LOCAL ISSUES

effects of policies and social expectations that evolved at the end of the last century.

The causes have been identified and are being examined. They are not as newsworthy as homelessness but the underlying causes must be addressed at all levels so that Gen Y and Millennials don't find themselves in the same position.

To join the QCWA Eumundi Advocacy Team email: eumundiqcwa@gmail.com. Janet Millington

Homelessness is one symptom

There are many ways to become homeless. Very few are lifestyle choices and now we can add the working homeless.

A wage used to ensure a roof over our heads but the cost of living means this is no longer the case.

The long tail of the pandemic with its effects on health, changes to employment, small business closures and loss of employment has contributed to this level of homelessness. There is also the physical loss of homes from flood and fire and increased building costs and unavailability of materials all set in an unstable global political and financial situation.

We hear a lot about these issues as governments and not-for-profit organisations try to support those worst affected – who are living in cars and caravans, with extended family, couch surfing or in tiny homes. There is a hidden problem however and one that is largely confined to women over 45yo – a generation ageing into poverty.

This problem has been brought about by many decades of unequal pay, little financial recognition of the caring roles women play in looking after their children and now ageing parents, together with society's changing views around long-term commitment and marriage. These underlying issues need to be addressed as our next generation begins to feel the long-term

Golf course planned for Eumundi

Plans for a new 'pitch and putt' 10-hole golf course and driving range in Eumundi have been submitted to Sunshine Coast Council. The 7.7-hectare site is located on Don Napier Rd, directly to the east of Eumundi train station and less than 250m from the markets and commercial centre.

The development application planning report was submitted by Pivotal Perspective on behalf of applicant James Douris, a Noosa-based golf professional.

The proposed development would be completed in two stages with the first stage to include the 10-hole pitch and putt course, a driving range with raised greens, a golf simulator within an existing shed, a clubhouse and bar, a caretakers’ residence, maintenance sheds, a wastewater treatment irrigation area, revegetation and a new driveway entry.

Stage two would include short-term accommodation units, associated carparks and the potential conversion of a shed to a dwelling house. There would be 40 carpark spaces for the golf course and four for the short-term accommodation. Visit: tinyurl.com/4dj47xtz.

#1 AGENCY OF THE YEAR 2023*

DOONAN david berns

Burning memory

It began to get dark and looking out the window I saw smoke spiralling on the ridge bordering our property and Crown land. My husband commented it wasn’t much so we retired for the night.

I couldn’t sleep and at 2am I looked out to see a red glow along the ridge. Again, he said it would die down on reaching our flat back paddock. Off he went to work in our only car, dropping the kids at school.

Worried, I walked towards the paddocks with the horses and goats passing me in the opposite direction. I realised then that the fire hadn’t stopped and the mountain slope was well alight. I raced home and called 000. The Eumundi Police were informed I was told – strange as when I called our one policeman earlier no one answered.

Smoke began filling the house. Fences were alight. I called the dogs, begged the cats to run and choking with fear and smoke I raced across to the pig styes to let them out so they could escape to the dam. My poor goats were screaming in fear of the fire and the dam. Hysterically I screamed as a shape appeared – it was our 'cop'.

Bundling me and the dogs into his car he explained he was at the Gympie cattle sales when traced. As we reached the highway the heavens suddenly burst. The deluge put out the fire.

Next day we learnt a local boy camping had not extinguished his fire. Our neighbours had been evacuated but we were forgotten. Sightseers drove to our property to gawp at the damage. We lost two cows, a horse and my temper because no-one thought to check on us.

Eileen Walder

Bushfire season preparation

The past three years have seen higher-thanaverage rainfall on the Sunshine Coast but a drier-than-average summer followed by a dry autumn/winter has weather forecasters suggesting a possible El Nino style weather pattern coming into summer. Although the

This page is sponsored from funds raised from market car parking to acknowledge and support Eumundi’s

Bureau of Meteorology is yet to officially declare an El Nino event it confirmed earlier this month there is a 70% chance the weather phenomenon could develop.

The previous three years of high rainfall have brought prolific vegetation growth, creating perfect conditions for a hazardous fire season. The deluge meant hazard reduction burns were unable to be conducted in recent years so it is a timely reminder to prepare for the potential bushfire season ahead.

What can property owners do to prepare?

• Ensure gutters and roofs are clear of leaves, twigs, bark and other debris.

• Consider installing gutter guards.

• Enclose open areas under decks and floors.

• Install steel wire mesh screens on windows, doors, vents and weep holes.

• Point LPG cylinder relief valves away from your house.

• Check and maintain firefighting pumps, generators and water systems.

• Seal gaps in external roofing and cladding.

• Move flammable items away from your home such as woodpiles, mulch, boxes, hanging baskets and outdoor furniture.

• Reduce vegetation along access paths.

• Mow your lawn regularly.

• Remove excess flammable materials such as long dry grass, dead leaves and branches.

• Trim low-lying branches around your home to a height of two metres from the ground.

It is important to review and update your bushfire survival plan as a family. Visit: qfes.qld. gov.au/prepare/bushfire/prepare-for-bushfireseason.

This page is sponsored from funds raised from market car parking to acknowledge and support Eumundi’s

Budget for Verrierdale, Weyba Downs and Yandina Creek Council adopted the 2023-24 budget on 22 June. In Verrierdale the restoration of the Doonan Creek Environment Reserve will continue with $300,000 to progress the walking trails and other items. In Yandina Creek the staged upgrade to seal North Arm Yandina Creek Rd will continue and when constructed will make the trip a lot more pleasant for regular road users. A new seat for Laguna Grove Park is planned for Doonan and in Weyba Downs, the Lake Weyba Foreshore Trail upgrade will continue to complement the recently completed northern boat ramp access.

Waste strategy input To give council your thoughts on the way we deal with waste in the future read the draft waste strategy document, complete the survey by 9 August or attend a community workshop at Venue 114 on 31 July. Visit: haveyoursay. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Grants for rural property owners open Rural landowners can apply for financial help to complete on-ground environment projects on their private property with SCC’s Landholder Environment Grants now open. Read the guidelines at: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/grants and submit your expression of interest before 14 August.

I regularly share my community chat days, local events, new development applications and other messages on my Facebook page: facebook.com/MariaSuarezDivision9.