Home is where the bank tells me it is

I NOTE the weekend media stories giving homeowners the latest instalment of the rise in their house prices.

As usual it’s peppered with high valuations with the hinterland riding high.

Understandably you might say and all well and good when you own your home (either outright or can afford to keep paying it off). But maybe it’s not all really good news in the broader scheme of things. It’s nice when your investment increases in value, but at some point it must come at a bigger cost. I think of the youngsters trying to crack into the market now. Old farts might say, ‘well in my day we did this and that and lived in a oneroom dugout etc. But does anything partially acceptable even exist anymore?.

Simply put the hinterland is not affordable as it quite recently was - and arguably should still be. That means less working class people - the ones who provide all the services we take for granted - teaching, emergency services, barista makers and so on - that are living close to where they work. Arguing this internet cable going for it, but it’s powerless against a mosh of 20,000 teenagers. Having chaperoned a group of youngsters to the recent Groovin’ the Moo festival at Kawana I was astounded that there was no internet to some of the rubbish actsThe Chats I’m looking at you - and didn’t find out the results of the Bulldogs v Dragons match until 11 that night. Lost. Bad night.

with Winston Johnston Division 5 - Sunshine Coast Council

We are less than two months out from Council’s Special Budget adoption meeting to determine budget outcomes for the Sunshine Coast. I’m hopeful we will see significant allocations of funds for our Division 5 projects. Save the date for June 22, 2023 and tune in to Council’s live stream – more details found on Council’s website.

New

Parking

I am delighted that 50 new on street, ninety-degree, parking bays will start this month along Bicentenary Lane, Maleny. The project has been eagerly anticipated by residents and will go a long way in addressing parking and footpath needs once completed. The new parking will be on the south side of the street and will extend the existing parking area. Works also include approximately 215 metres of new concrete pathway which will be 1.8-metres wide and primarily located on the north side of the street. I thank you for your patience and understanding during construction.

Mooloolah Valley Sportsground Carpark

I am pleased to see construction has been completed on resurfacing the Mooloolah Sportsground Carpark to bitumen. The project has delivered 67 sealed carparks, improved pathways, and there’s an informal overflow carpark. The project also delivered a renewed water reticulation system to each of the sites and the Country Club. The lower portion of the site remains as informal carparking with some minor improvements to the grading and landscape. I’m sure this improvement will be warmly welcomed by all who use the sportsground here.

Conondale Park

I am happy to advise that the new BBQ and shelter located at Boyle Park at Conondale, has been completed and is ready for a picnic cook up. Works included removing and installing the new shelter, which now has a modern and sleek new look I’m sure many locals and visitors will enjoy.

Horoscopes

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

The cosmos keeps its steady hand on your shoulder to ensure a slowdown in spending. The same caution applies to your possessions - put everything under lock and key, if you have to. Hold onto what you have, put nothing at risk and derailed finances should start to get back on track. Focus on earning money, Taurus - not squandering it.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

This week, life’s responsibilities land squarely on your shoulders. Previous effort and hard work start to pay off. You’re now seen as an authority figure, and the cosmos expects you to take on this new role. If it all seems like too much pressure too soondon’t fret. It’s what you have wanted, if not yet expected.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

Sometimes a little good news is all that’s needed to lift our spirits and leave us feeling more positive. And when we feel so good, we should pay it forward. Perhaps, too, this week you are the messenger. Delivering happy news to others can bring immense pleasure to all concerned. So go ahead - grant someone’s wish, if you can.