogie Whitcombe said the Aspire2Health program engages with Year 9 and 10 students and shows them what is it like to work in a regional healthcare team. “Most students are aware the roles of a doctor or a nurse, and while these careers are discussed, there are a multitude of other career pathways the students may not be aware of,” he said. Griffth University Adjunct Associate Professor Megan O’Shannessy, “this program gives students encouragement and selfbelief to pursue a health career,” she said. “We also share with them the various entrance pathways to health studies.” The Aspire2Health workshops are delivered in collaboration with Rural Medical Education Australia (RMEA), Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH), UQ Rural Clinical School (UCRCS), TSBE, CheckUp, University of Southern Queensland (USQ), Darling Downs West Moreton PHN, Queensland Ambulance Service and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

Page 9

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Goombungee Golf Oakey Golf Club Club Results THIS WEEK Thursday 19th May, Mixed 4 Ball Stableford, Secret Draw for Tony Sheridan and George Rojahn Trophy. Sunday 22nd May, Single Stableford for a club trophy. 10am hit off. - Murray McLeod

Sunday 15th May, Single Stableford for a club trophy. Winners: Men, Matty Burgess 37 points (new course record); Ladies, Val Drowley 29. Rundown: Trent Peters, Graham Elton. Pin shots Men: 3/12, Trent Peters; 4/13 and 8/17, Nino Capuzzo. Approaches Ladies: 1/10, Robyn Drowley; 2/11, Carmel Cover. Members’ draw. No. 148, L. Bethell, who was not present, so next week it’s $40.

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Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in Indonesia

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly infectious viral infection affecting domestic and wild cloven-hooved animals. Susceptible animals Clinical signs include https://www.business.qld. livestock/animal-welfare/ include cattle, sheep, vesicles and ulcers in gov.au/industries/farmspests-diseases-disorders/footpigs, goats, camelids, and the mouth, feet and fishing-forestry/agriculture/ mouth. buffalo. teats, lameness, fever, However, the disease unwillingness to eat, does not infect horses. excessive salivation, The Department of abortion, drop in milk Agriculture and Fisheries production and sudden said the disease is not death in young animals. present in Australia If you suspect the currently and that we all presence of this disease, need to work together to you must report it to keep it that way. Biosecurity Queensland Livestock owners should on 13 25 23 or contact take steps to prevent the Emergency Animal introducing or spreading Disease Watch Hotline on FMD, and be aware of the 1800 675 888. signs in animals and report More information suspect cases immediately. about FMD is available at

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Water sees increase in Hudson Pear plant

With the recent rainfall over much of Queensland, now is the time to be looking for unusual plants. Hudson pear (Cylindropuntia pallida) is a thorny cactus native to Mexico. If left uncontrolled, it can overrun grazing land and impact outdoor activities like bushwalking and camping. Hudson pear’s reversebarbed spines can also harm native wildlife. The plant is densely branched and grows up to 1.5m tall and 3m wide. Flowers are pink-purple, about 5cm wide. If you see a plant that looks like Hudson pear, contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or report it through their

online reporting portal at https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/ contact/report-a-biosecuritypest-or-disease?SQ_ VARIATION_1552106=0.

ABOVE: Hudson pear plan, which is scientifically known as Cylindropuntia pallida.

Red meat exporters overcome Shanghai Port lockdown delays

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The year 2022 has been a challenging year for exporters around the world, especially those in the Australian red meat industry. However, Australian to China overall are up centrally located Port of markets is critical to taking exporters have found ways slightly year-on-year, as Shanghai. advantage of the long herd to deliver product and take most traffic destined for MLA said this impressive rebuild the industry is still advantage of record high Shanghai has been diverted logistical effort sets undertaking. prices. to the ports of Ningbao, industry up for later in the As the shift in Chinese Meat and Livestock Qindao and Tianjin MLA year when production is import patterns show, Australia (MLA) said that said. expected to rise. there are reasons to be in 2021, the Port of Shanghai Tianjin port has seen The ability of Australian optimistic for the coming (below) received around traffic almost double to product to reach overseas year. 67% of the Australian beef 2,800 tonnes per month, destined for China. while Ningbao and Qindao This soon collapsed to recorded a combined 28% of imports in April fourteen time increase in 2022, with the lockdown of traffic year-on-year, now Shanghai impacting port accounting for 24% of operations and decreasing imports. demand for perishable All three of these ports goods like beef. are in the north of China This week is the first full week for processors across the Despite this, exports and distant from the more nation after Queensland had its last public holiday last Monday.

Weekly national slaughter rates

Lamb and sheep slaughter has bounced back after the short weeks, reaching above 2021 levels and hitting their highest rate in two years. This is due to the processing of a backlog of livestock through the processing facilities. Lamb slaughter is up 58,362 head week-on-week, while sheep slaughter has

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increased 27% week-onweek. Cattle slaughter, although strengthening by 10,200 head week-onweek, is still down yearon-year after the seasonal dip. Goat slaughter is the only area that has softened, only reaching 18,598 head this week after recording 24,543 head last week.

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

THE OAKEY CHAMPION

G A R R I S O N C AT C H U P

Page 11

Yo u r l i n k t o t h e A v i a t i o n C e n t r e

Thank you Applethorpe State School Recently, the Army Aviation Training Centre received a very special package in the mail.

An envelope arrived filled with heartfelt best wishes and beautiful colouring-in from the Prep and Year One students at Applethorpe State School. “Dear Friends, The Prep and Year One students and staff of the

Applethorpe State School would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts and best wishes to you in these most trying times. We think you are incredibly brave and strong to continue striving every day to recover from the

Some of the heartfelt thoughts and wishes from the Prep and Year One students of Applethorpe State School. - Photo, Bradley Richardson

recent floods. We hope you have a wonderful Easter and the weather is kind and your clean-up efforts are smooth. We hope you like our art work and messages. We have tried so hard to do our best work. We hope it brings a smile to your face and a little comfort to your heart.” Swartz Barracks responded to the kind gesture, “To the Prep and Year One students and the staff at Applethorpe State School, thank you! “Your support is very much appreciated. “These wonderful thoughts and artwork will be going on the walls at the School of Army Aviation. “You hoped these would bring a smile to our faces. “We can guarantee you, they did! “Remember, it is our honour to serve.”

Australian Army Aviation MRH90 Taipan crew and Airbus maintainers who worked tirelessly to keep the aircraft safe, say a big “thank you” back to the students from Applethorpe State School. - Photo, Bradley Richardson

Women in the ADF visit Oakey

Defence Force Recruiting personnel from Toowoomba and Brisbane teamed up recently to organise a “Women in the Australian Defence Force” (ADF) visit to Swartz Barracks Oakey. Defence Force Recruiting was eager to promote all roles in the Army, along with a special focus on Army Aviation careers for women. An enthusiastic group of female students from year 10 upwards had an actionpacked day. They had the opportunity to see our Military Police Working Dogs and conduct a close-up inspection of a MRH90 Taipan. They toured the Rotary

Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (RAMS) and the Medical Centre. The group enjoyed lunch at the Mess and topped off the day with a team building activity designed by our Personal Training Instructors (PTIs). Along the way, the students were able to meet many of our amazing female personnel in uniform and hear about some of their career highlights.

LEFT: These young ladies were all smiles after an upclose tour and opportunity to sit in the cockpit of the MRH90 Taipan helicopter. - Photo, Bradley Richardson

DEFENCEJOBS DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING UPCOMING EVENTS Toowoomba 20 May - Defence Open Day 25 May - Defence Careers Info Session 08 Jun - Officer In Defence Info Session For more details and bookings visit defencejobs.gov.au/events CALL 13 19 01

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www.armyflyingmuseum.com.au See our webpage for details on admission fees and opening hours. Phone 07 4577 7666

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Percentage of QLD still in Oakey Men’s Bowls results drought continues to lower The state government has announced that less than half of Queensland is in drought after a significant wet season.

The total area of Queensland drought declared has fallen from 61.1% to 44.9% after heavy rainfall this wet season. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Local Drought Committees (LDCs) recommended the drought revocation of another six shires and one part-shire after a good wet season in some areas. “Last month, eleven shires in South East Queensland had their drought status revoked,” he said. “The remaining LDCs across Queensland have met and members have commented on the welcome rainfall since October 2021 and the green flush and excellent pasture growth that has occurred.” The drought status for the following shires and part shires is revoked: Balonne Shire Council, The part declared of Flinders Shire Council, Maranoa Regional Council, Murweh Shire Council, North Burnett Regional Council, Western Downs Regional

Council and Quilpie Shire Council. Mr Furner said LDCs from other droughtdeclared regions of Central and Northern Queensland had noted the failed wet season, lack of pasture response, limited surface water for stock use and low moisture soil profiles. “After Anzac Day, there was recent significant rainfall across parts of western Queensland, however this occurred after the majority of LDCs had met and didn’t influence their recommendations,” he said. “If LDCs observe a response from this rainfall, which has occurred at the tail end of the growing season, they can make a further recommendation. “Primary producers in drought-revoked areas can now access freight subsidies for restocking and returning from agistment under the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS). “I remind all producers that they now have access to the new proactive drought preparedness measures including tailored training, grants and loans available

OK Youth Talk

Free sausage sizzles, zooper doopers and hot soup! This Thursday (tomorrow) come on down to the Oakey skatepark for some sausage sizzles and zooper doopers, with a new addition thanks to local chaplains - free hot soup. PCYC Youth Connect and local church chaplains will be at the park from 3.00-5.00pm.

Entry for Battle of the Bands closes this Friday

through QRIDA. “However, if accessing the new assistance from QRIDA, they will no longer be able to access DRAS which is being phased out and will not be available if areas become drought declared again in the future. “If a producer is experiencing difficult conditions in a council area that is not drought declared, then they could apply for an Individually

Droughted Property (IDP) declaration. “This gives them the same access to our drought assistance as an area declaration.” The drought declaration map is at longpaddock.qld. gov.au and the prototype drought monitor is at nacp. org.au/drought_monitor. For further information on drought assistance, visit daf.qld.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.

COMING EVENTS Sunday May 29th: Norm Crosisca Memorial Day sponsored by Don Dreyer. C/S Triples mixed or otherwise, 2 x 14. Names on the board please. Barbecue to follow bowls, 12 noon start. Sunday June 5th: Oakey vs. Peranga at Oakey, with a 12 noon start. Names on then board please. Barbecue after bowls.

Competition called for Saturday 21st May: A Singles: M. Park vs. R. Henry (B. Lucht). Consolidation Singles: W. Patterson vs G. Nash (R. Krause). Competition called for Sunday 22nd May: Champion Pairs: J. Harrison & D. Barfield vs. T. Woodham & M. Park. Senior Singles: P. Maker vs. G. Usher (M. Hall). Senior Singles: R. Henry vs. B. Lucht (L. Hudson).

Where to vote this weekend

Find out where you can vote for the upcoming federal election on May 21st or earlier in the days prior.

The Queensland drought declaration map.

Oakey Museum postpones open day until September

The Oakey Historical Museum Society has postponed its upcoming Open Day from the 4th June due to ill health and few volunteers. The museum will still some time in September be open on Saturday this year. morning 4th June, Sunday Everyone is welcome to afternoon 5th June and attend the open day, and Monday morning 6th June other organisations are also if anyone is interested in welcome to put in their donating any items relating displays. to Queensland Day or the The Society is in need Queen’s Jubilee, or visiting of a handyman willing to the museum on these volunteer at the museum to special days. help other volunteers with The Society has revealed mowing and repairs to help that the new date for the keep the museum open to open day event will be the public.

EARLY VOTING: All early voting centres are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th May, and open an additional half hour until 6pm on Friday 20th May. Wilsonton 526-528 Boundary Street, Wilsonton Harristown 177-185 Anzac Avenue, Harristown Harlaxton 21 Jones St, Harlaxton Toowoomba CBD 566 - 570 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba City ELECTION DAY: All polling centres on Saturday 21st May are open from 8am to 6pm. Oakey State High School (Assembly Hall) 1 Campbell Street, Oakey Kingsthorpe State School Goombungee Road, Kingsthorpe Biddeston State School 2425 Toowoomba Cecil Plains Road, Biddeston Jondaryan State School 10 Scott Road, Jondaryan

Wellcamp State School 609 Drayton Wellcamp Road, Wellcamp Gowrie State School Old Homebush Road, Gowrie Junction Meringandan State School 10 School Road, Meringandan Goombungee State School 52 Mocatta Street, Goombungee For a full list of all polling booths, visit https:// www.aec.gov.au/election/voting.htm#start.

Do you have any stories or tips for our newsroom?

Submit them to our journalist Chloe via email at editorial@oakeychampion.com.au

GRAND HOTEL

Don’t forget to register for Toowoomba Regional Council’s Battle of the Bands competition, which closes this Friday 20th May. The competition is open to ages 12-25 years. Visit the Toowoomba Region website or Youth connect Facebook page for more information.

Need to talk?

BOTTLESHOP SPECIALS

PCYC Oakey Connect service is available for local young people. To connect or refer, phone or SMS Kat on 0459 836 335. Youth Connect Toowoomba YouthConnectTRC Email: youthconnect@tr.qld.gov.au

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Oakey Champion - 18th May 2022

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