Oakey Champion - 19th October 2022

Huge interest in mine jobs

Workers and businesses alike living in the local area and further afield would like to become involved with New Hope Group, as 784 expressions of interest for jobs at

Acland Mine were received in the past month.

Since launching an online portal in mid-September, New Hope Group has received 719 expressions of interest from workers and 65 expressions of interest from businesses who are eager to supply goods and services once New Acland Stage 3 is approved.

Of the 719 expressions of interest from workers, 78 came from Oakey’s 4401 postcode and 447 from the wider Darling Downs area.

Only 23 were from outside of Queensland.

Past New Acland Mine workers accounted for 177.

Suppliers were also wellrepresented locally, with 36 of the 65 expressions of interest coming from Darling Downs postcodes.

New Hope Group is remaining focused on securing the remaining primary approval required for New Acland Stage 3, an Associated Water Licence (AWL) from the department administered by Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, as soon as possible.

New Acland Mine General Manager Dave O’Dwyer said an AWL will enable a restart of operations and employment opportunities for local workers and suppliers.

“The number of expressions of interest in the past month proves there is a thirst for well paid, local jobs,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“The applications also reinforce the fact the over-

whelming majority of the local community, including families, farmers and small business owners want New Acland Stage 3 to go ahead.

“Once the project is underway, we’ll need truck drivers, engineers, electricians, operators, administration staff and

mechanics.”

Mr O’Dwyer said at the peak of construction there will be close to 600 local workers on site at New Acland Mine.

“Throughout the life of the project, the permanent workforce will be approximately 400 full-time roles, made up of Darling

Downs locals,” he said.

“Unlike a lot of other mines in Queensland, New Acland Mine does not engage fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers, with more than 90 per cent of our previous workforce living within 50 kilometres of the site.”

The suppliers who hope to benefit from the reopening of the mine include Hastings Deering Cat Toowoomba.

Justin Butcher, Hastings Deering Toowoomba branch Operations Manager, said his company had been working with New Hope Group since stage 1 of the mine.

“Stage 3 for Hastings Deering brings some exciting opportunities for additional employment and some training and development opportunities for apprentices and trainees in our region,” he said.

Mr Butcher said Hastings Deering, like many other suppliers, is waiting patiently for the AWL to be approved.

Workers and local businesses can register their interest in a job at New Acland Mine by visiting newhopegroup.com. au/current-expressions-ofinterest/

Once approved, New Hope Group estimates local workers, contractors and local businesses will benefit to the tune of $1 billion over the life of the New Acland Stage 3 project.

New Acland Mine General Manager Dave O’Dwyer and Hastings Deering Cat Toowoomba Operations Manager Justin Butcher at Hastings Deering’s Torrington premises.

Squeezebox Festival keeping tradition alive

The

a lovely day was still had.

“The atmosphere was really good and there were plenty of musicians here,”

Ms Maynard said. She estimated that around 180 to 200 people there on the day including volunteers.

It was a full day affair, with events beginning at 9am and continuing well into the night with a campfire cookup.

Ms Maynard said between 60 and 70 people sat around

and played their accordions, ate damper and enjoyed pots of billy tea.

converge on Maclagan. Secretary of the organising committee Janine Maynard said although numbers were down on previous stagings,

“Our visitors were really impressed with the set-up,” she said.

People travelled from

as far as Brisbane, Gympie, Tamworth, Townsville and Melbourne.

It was a homecoming of sorts for a pair of special visitors from Sydney - a Mr and Mrs Maclagan.

ABOVE: Maclagan & District Men’s Shed Group manned the barbecue for the Day.

BELOW: Les Weedon the instigator of the First Festival in 2003.

Len Hess was presented his 50 year Badge for service to the Maclagan Hall Committee at this year’s Festival.

TRC prepared for seasonal forecasts; advising residents to take precautions

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is well prepared to respond, if and when required, to any situation across the Region in the light of ongoing forecasts for wet and stormy weather across most parts of Queensland, including southern Queensland.

Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chair, Mayor Paul Antonio said Council, and in turn the LDMG, would follow established procedures for disaster response and recovery if required.

“The LDMG will monitor advice and information that is issued from the State Disaster Coordination Centre and the Bureau of Meteorology,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Our top priority is to ensure residents are safe and informed about the potential dangers from any likely natural disasters, especially the potential dangers from storms, such as possible flood waters and high winds.

It is better to err on the side of caution.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that we are prepared for whatever nature throws at us.

Residents are more aware of how quickly the situation can change when a storm hits. Following a wet year, the ground is saturated, which means significant rain is likely to runoff into waterways.”

TRC Water and Waste Committee chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said Council’s three dams had spillways and did not have gates that allowed water to be released in a controlled manner, such as at Wivenhoe Dam.

“Council has emergency action plans for the dams that are enacted if and when they are needed,” LDMG deputy chair Cr Vonhoff said.

“Cooby Dam is at 99.7% capacity. While it is inevitable that significant inflows to Cooby Dam will see water flowing over the spillway, the catchment area above

Cooby Dam constitutes only 30% of the entire catchment area that impacts on Oakey in a flood.

“The 2011 flood peak in Oakey was largely caused by rainfall and runoff from the much larger catchment area below Cooby Dam.

“This highlights the importance of catchmentwide monitoring and our ability to use real-time rainfall and creek height data to inform our emergency planning and warnings.”

For dam storage figures and catchment rainfall, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/water (Water sources, supply and storage levels)

TRC Infrastructure Services Committee chair Cr Carol Taylor said Council had been working to make the Region much more resilient in the past decade.

Cr Taylor said Council had raised the profile of flood risk management across the

Mine delay “inexcusable”

The Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Pat Weir says it is inexcusable that the Palaszczuk Government continues to delay the 3rd stage of New Acland Mine.

Mr Weir said the approval for the mining lease was already long overdue.

“It has now been almost another two months with no action,” he said.

“There is only one thing standing in the way.

“The Premier and her Water Minister must stop the delays in granting the associated water licence for the mine.

“Seven-hundred-and-

fifty expression of interests have been received for jobs in the mine, which shows the overwhelming community support for this project.

“It is extraordinary the Premier continues to treat the constituents of Condamine and the community with such contempt.

“The people of the Darling Downs deserve certainty and cannot continue to be hung out to dry.”

Region through proactively engaging and educating residents, industry groups, government agencies, community organisations and emergency services personnel on best practice flood risk management.

“Flood early warning systems, funded partly by

the state government, are operating in Toowoomba and Oakey.

“The systems provide advance warning to help motorists and emergency services respond if creeks rise to dangerous levels and/ or pose a threat to businesses and houses,” Cr Taylor said.

Low levels of business default in Oakey area

Businesses in the local area have among the lowest probability of defaulting over the next 12 months according to the latest CreditorWatch Business Risk

The Darling Downs - East region, which includes Oakey as well as Pittsworth, Dalby, Crows Nest and Millmerran, has a probability of default of 4.6 per cent over the next twelve months.

This rate is the lowest in Queensland (for regions with more than 2,500 registered businesses) and lower than anywhere in New South Wales, Victoria or Western Australia.

The Toowoomba region has a probability of default of 5.07 per cent.

Surfers Paradise is the region in Queensland with the highest probability of default over the next two months, at 7.42 per cent.

This month’s report reveals the risk of default over the next 12 months has increased in all regions across Australia with 5,000 or more registered businesses, except for the Lower Hunter and Wyong regions in New South Wales.

The industries with the highest probability of default over the next twelve

months are: Food and Beverage Services (7.20 per cent); Arts and Recreation Services (4.68 per cent); and Education and Training: (4.63 per cent).

CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan said business-to-business (B2B) trade payment defaults showed a dip this month, however, these remain well above levels seen in September last year during Covid, and are a lead indicator of future defaults.

“Payment defaults are hugely significant and are a key indicator of coming delinquency for the debtor/customer,” Mr Coghlan said.

Approximately 25 per cent of businesses with a default end up in administration within twelve months.

“Additionally, it puts pressure on the supplier who will now have to shoulder that bad debt.

“A business with a trade payment default are seven times the default risk compared to a business with a clean payment record.”

At Cooby Dam, upstream from the Oakey district, the water level is close to 100 per cent following the continued rainfall this year.

Bernborough

The Country Club Hotel (formerly Club Hotel) was built in 1909 by Danish

carpenter, F .C. C. Olsen. It was demolished in April 2003 to make way

for the new Bernborough Tavern which had its Grand Opening on October

17, 2003. - Valerie Weise-Young

RIGHT: The demolition of the old hotel underway.

BELOW: the Tavern on November 5, 2003 just after the opening.

LEFT: The original Country Club Hotel.

- All photos, Valerie Weise-Young

Wet weather making potholes rampant

Driving down some streets of Oakey and surrounds has been

game

online service request portal available at tr.qld.gov.au/ payments-self-service-laws/ request-a-service-subscribe/ online-service-request/14501online-services-2

Most local roads are the responsibility of Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) and thus complaints should be directed towards them.

Mayor Paul Antonio said in August that Council has been working as fast as practicable to repair roads to a safe and trafficable standard across the Region.

“This has been an extraordinary time for prolonged rain events, with above average rainfall, and extensive flooding, which has damaged urban and rural roads across much of our huge 6,600 kilometre road network,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Our preliminary analysis indicates the repair bill from this year’s flood events may be more than $100 million.”

Over 7,600 temporary, emergency repairs have been made in the Region since late last year.

Mayor Antonio said there is no denying that many parts of Council’s road network, like parts of the state and national networks, are in a poor state following the multiple floods.

“Motorists are advised to use extreme caution at all times,” he said.

“Please observe any warning signs and drive to the conditions.”

Residents can contact TRC on 131 782 or on the

Another way to easily report an issue is by using the ‘Snap Send Solve’ app to

take a photo of a pothole and have it sent to TRC.

The app can be downloaded to most phones.

weave and dodge potholes that have formed and worsened following consistently wet weather. Several concerned residents have contacted the Oakey Champion to express their concerns with the condition of roads they frequently use.

There are also roads locally that are maintained by the Queensland Government.

They include the Warrego

Highway, Oakey Cooyar Road, Pechey Maclagan Road and Oakey Pittsworth Road.

To make a complaint about one of these roads, call 13 19 40 if it needs to be urgently fixed, otherwise visit tmr.qld.gov.au/Contact-us

ABOVE: Cory Street is not a street where you want to veer off the road. BELOW: The intersection of Lorrimer, York and Joseph streets has some nasty potholes.

OAKEYRUBBER STAMP

Self-inking

& CLEAN

Free Community Grant Writing workshop

A free grant-writing workshop funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Programme and coordinated by Condamine Catchment Management Association (CCMA) will be held on 26 October at Clifton.

The workshop is tailored to rural communities hoping to develop projects for community outcomes.

Samantha Morris, the workshop presenter said rural communities had nothing to fear about the grant writing process.

“I know from more than 30 years of grant writing that the number one reason people don’t get grants is that they simply don’t apply,” she said.

“This four-hour workshop will be light-hearted, interactive and full of useful tips for people who are hoping to access government grants.

“We look at the types

of grants that are available, where to go for grant information, and most importantly, how to develop a project and submit a proposal that will impress assessment panels.

“Grant writing does not have to be complicated and people who come to this workshop will walk out with heaps of ideas and resources to simplify the process.’

The secretary of CCMA, Mary-Lou Gittins, said the workshop was free for all community groups or individuals.

“We hear time and time again that a major barrier to groups’ functioning

is knowing where to access grants to get the work done, which is why we’re coordinating this workshop,” she said.

“We’re really excited to meet community groups and individual who come along and to hear more about the projects they have in mind and how our Catchment Association might be able to support their work.”

Attendance at the workshop, at Clifton Anglican Church Hall in Clifton, is free of charge.

Morning tea and lunch is provided and anyone wishing to attend can register or get more

information by calling 0429 642 092 or email lcows@ bigpond.com

Gowrie Little 90th Anniversary Ball

The Gowrie Little Plain Hall 90th Anniversary Ball was a great success with a very good crowd in attendance.

Dancers came from as far away as Darwin and Ipswich and all local areas with a very good night had by all.

The Queen of the Ball

was Janice Erb and the King was Harold Kowitz.

The judges were Member for Groom Garth and Louise Hamiliton.

The next dance at the will be on the 30th of October with Rae Blinco providing the music.

For enquires phone Shirley on 4630 4384.

The Aged Care Quality Standards are being reviewed. Now is the time to have your say, because quality aged care matters.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety final report challenges us to create better aged care services and a better standard of care for older Australians.

In March 2021, the Australian Government announced a review of Aged Care Quality Standards (Quality Standards) in response to Recommendation 19 of the Royal Commission final report.

We’re encouraging input from older Australians, families and carers, aged care providers, the workforce and anyone interested in contributing to the future of aged care in Australia.

BELOW: Dancers enjoyed the big night.

Volunteering with fun attached

Those who are inclined to offer some spare time helping out in the community might like to try lending a hand at the Jondaryan Mini Rail.

Consultations are open between 27 September to 7 November 2022.

To have your say about the Quality Standards, visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub or call the My Aged Care’s freecall phone line.

Phone 1800 200 422

Visit agedcareengagement.health.gov.au

For translating and interpreting services, call 131 450 and ask for My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. To use the National Relay Service, visit nrschat.nrscall.gov.au/nrs or call 1800 555 660.

The Mini Rail has been out of operation for a time, but the attraction, on the grounds of the Jondaryan Woolshed, has come under the new management of Toowoomba Live Steamers Inc. and is ready to start up again.

At this stage, the Mini Rail will operate for special events only, such as group bookings, birthdays or other functions.

This is because the Jondaryan Woolshed is not currently fully operational itself.

However, down the track, it’s planned to have the railway operating on a regular basis, probably

a couple of Sundays each month.

To get things underway, Toowoomba Live Steamers will need some help from volunteers and it’s hoped that some keen locals can be included in the volunteering team.

Anyone who has a yearning to become involved with the Jondaryan Mini Rail can call Toowoomba Live Steamers member John Phillips on 0428 491 646 or the organisation’s secretary, Nick Geraghty on 0429 330 805.

Those wanting to make a booking for a group or a special event should call John Phillips.

CCMA secretary MaryLou Gittins.

ABOVE: King of the Ball Harold Kowitz (left) and Queen of the Ball Janice Erb (second from right) with judges, Member for Groom Garth Hamilton and Louise Hamilton.

Plans to convert old Maclagan church

The application was submitted by owners Davie and Gail MacDonald for the 817 square metre property at 10 Margaret Street.

The Material Change of Use - Code application seeks to convert the building into a house and also raise the building, creating usable space underneath.

“As part of the proposal to convert the building into a dwelling house, the building will be raised to achieve the necessary Planning Flood Level and to create an understorey at ground level consisting of non-habitable areas being a carport and general storage,” the application says.

The upper floor will

consist of a single bedroom, kitchen, dining room and living area.

The church is already being used as a dwelling.

According to the Churches Australia website, the church was closed in 2015 and the property was sold in 2017.

The application notes the church is not protected by local or state heritage.

International Street Fiesta

A digital rendering of what the building may look like from the front.

Community

At the International Street Fiesta on Queen’s Park, Toowoomba on Saturday:

TOP: There was plenty of multicultural dancing on stage and members of the audience were happy to join the fun.

BOTTOM: The Women in Harmony sang a wide range of songs from around the world. The group is a choir of 36 members from many nationalities and originated as a safe place for refugee and migrant women in the Toowoomba Region. The group meets every Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the East Creek Community Centre on Kitchener Street, to sing and enjoy each other’s company. For details call music director Elaine Coates on 0407 621 380 or email womeninharmony

Budgets,

and

to make your

and

• How to write a funding submission in just twenty minutes.

• Where to get information about grants that

A development application has been submitted to Toowoomba Regional Council that if approved will see the old Presbyterian church in Maclagan converted into a house.

The former Presbyterian church in Maclagan.

Photo, John Huth

Oakey Cultural Centre

Highfields Cultural Centre

The Annex

Council issues emergency advice

In view of the prospects for excessive rainfall in the upcoming wet season, Toowoomba Regional Council has issued advice to assist the Region’s residents in preparing for and dealing with any weather emergency.

TRC Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chair, Mayor Paul Antonio Mayor Antonio called on residents to:

• check and clean their roof, gutters and downpipes;

• identify loose objects in their yard, such as outdoor furniture and toys that will have to be put away or secured if a storm approaches; and

• pack an emergency kit to set aside that includes torches, spare batteries, an emergency radio, canned food, UHT milk and bottled water.

• Check full details at www.tr.qld.gov.au/beprepared

In a life-threatening emergency call 000 and for emergency flood or storm assistance, call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

Listen to ABC Local Radio for relevant disaster information updates and warnings.

Advice about TRC road closures and other relevant details will be notified at http://disaster. tr.qld.gov.au/

“The LDMG will monitor advice and information that is issued from the State Disaster Coordination Centre and the Bureau of Meteorology,” Mayor Antonio said.

Oakey Social Golf results

On Sunday the 16th of October we played a V.S.S. on the front nine with 25 players lining up.

The winner was Russell MacKenzie on +5 and the runner-up was Aaron Cherry on +4 on a count back to Dave McMonagle.

The winners of the pins/ approaches were:

1, A. Cherry;

2, Over 60, R. MacKenzie; 2, Under 60, A. Cherry; 3, B. Pearce;

4, P. Flynn; 5, M. Krahenbring; 6, M. Morgan; 7, Under 60, HL; 7, Over 60, P. Morgan; 8, D. Harvey; 9, A. Palmer.

Long Drives: A Grade, M. Krahenbring; B Grade, M. Hall; Over 60, P. Flynn.

Members’ draw was 20, S. Petrie and was present for $25; raffles going to numbers 36, S. Lucht and 12, JB.

THIS WEEK

This week’s game on the 23rd of October is the President’s Day and draw for the coast trip.

We will be playing a Three person Ambrose and it will be on the back nine with a 6.30am tee-off.

We will be having a barbecue at the Grand Hotel Oakey for the draw of the coast trip and this will start at 11am.

Cheers, - Flynny/Macca

Oakey Golf Club results

On Wednesday 12th October the Ladies held their annual Guest Day. Each lady invited three ladies from another club. We played a 1, 2, 3 Waltz Stableford - Four players, 1st hole best 1 score, 2nd hole best 2 scores and then on the 3rd best 3 scores and this continues for the 18 holes. It was quite successful and was enjoyed by a field of 51 players. Winners were Janice and Christine Little, Sharon Schasser and Sandra Morgan with 89 points. Runners-up

were Janelle Kruse, Jenny Englebright, Liz Robinson and Cheryl Abberton with an 88 on a count back. Front 9 winners with 47 points were Marlene Deans, Lyn Case, Noela Hazzard and Jenny Shaw. Back 9 winners with 46 points were Jenny Gordon, Sandra Speers, Ann Cass and Val Harland.

On Wednesday 17th October the Ladies will play the first round of their Foursome Championships.

Thursday Sporters winner was Terris Muir 24 points. Terris also won the pin shot.

Sunday 16th October no competition.

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October the Members will play an 18 hole Stroke.

Sunday 23rd October is Medal of Medalist. Qualifiers are Bob Dearling, Mark Carter, Michael Rietveld, Alan DeRoss, George Fenton, Doug Fisk, Andrew King, George Wright, Peter Flynn, John Grawich, Marcus Welk, Stan Gillis and Michael Rietveld Jnr.

- Marlene Deans, Secretary

Goombungee Golf Club report

RESULTS

Thursday 13th October, Men’s Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winner, Errol Hartman 40 points. Approaches: Hole 7/16, Greg Buckley; Hole 8/17 and 9/18, Murray McLeod. Ladies’ Single Stableford for a Club Trophy. Winner, Val Drowley 38 points. Approaches: Hole 1/10, Val Drowley and Carmel Cover; Hole 6/15, Robyn Drowley; Hole 8/17, Val Drowley.

Friday 14th October, Chook Run winner, Bernadette Kelly; second Bill Robertson.

Sunday 16th October, Single Stroke, Monthly

Medal, Mark and Karen Peters Trophy. Winners: Men, Trent Peters 65 nett; Ladies, Val Drowley 70 nett. Best Gross: Men, Matty Burgess 68; Ladies, Ann Cass 86. Rundown: Carmel Cover, Dave Lowe, Matty Burgess, Greg Schull, Mark Peters, David Cass, Gary Herriman, Bill Robertson. Pin shots: Men, Hole 3/12, Matt Griffiths; Hole 4/13, Dan Darlington; Hole 8/17, Harry Cover,.Approaches: Men, Hole 1/10, Damien English; Hole 6/15, David Cass; Hole 7/16, Greg Buckley; Ladies, Hole 1/10, Ann Cass; Hole 2/11, Val Drowley.

Members’ draw No. 113,

Joy Van Der Wick, who was not present, so this week the prize jackpots to $15.

THIS WEEK

Thursday 20th October, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

Ladies Single Stroke, Medal of Medalists Playoff for Dulcie Skuse Trophy. Sunday 23October, Men’s Foursomes, Single Stableford for a Club Trophy.

- Murray McLeod

Results from Saturday’s Oakey ParkRun

On Saturday the Oakey ParkRun saw 27 starters.

Jack Wilson, first to finish the previous week with a personal best (PB) of 18 minutes 15 seconds, finished first this week with another PB of 17 minutes 30 seconds.

Second was Bradley McKay whose time was 21 minutes 22 seconds.

The first female runner was Faith McKay who was

third overall in a time of 22 minutes 38 seconds, followed by another female, Jennifer Lyons-Negus in 23 minutes 02 seconds.

This week we had two visiting runners, John and Christine Gillett from Toowoomba Road Runners

There were four other runners who also produced personal bests - Harry Wilson with a time of 24 minutes 30 seconds,

Sandy Slatter-Raguse with 27 minutes 45 seconds, Wendy Edmondstone on 28 minutes 31 seconds, and Delmay Keen, 57 minutes 10 seconds.

We are very grateful to the volunteers who made this week’s event happen: Louise Byers, Helen Johnson, Gina Lawrie, Justin Lawrie, Kate Paige, John Rohl, Belinda Wilson and Wayne Wilson.

Central Downs Cricket resumes

BOWENVILLE vs. PITTSWORTH

The Villians lost an early wicket and entered the drinks break on 3/71 but a handy last wicket stand of 30 helped the them to 144 all out in 38 overs.

Brenden Scifleet was the best bat with 41 not out.

Chaz Cheatley (14), Brendan Cahill (18), Scifleet (41 n.o.) and Pattison (19) scored double figures; while, for Pittsworth, Todd Hamlet was pick of the bowlers, 2/11 from 5 overs.

F.O.W.: 10, 40, 56, 90, 94, 98, 101, 114, 144; all out (38).

Defending 144, Bowenville had immediate impact, Ajay Kumar, snicking off Ed McGinn with the first ball of the inning.

Coming in first drop, Hamlet made a quick 56 runs, bringing up his half century by lunch with the Pelicans 3/62 at the break.

All Bowenville bowlers contributed: Akshit Kaushal (3/34, 8), Chaz Cheatley (2/9, 8, 5m), Jayden Lee (2/21, 8), Ajay Kumar (2/38, 8) and Brenden Scifleet wrapped the game up with a wicket.

F.O.W.: 0, 33, 55, 69, 93, 95, 103, 103, 103, 112; all out (33).

Bowenville won by 32. MILLMERRAN vs. KULPI

Kulpi was in trouble from the start at 3/35.

Marcus Frizzell (47) and

Brenden Schick (19) built a decent partnership; still, two players short and very economical bowling from Millmerran limited Kulpi to 98 runs in 34 overs.

Trent Mullins led with the ball with 3/13 from 8 overs, James Sinclair (2/11, 8), Dom Briggs, 1/6, 3; and Stephen Lindeque, 1/24, 4.

Lachlan Folker had figures of 0/8 from five overs with three maidens.

F.O.W. 28, 28, 34, 73, 78, 83, 98; 7/98 (34).

Millmerran opened with Daniel Betts bringing up a half-century, finishing 63 not out from 52 balls.

Kulpi wickets: Frizzell (1/24, 6); Nick Spies (1/14, 3), but not enough to defend from Betts and Alex Kahler (19 n.o) and Millmerran won by 8 wickets.

F.O.W. 24, 52; 2/100 (15.3).

This week Pittsworth hosts Millmerran and Bowenville hosts Kulpi.

- Brendan Cahill

SITE

Drs Glen Laws, Steve Rayner and Associates

Multi-million-dollar Oakey property buy

million.

New approach to controlling feral deer

The State Government has released a new strategy that gives councils and landholders a more coordinated approach to dealing with the impacts of growing feral deer populations.

“Mountain Glen”, located on the Oakey-Pittsworth

between Oakey and Aubigny was sold at auction on 22nd August.

The buyer of the 272.5 hectare undertaking gained

a healthy barley crop as part of the deal.

The selling agent for “Mountain Glen” was Michael Tomlinson from Webster Cavanagh in Toowoomba.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Feral Deer Management Strategy 2022-27 would help build capacity to control feral deer.

“Feral deer numbers across Queensland are growing and pose an increasing threat to biodiversity, agriculture and public safety,” he said.

“The new updated strategy aligns with the Biosecurity Act 2014

and defines best practice management and a coordinated approach to control feral deer.

“Local councils and landholders can now more effectively manage this growing problem through a combination of research, partnerships, planning and collaboration, improved understanding of impacts, practical knowledge, and appropriate control methods.”

Mr Furner said the Feral Deer Management

Strategy 2022-27 had been developed following public consultation earlier this year.

“Feedback from more than 400 responses received during the consultation period was instrumental in finalising the strategy to strike the right balance,” he said.

“Important revisions to the draft include the outlining of animal welfare requirements through the Codes of Practice adopted under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001

and recognising the role of recreational hunters.

“The strategy acknowledges that different stakeholders have different viewpoints and I thank everyone who contributed to developing this new approach to controlling feral deer.”

The Feral Deer Management Strategy 202227 can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries engagement hub, daf.engagementhub.com. au/feral-deer-strategy

Feedback sought on draft effluent code

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA), together with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), is inviting public feedback on the draft Industry Code of Practice – Managing Effluent in the Livestock Supply Chain (the Effluent Code).

ALRTA National President, Scott McDonald, said this Industry Code of Practice is funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.

“The Effluent Code is a practical guide that assists livestock transporters and parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) to comply with their primary duty and other obligations under the

Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) relevant to managing livestock effluent during road transport,” Mr McDonald said.

“The project to create an Industry Code of Practice has been a collaborative effort by the ALRTA and NHVR, with significant input from a wide range of livestock transport industry stakeholders including livestock producers, transport operators and drivers,

vehicle manufacturers, agents, saleyards, feedlot managers, processors, regulators, animal welfare advocates, government agencies and the community.

“Many of these stakeholder groups supported the development of the Effluent Code through participation in a code working group.”

“This working group, chaired by ALRTA member John Beer, has contributed expertise to the risks and controls for managing livestock effluent in transit, as well as fact checking and providing real world examples,” Mr McDonald said.

Graeme Hoare, Chair of ALRTA’s Driver and Animal Welfare Sub-Committee, said the process of consulting with supply chain parties and transporters represented a significant and positive opportunity for

collaboration.

“Managing livestock effluent at every stage of a heavy vehicle transport journey, from preparing livestock for transit, to unloading livestock at the destination requires a cooperative approach across all responsible parties,” he said.

“ALRTA members hope that the practical guidance outlined in the Effluent Code, will help to improve animal welfare outcomes, mitigate biosecurity threats, contribute towards sustainability, support livestock transporters and make the roads safer for all road users.”.

Feedback should be provided by Friday 4 November 2022.

Further information, including a copy of the draft Effluent Code and the feedback form, is available from the NHVR website.

Your link to the Aviation Centre

Oakey: home of the Australian Army Flying Museum

In the early years, the Museum didn’t have possession of any aircraft however, there was a number of aircraft at Oakey ‘strategically located’ that were a valuable part of the Army Aviation Corps History and these aircraft formed the foundation for what is now The Australian Army Flying Museum.

Those aircraft included:

• A Cessna 180, • Three Bell 47 Sioux, • An O1-G Bird Dog.

Due to the efforts of Terry Egan, the Museum eventually obtained a hangar in which to store the aircraft.

On 1 July 1989, the museum was officially opened by the Honorary Colonel, Colonel Ross Harding (Ret’d).

During the following years, the Museum expanded to include four hangars and a memorabilia room.

In August 2005, the Museum moved into a new purpose-built facility on the airfield at Oakey.

The new Museum complex was officially opened on 2 September 2005 by then local MP Ian

Macfarlane.

From the beginning, the Museum has continued to grow.

It now houses 22 aircraft on display within the Museum and a number of aircraft undergoing restoration and storage on Swartz Barracks.

The Museum also includes a memorabilia room displaying objects

Open: 10am - 3pm Wednesday to Saturday Closed - Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Australian Army Flying Museum, Museum Drive, Oakey QLD 4401 Phone 4577 7666 www.armyflyingmuseum.com.au

and relics of significance from World War 1 to current conflicts.

Be sure to visit the friendly staff at the

Australian Army Flying Museum but also book a guided tour - it will be worth your while and entertaining.

The Australian Army Flying Museum had its humble beginning in a single room at the Army Aviation Base back in the mid-1980s with Terry Egan as the curator.

ABOVE: The museum also serves as an amazing venue to host many Army Aviation dinners, graduations and more. A view looking in at night.

BELOW: An aerial image of The Australian Army Flying Museum officially opened on 02 September 2005.

Photos, Bradley Richardson

Life of the Bush on show at Oakey Expo

Lovers of history are in for a real treat when Toowoomba and District Old Machinery Society (TADOMS) presents its Old Machinery Expo at the Oakey Showgrounds on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October.

The theme this year is Life of the Bush Contractor which takes a look at early pioneering machinery advancement and living conditions from the 1920s to the 1950s.

TADOMS members will set up a sprawling 1920s construction camp which will include old-style canvas tents, old camp stretchers, timber tables and household items from the era, such as washing tubs and even an old ripple glass and timber washboard.

The machinery featured in the Expo will include trucks, tractors, earthmoving gear, stationary and steam engines, while two blacksmiths will be on site demonstrating how things were done in those days.

The event is designed to include something for the whole family.

10 years of contributing photos to The Oakey Champion

Meet Russ Thomas, the Oakey man with a passion for photography who has spent nearly ten years contributing to our ‘Around the Downs’ section.

The first of Mr Thomas’ photographs published in The Oakey Champion was back in 2013 when he was sitting on his front verandah and noticed a strange cloud formation.

He grabbed his camera to capture the cloud which is thought to be a cirrocumulus stratiformis, which is the Latin word for “stretched out.”

Since then, Mr Thomas has been a regular contributor to the newspaper and has sent in a variety of photographs ranging

from sunsets to flowers, historical buildings and extreme weather events such as floods and hail storms.

He has always had an eye for photography and became exposed to the industry when he worked as a truck driver in Melbourne transporting cameras, photographic equipment and chemicals.

He progressed and then became Queensland state manager selling, installing and maintaining graphic arts equipment.

“I’m a frustrated

painter,” he said.

“But I can’t get what’s in here (points to his head) onto the paper - so that’s why I take photos instead.

“I really started to get into photography more seriously after my second wife died back in 2005.”

Mr Thomas has also entered the Oakey Show’s photographic competition every year from 2012 to 2015 and has even secured himself 1st prize one year.

He moved to Oakey twenty years ago and

has been heavily involved with the local community. He volunteered with the State Emergency Service (SES) for nine years and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) for ten years. Before he retired, Mr Thomas managed the Charlton Waste Facility. Oakey district residents who have taken an interesting photograph are invited to send them to The Oakey Champion via email at editorial@ oakeychampion.com.au

Russ Thomas holding his winning photo submission to the Oakey Show competition.

The first photo Russ Thomas ever had published in The Oakey Champion

This 1928 Caterpillar was the first crawler tractor used by Thiess Bros. The colour of Caterpillars changed from grey to yellow in 1937 for safety reasons.