On Our Selection News - 22nd March 2023

Boom town: Westbrook expected to more than double

The recently released Toowoomba Region Growth Plan shows Westbrook is anticipated to grow by more than 4,800 people by 2051, taking the total population to just over 9,200.

The number of dwellings, recorded at 1,480 in 2021, is expected to more than double as well, increasing by 2,000.

The Toowoomba Region Growth Plan, presented to Toowoomba Regional Council last week, is intended to act as the long-term population and employment growth strategy for the Region to 2051.

The release of the plan may be a good sign for developers, who have faced difficulty in past efforts to expand Westbrook.

Continued on page 4 & 5

RIGHT: It is expected Westbrook’s population will expand through urban expansion to the north and west of town and urban consolidation in the town’s existing centre and south-west.

Kialla Foods, MP want domestic regulation

Quentin Kennedy, owner of the successful Greenmount organic food producer, Kialla Foods, believes the Federal Labor government’s decision to abandon domestic regulation of organics is handicapping his ability, and those of other Australian organic producers, to grow their export markets because lack of domestic regulation results in a dual system that is unworkable and costly.

Mr Kennedy and Nationals Leader and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud voiced their strong concern over the Federal Government’s Agricultural Minister Murray Watt’s abandonment of the previous Federal government’s plan to regulate the organics industry.

“The former National and Liberal government had started a pathway to setting an Australian standard for the organics industry, worth over $2 billion annually, by setting up an industry - lead advisory group, which laid down the pathway to complete this reform,” Mr Littleproud said.

“A consistent National Standard is critical in opening up new export opportunities while protecting our international reputation against unscrupulous exporters, who attempt to send inferior products to our international markets as organics.

“A National Organic Standard would also manage the import of organic products into Australia, which currently is not required to be certified or comply with any particular

standard.”

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, in response to a question from Niki Ford, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Organic Limited, asking why he hadn’t carried on the work to establish a domestic regulation of organics, said, ”Since taking on my ministerial responsibilities, my immediate focus has been on the most pressing of challenges for my portfolio, namely biosecurity, natural disaster preparedness and response, and agricultural workforce concerns.”

Mr Littleproud said the role of Agricultural Minister required the Minister to have greater capacity than being able to focus on just a few areas of the portfolio.

“The Albanese government is turning its back on an industry - lead solution and framework that has widespread industry support, all because its Minister doesn’t have the capacity to finish the process,” Mr Littleproud said.

Kialla Foods owner Quentin Kennedy said as a business which has exports of over 40 per cent, primarily into Japan and Korea, the lack of equivalence was costing export sales every day.

“If we had equivalence with Korea we could grow that market 10 to 15 per cent year-on-year, Mr Kennedy said.

Katrina Hobbs of organic chicken producers Inglewood Farms also explained some of the frustrations resulting from a lack of domestic regulation of organics.

She explained the logistical nightmare of packaging products for a variety of markets with different regulations.

Continued on page 3

With better domestic regulation in place, supported by The Nationals leader David Littleproud (right), it is hoped by Kialla Foods owner Quentin Kennedy (left) that production can be increased at the Greenmount operation.

of organics industry

Continued from page 2

Ms Hobbs also explained that when you have a number of suppliers in a supply chain, it only takes one supplier without certification to limit the capacity of the others.

“The Agricultural Department needs to listen to producers,” she said.

Niki Ford is the CEO of Australian Organic Limited, the leading peak body for the Australian organic industry whose main aim is the protection and promotion of the Australian organic industry.

Ms Ford also supported the need for domestic regulation of the organics industry.

She said in Australia the word “organic” can now be used easily creating unfair competition with varying degrees of compliance.

Katrina Hobbs from Inglewood Farms, Australian Organic Limited CEO Niki Ford, Kialla Foods owner Quentin Kennedy and Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud.

Since he moved to the Felton district over 20 years ago, Ian has had his fingers in numerous pies when it comes to volunteering.

He has had a long association with the Felton Hall, serving as secretary, and on the committee of Cambooya Landcare, a group that has benefitted greatly from his academic and professional background.

When a mining company came knocking on Felton’s door, threatening to upend the Felton community forever, Ian was one of the community members who spearheaded the movement against it.

Westbrook, Wyreema,

Continued from page 1

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the Toowoomba Region Growth Plan establishes a clear and coordinated long-term growth strategy to guide when and how employment and population growth occurs, allowing the Region to develop in a “thoughtful and considered manner.”

In its entirety, the Toowoomba Region is expected to grow by around 66,600 new people and 39,500 new jobs over the next 30 years, requiring around 27,000 new dwellings.

Westbrook’s growth is expected to be more rapid from 2036 to 2051.

“The logical expansion beyond the current urban area of Westbrook to the west and north provides potential to accommodate a significant number of new dwellings that would contribute to a larger and potentially more complete community at Westbrook, with access to new services and facilities that are attracted to service the larger population,” the report says.

“This expansion needs to be weighed against the resulting encroachment into land identified as quality agricultural land, as well as against the level of investment required to support new and upgraded infrastructure.

“This is particularly as it relates to water supply networks, hence this Future Growth Area has been shown as requiring further investigation.”

New growth is anticipated to be accommodated through the traditional house and land package, however there is also potential for a variety of new housing choices to be delivered in Westbrook, to create walkable communities in areas close to the existing local centre.

Employment opportunities for Westbrook are expected to be “heavily influenced” by the developing Toowoomba Trade Gateway at Charlton.

Aside from Westbrook, the south-western suburbs of Toowoomba are also expected to experience significant population growth over the next few decades.

The suburbs of Darling Heights and Kearneys Spring are expected to have a combined increase of over 4,000 people by 2051, representing an annual average growth of 0.8 per cent.

The suburbs of Drayton and Harristown are expected to have an even higher rate of growth, increasing by 5,950 people at an average annual growth of 1.5 per cent.

Westbrook is included among the Toowoomba - West area, alongside Glenvale, Wellcamp, Torrington, Cotswold Hills and Charlton.

This area is expected to have the most growth of any in the Toowoomba Region, increasing by 21,300 people from 16,100 in 2021 to 37,400 in 2051, an annual average growth of 2.8 per cent.

He was also a committe member of the highly successful Felton Food Festival which ran for a few years in the 2010s.

Cambooya part of Region’s future expansion

CAMBOOYA AND WYREEMA

Collectively, Cambooya and Wyreema are expected to grow by 1,300 people and 550 dwellings. Both towns currently have just over 2,000 residents each.

“Moderate growth is anticipated through to 2051 with opportunities for greenfield areas to the south-east providing opportunities to accommodate new growth,” the Growth Plan

said about Cambooya.

“Residential areas within walking distance of the main street (Eton Street) will have the greatest mix of housing.

“Therefore, the area bounded by the railway line, Cambooya Connection Road and Hodgson Creek have been designated for urban consolidation.

“It is anticipated that new growth in Cambooya will be in keeping with the existing character of houses on mid- to-large sized lots, with limited take up of attached housing such as townhouses or duplexes.”

It is noted moderate growth is expected for Wyreema which current infrastructure can support.

“There is capacity in land and infrastructure networks to accommodate new growth dispersed across the existing urban extent of the town,” the Growth Plan says.

“It is anticipated that new growth in Wyreema will be in keeping with the existing character of houses on mid-to-large sized lots, with limited take up of attached housing such as townhouses or duplexes.”

Smaller towns and suburbs such as Greenmount, Nobby, Hodgson Vale and Top Camp were not individually covered in the Growth Plan.

Across the Clifton - Greenmount area, the population is expected to grow by 850 people from 5,150 in 2021 to 6,000 in 2051, representing an average annual growth of 0.5 per cent.

According to the Toowoomba Region Growth Plan, Cambooya (above) is anticipated to experience growth to the south-west and south-east of the town while Wyreema (below) can expand to the north-west and south-east.

Ag sector confidence on the decline

A combination of easing commodity prices, rising interest rates and dry seasonal conditions in some areas has seen confidence decline among Queensland primary producers in the first quarter of 2023.

The latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey found overall producer confidence levels in the state have dropped from the previous quarter, which had seen sector sentiment stabilise in the latter months of 2022.

Only one in ten Queensland producers (10 per cent) are now expecting improved conditions in the agricultural economy in the year ahead, down from 14 per cent in the previous quarter.

And more are anticipating business conditions will decline, up from 26 per cent last quarter to 40 per cent.

Those expecting conditions to remain the same stood at 49 per cent, down from 55 per cent last quarter.

Concerns about softening commodity prices, rising interest rates and dry seasonal conditions in some areas were found to be the key factors driving the negative outlook among producers in the state, while rising input costs and excessive rain – a major worry for producers late last year – are now less of a concern.

For those Queensland producers expecting the agricultural

Ain’t Water

UNLESS IT’S FILTERED

economy to decline in the coming 12 months, 59 per cent cited easing commodity prices – an increase from just 16 per cent with that concern last quarter.

Higher interest rates are also weighing on producers’ minds, cited by 27 per cent of those with a pessimistic outlook, an increase from 18 per cent last quarter.

And while another La Niña weather system saw much of the state receive above-average rainfall across summer, dry seasonal conditions in some areas of southern Queensland have seen concerns about drought conditions start to reemerge, with drought identified as a worry by 15 per cent of those producers expecting economic conditions to decline this survey,lifting from seven per cent last quarter.

Rabobank regional manager for North Queensland and the Northern Territory Trent McIndoe said many Queensland producers were enjoying a “first-class” season as a result of a third consecutive La Niña, while there are “pockets, particularly in southern Queensland”, that had missed the summer rain.

“The easing of cattle prices in recent months will also have contributed to the decline in optimism amongst many producers across the state,” Mr McIndoe said.

Softening commodity prices were the biggest concern reported by the state’s beef producers, followed by rising interest rates.

Mr McIndoe said confidence had remained stable among the state’s grain growers, with sentiment helped by last year’s wet spring and early summer that had delivered “a good but diminishing” soil moisture profile across much of the eastern Darling Downs, while noting grain growers in areas west of Goondiwindi missed out on much of the summer rainfall.

For Queensland grain growers, dry seasonal conditions and rising interest rates were the chief reasons cited by those anticipating agricultural economic conditions to worsen in the coming year.

“Dryland acreage in southern Queensland will be looking for rainfall soon, although there are reports of the most recent weather system offering varying levels of relief to some of those producers,” Mr McIndoe said.

Letters To the Editor

To the Editor,

A NEW APPROACH

After a few good years of solid rain, the predicted El-Niño weather system may well push us back into drought.

We often hear talk about building new dams, sinking bores or using recycled water to ensure our water supply during such periods, however we don’t seem to put enough focus into how we can best use this precious resource day to day to build resilience in our water supply.

New dams and water sources are no doubt essential for our long-term future, however they are very expensive and require solid business cases to become a reality.

I believe there exists ripe opportunity to develop such a business case by developing smart, water efficient (and water reliant) industries to drive economic growth and ensure longlasting prosperity for the region.

For example, the Netherlands, a country just over half the size of the Darling Downs is one of the largest exporters of agricultural goods in the world.

They have achieved this by developing intensive agricultural systems that maximise efficiencies of water use, labour and land space.

One aspect of the Dutch agricultural system which could be replicated right here is the widespread use of hydroponic filled greenhouses for vegetable production.

Temperature controlled, hydroponic greenhouses are incredibly water efficient, allowing water to be reused many times over, rather than simply evaporating into the air in the traditional method of vegetable production.

These systems allow far higher yields and growth rates compared with traditional farming methods, while also mitigating the risk posed by droughts, floods and seasonal variation.

With direct cargo flights from Wellcamp into South-East Asia and the impending arrival of the Inland Rail line there is no reason why our region could not become a high-tech, sustainable food powerhouse.

The development of such an industry would strengthen the business case for vital water supply projects, provide highly skilled, highly paid regional job opportunities and further strengthen our local economy.

For such an industry to really take off we need a coordinated approach from all levels of government, but specifically at the local government level.

The TRC motto is Rich Traditions. Bold Ambitions.

Let’s see some of that ambition!

Doug Allen Newtown

Cambooya State School

A SEA OF GREEN

It was a sea of green, every possible shade you could think of, at Cambooya State School on March the 17th to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

The students were also decorated with as many Irish icons as you could possible imagine.

WYREEMA STATE SCHOOL

EXPLORING STATES OF MATTER

The Year Three science unit for Term 1 is based on exploring how solids or liquids are influenced by temperature. Students experienced the way items from their everyday lives can change.

Students role played how atoms move when in different states of matter.

Through hands-on investigations, students investigated how the size of the pieces affects the melting time of chocolate.

There were even a few leprechauns amongst the crowd although we were unable to find any pots of gold.

The day was a green parade and then many of the classes continued with St. Patrick’s Day activities, despite the challenging heat.

The year 5 students sold green items at second break with the favourite being green jelly.

A great time was had by all, to be sure.

FARM, CROP &

The year 3 students roleplay atoms in both liquid and solid states.

LEFT & ABOVE: The maroon and gold of Cambooya was replaced by green for St Patrick’s Day.

Blue Tree Project sprouts at Nobby

Over the past few months many Blue Trees have been painted across the Darling Downs, aimed at raising awareness of mental health through slogans such as ‘R U OK’ and spreading knowledge of services including Lifeline and Beyond Blue.

There are other Blue Trees at Cambooya and Clifton.

Seniors Month grants

The 2023 Seniors Month grants, a program that provides a funding pool of $100,000 in grants funding (of up to $2000) to support community events during Queensland Seniors Month, is open for applications.

The grants aim to connect older Queenslanders to inclusive events and activities and challenge preconceived ideas and reframe the conversation around ageing.

In 2022, Queensland Seniors Month set a record for the number of events held, with 1581 events registered, engaging an estimated 146,171 people.

Queensland Seniors Month 2023 commences on 1 October, the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, and concludes at the end of the month following Grandparents Day on 29 October.

Let the Pins Fall

The theme for Seniors Month 2023 is “Social Connections”, and the Council on the Ageing Queensland (COTAQ) has adopted the tagline “It’s going to be a connect fest” to promote the month.

COTAQ Chief Executive Darren Young said Queensland Seniors Month provides opportunities for people across all generations to connect and challenge stereotypes associated with ageing

“People will discover local programs and services and be connected to volunteering opportunities which will assist in reducing social isolation,’’ Mr Young said.

“Our communities are made up of people of all ages who genuinely care about and value other people, whether they know them or not.

“Feeling socially connected not only provides great health benefits it can also improve people’s quality of life, and that’s what makes participating in Seniors Month so special.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

We believe every human has the inherent right to live a ‘normal’ and empowered life; to have ability and opportunity to make one’s own choices. We aim to empower people with mental health or with disability

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

“Whether it be attending a dance or cooking class, sharing a meal, a morning tea or concert, or having a chat with an older neighbour over the fence, I encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and talk to someone new and get involved in a Seniors Month activity.”

To find out more about Queensland Seniors Month or apply for a grant visit qldseniorsmonth.org.au

MiChoice Disability Supports, offers a variety of services supporting you to take steps in accomplishing your goals; your ambitions; your targets. For some people, goals may be reached in a time that may be lengthy. This may take 6 months; this may take several years of challenges and barriers. That is when we are at our most creative and supportive and our ‘together-journey’ begins

mental health or

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

MiChoice Disability Supports, offers a variety of services supporting you to take steps in accomplishing your goals; your ambitions; your targets. For some people, goals may be reached in a time that may be lengthy. This may take 6 months; this may take several years of challenges and barriers. That is when we are at our most creative and supportive and our ‘together-journey’ begins

We believe every human has the inherent right to live a ‘normal’ and empowered life; to have ability and opportunity to make one’s own choices. We aim to empower people with mental health or with disability

§ Support you in your home, in the community, or at your workplace to build confidence to live an autonomous life.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

§ Support you with making the right choice for you and your safety.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

§ Support you with an improved living arrangement to feel at ease in your living environment

Support you in your home, in the community, or at your workplace to build confidence to live an autonomous life.

§ Support you with your household tasks to keep on top of hygiene and instil home-pride

MiChoice Disability Supports, offers a variety of services supporting you to take steps in accomplishing your goals; your ambitions; your targets. For some people, goals may be reached in a time that may be lengthy. This may take 6 months; this may take several years of challenges and barriers. That is when we are at our most creative and supportive and our ‘together-journey’ begins

§ Social and community participation helping you stay connected with your community.

Support you with making the right choice for you and your safety.

Support you with an improved living arrangement to feel at ease in your living environment

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

§ Support you in your home, in the community, or at your workplace to build confidence to live an autonomous life.

Support you with your household tasks to keep on top of hygiene and instil home-pride

§ Support you with making the right choice for you and your safety.

§ Support you with an improved living arrangement to feel at ease in your living environment

§ Support you with your household tasks to keep on top of hygiene and instil home-pride

Social and community participation helping you stay connected with your community. T

Social and community participation helping you stay connected with your community.

CALL US ON 0460 880 556 or 0432 020 302 EMAIL YOUR ENQUIRY TO info@michoicesupports.com.au

Webelieveevery human has the inherentrightto live a‘normal’and empoweredlife;to haveabilityand opportunitytomake one’s own choices.We aimtoempowerpeople with

withdisability.

Dillybag Gunyah at Nobby is the newest home of a Blue Tree, joining many other Blue Trees on the Darling Downs.

Dillybag Gunyah owner Tony Fenner paints the tree with Blue Tree specialists Judith Daley and Wendy Cassar.

Classifieds - Trades and Services

GARAGE SALE

Monster Garage Sale 82 Bellingham Rd, E. Greenmount 25/3/23 Saturday & 26/3/23

Sunday 8am - 1pm. Dining suite, 3 piece lounge suite, antique wardrobe & divan, china, camping, books/clothes all good quality. Bargains galore! Giveaway prices, too many items to mention, something for everyone 0457 699 565.

Electrician - BHB Electrical. Brad Densley. Lic# 75685. All electrical installation, repairs and maintenance. Phone 0427 971 470.

Hodgsonvale Community Sports Club

A very good crowd attended our Friday night St. Pat’s Day Irish function.

Terry and Helen’s Irish stew with some extra special potatoes and their secret ingredient all the way from Ireland was great. This week it will be Maureen’s Meatloaf and Veges which will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

The members’ draw, worth $20, was not won this week, with member number 1 belonging to Norm & Lyndsay being drawn out and they were not there so the members’ draw goes up to $40 next week. Remember you must be there and financial to pick up the prize.

Guests really enjoyed up and coming musician Brigette Meara performing old and new Irish music and of course the Guinness, Kilkenny and a bit of the Baileys.

The prize for the best dressed Irish Male went to Col Hoey and the best dressed Female was Margaret Cavanagh.

The air conditioned sports club is open for private functions also, so please contact Mark our booking officer.

The mobile contact is 0431 014 618 for further details, inspections and future bookings but is not the contact number for tennis court bookings.

You can also check out our website to see what facilities are

available or you can send an email to hcsc8315@gmail.com

Discounts apply for financial members who hire the facility. The tennis courts are available for hire, the keys are available at the Hodgson Vale shop.

Hire costs are $4 an hour for financial members and $8 an hour for non financial members. Lighting costs are $2 an hour at night.

Government Covid rules must be adhered to at all times while the tennis courts are being used.

The toilets at the sports club are also available for tennis hirers.

- Ted Cavanagh, Secretary

Brigitte Meara performed some classic as well as modern Irish music on the night.

For the St Patrick’s Day function, the best dressed winners were Col Hoey and Margaret Cavanagh.

Local Events Calendar

If you are holding an event in the area covered by On Our Selection News, forward details to editorial@cliftoncourier.com.au

8 July Friends of Gormans Gap - Bush Regeneration / Gormans Gap Road, Preston president@fogg.org.au

Management, 7:30am to 11:30am

July Wyreema Community Hall meeting, 7pm Wyreema Community Hall, wyreemacommunityhall@ 14 Umbiram Road yahoo.com

1st Sunday Anglican Church service, Umbiram, 10.30am St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Umbiram

Every Sunday Nobby Uniting Church, Church Services Nobby Uniting Church 8.45am Davenport Street, Nobby

Every Sunday Westbrook Community Church, 9am 114 Main Street, Westbrook Heather 0412 617 967 or toowoombaweslyan.org.au

Every Sunday Wyreema Christians worship 9.30am Wyreema Community Hall, Kerron 0401 930 656 or 14 Umbiram Road, Wyreema Beryl 0478 808 162

Every Sunday Cambooya Uniting Church service, 10am Uniting Church, 19 Eton Street

Every Sunday Cambooya Anglican Church service, 10am All Saints Anglican Church, Eton Street

4th Tuesday Nobby Heritage & Development Association Nobby School of Arts Hall June Smith 4696 3108 meeting

Every Tuesday Cambooya Playgroup 9am to 11am Cambooya State School School office - 4612 2333 (during school term)

Every Tuesday Hodgson Vale Playgroup 9am to 11am Ramsay State School, Ramsay Road Marion Winterbotham (during school term) 4630 9356

Legacy torch relay

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay begins on ANZAC Day, April 25, in Pozieres, France.

It will then travel to London, England, and continue its tour throughout Australia beginning in Perth before arriving in Toowoomba on Wednesday, June 14, around 10am.

The Toowoomba leg will be 5.9km long and will begin at Picnic Point, travelling to the Mother’s Memorial, where a centenary plaque will be unveiled, then turn into Chalk Drive to meet up at Ruthven Street before heading South along Ruthven to Herries Street, finishing up at the steps to the Council Chambers for a lighting of a cauldron.