2022 MARY VALLEY VOICE - JANUARY 12, Vol.32 #01

MaryValleyVoice

The

12 JANUARY 2022 Vol. 32 #01

connecting communities

RARE TURTLES OF THE EVOLUTION  3 KSCC SCHOOL NEWS  5 MRCCC REPORT  7 FIND-A-FROG  8

HAPPY NEW YEAR WELCOMING IN 2022 WITH WYTHES

As the sun rises on 2022, we take a moment to reflect on what inspires and drives the team at Wythes. We took a moment with our dynamic sales team to find out what they are looking forward to in 2022:

“Supporting our team to continue their exceptional service to our clients” - Sirah Robb

“Building relationships with our community” - Caroline Johnston

“Seeing families come back together” - Alisa Wythes

“Continuing our exceptional service to our clients” - Warren Berry

“New collaborations, new friendships and new connections“ - Lian Scott

“Finding beautiful homes for our buyers” - Shane Stanbury

To hear more of what the team at Wythes are looking forward to this year or to request an appraisal scan the QR code or visit our website wythes.com.au

COOROY OFFICE 07 5472 0033 sales@wythes.com.au 36b Maple Street, Cooroy

DOONAN OFFICE 07 5449 1186 doonan@wythes.com.au 777 Eumundi Noosa Rd, Doonan

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LO CAL CHAMPIONS

by Ja n i n e H i l l

 “Mary River Baby Turtle” by Jillian Turner – Rural category winner – “Spring in the Mary” photo comp 2017.

CELEBRATING, APPRECIATING AND EDUCATING

Crossing dam proposal on the Mary River in the mid-2000s, Glenda has another cause for concern: the proposed pumped lenda Pickersgill pictured on the cover, has spent much of her hydro power facility at Borumba Dam on Yabba Creek, a tributary life living in the Mary Valley and it is the Mary River turtle of the Mary River. The feasibility studies are expected to take up (Elusor macrurus) at the moment, which has her fascinated. to 24 months, with a submission from Powerlink to government This January 2022 front cover features a very healthy turtle couple expected by mid-to-end 2023. However with the new expiry date – showing the distinct male vs female body sizes and underbody of the Mary Basin Water Plan 2006 being postponed differences. Photo kindly supplied by Marilyn Connell. to 28 May 2024, she is worried that a $22 million For the past 16 years, Glenda has been involved with The Mary River feasibility study of a pumped hydro power facility has Tiaro Landcare studying and protecting turtle nests been justified based on a “strategic reserve” of 150,000 turtle is one of in the Traveston Crossing reach of the Mary River GL/year of unallocated water in the outdated 2006 near her farm at Kandanga.

Australia's most plan. With the revision process of the Mary Basin The turtle was only formally identified in 1994, Water Plan only being started in 2021, there will be ancient turtles – although eggs were harvested for the pet industry in a number of improvements to protect the river from the 1960s and ‘70s but where they were being sourced it is listed 30th at risk over-allocation. from was unknown. There has been a reduction in reptile in the world. These include better modelling to take into account the population of breeding females of around 95% climate impacts on water security and updated They can live to between 1970 and 2000. Hundreds of females nested information on the water needs of threatened species. near Tiaro in the 1960's and 1970's. By the 2000’s the The protection of the fresh water flows to the Estuary be over 100 years number of nesting females had plummeted. The Mary and Ramsar listed wetlands, the Great Sandy Strait are but few hatchlings River turtle is one of six turtle species that occur in also important but were neglected in the 2006 plan. the Mary River. It is very distinctive with its long tail survive to grow into Any “strategic reserve” for the purpose of supplying (usually about 20cm long for a male) bum-breathing, water to SEQ in future will be far less than 150,000GL mature adults. an unusual method of breathing through gill-like /year than was written into the 2006 plan. structures in their cloaca (a single opening under the Mary River is a “There are alternative options to get drinking water for tail used for passing of waste and reproducing). coastal cities and other ways which are rapidly advancing 291 km liquid “The Mary River turtle is one of Australia’s most ancient to store electricity than hydro projects. journey into turtle species and it is exclusive to the Mary River.

In the face of recent declining stream flows, predictions It is listed 30th at risk reptile in the world – according evolution... of future increasing variability of droughts and floods, to the Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered higher temperatures increasing evaporation, ice cores programme of the Royal Zoological Society of London. that show longer droughts than we have experienced, wouldn't it The EDGE of Existence programme is the only global conservation improve water security to be moving more to climate independent initiative to focus specifically on threatened species that represent a water supplies and power storage?” significant amount of unique evolutionary history.

Many places around the world are relying on water sensitive urban Internationally and within Australia it is considered to be endangered. design, rainwater and stormwater harvesting, recycling water, desalination and demand management to provide water security.

These turtles can live to be over 100 years old and we still have much to learn about them, especially why so few hatchlings are surviving With Australians moving to batteries as their feed-in tariffs fall, to grow into mature adults,” she said. and the rapid development of new battery technology, it is likely in the next few years that the uptake of electrochemical storage The Mary River supports a number of other aquatic creatures who batteries will increase dramatically. face an uncertain future. The Mary River turtle along with the Mary River Cod (Maccullochella peelii mariensis), are listed as – “The cheapest solutions are not always the best ones long term. endangered, and only occur in the Mary River.

Taking more surface water from a river system and particularly one so special as the Mary River with its iconic threatened species, increases Combined with the living fossil that is the Australian lungfish the risk of degrading the river further.

(Neoceratodus forsteri), which is listed as – vulnerable and the The river has already shown that during the dry times of the year and White-throated Snapping Turtle (Elseya albagula), which drought years, it can not provide environmental flow objectives at was recently listed as – critically endangered; the Mary River is critical points in the river system and is over-allocated already. With therefore – a 291km liquid journey into evolution! threatened species at risk and a lot still not known about them, we Glenda wants to raise awareness of the Mary River turtle and its endanger them further by changing flows or taking more water.” iconic mates, the Mary River Cod and the Australian lungfish so  Glenda said the Mary Valley, as with other parts of Queensland, that people understand why the Mary River needs to be treated was seeing its share of new residents and the annual Mary River with care. Because she adds, “Recovery of these special threatened Festival was a way to get to know the river and be involved with species to thriving is very much dependent on how we limit our water community. The festival committee begins plans early in the year take from the river and improve their habitat.” for the event on Saturday 16 July 2022, following 2021's success in  Projects like the 1 Million Turtles citizen science and community the cooler mid-year. New volunteers are invited to join in the fun. conservation programme that was launched last November 2021 can help support their conservation efforts.

“It’s about celebrating, appreciating and educating people about so many special creatures that call the Mary River home,” she said.

One of the many voices against the controversial Traveston

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The Mary Valley Voice

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HOW HAS KENILWORTH COMMUNITY CHANGED?

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ecently a tourist asked me if I had seen a huge change in the Kenilworth community in the 40 years I spent living in other parts of Queensland. That was a question I had to ponder on for some time. Change? Yes there have been changes – some for the better – better roads, better communication – it doesn’t take all day to be connected to a telephone number in distant parts for example; the community spirit is still there – all the not-for-profit organisations are still run by volunteers.

When I left Kenilworth as a teenager we had industry in the district, along with numerous dairy farms. There were two sawmills – W. G. Doyles in Kenilworth and pictured centre S. T. Adams in Oakey Creek Road. Both of these enterprises employed staff who lived in the district. Adams employees were allocated cottages along Moy Pocket Road – this area was known locally as “Adamstown”.

Doyles had single men’s quarters as well as houses on the mill

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KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL 'THIS & THAT'

enilworth Arts Council members and friends enjoyed a very happy and relaxed Christmas function (4 December).

Guests were greeted with a glass of bubbly and then tucked into a delicious spread prepared by our wonderful catering team. The Singalong! group entertained us once again with their delightful songs. Singalong! has been one of KAC’s success stories for the past year. Our sincere thanks to Trish, David, Kathleen and all the helpers and participants for an enjoyable weekly Singalong!

Our long running raffle was also drawn with three of the four prizes going to local folk and the other to a lady in Brisbane. A big thank you to all who donated goods, time and effort to the raffle, with special thanks to our Treasurer, Susan H.  Now, into 2022! Our first function of the year will be a book launch on Saturday 12 February at The Shed at 5.30pm. We are helping our lovely local lady launch her book “Deanna Dunham – The Drover’s Daughter”  a fascinating story of Dee’s life. Her book will be launched by another talented local writer and poet, Ian Mackay.

For further details about attending, please email Dee on deedunham@live.com.au  The Kenilworth ArtsFest art competition is on again but this time online! Please visit https:// kenilwortharts.org.au/ to find out the details which will be operating in February and March.  We are hoping to make a start soon on some type of arts/crafts sessions for anyone who would like to get together regularly with like-minded people to paint, draw, do craft work, knit, sew or just dabble in anything arty/crafty. If enough people are interested we could form more than one interest group. A healthy New Year to all our members, friends and the community. Best wishes for 2022 from KAC.

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site for married employees.

All these workers contributed to the economy of the township.

The General Store delivered groceries ordered by telephone to the different areas of the district on specific days. There were two operating cafes where many of the single men purchased their hot meal for the day.

The township also had two butcheries servicing the community, a bakery, general store, drapery, newagency, garage, hotel and post office.

When Kenilworth was connected to the state electricity grid on 13 September, 1951 a different form of industry was introduced to the district. The supply and maintenance of the new power system brought jobs and people to the district. The South East Queensland Electricity Board (S.E.Q.E.B.) depot and Pascoe’s electrical business established during this decade provided apprenticeships for local young men.

E. A. and N. C. Richardson received approval from the Maroochy Shire Council to build the new shop bringing a plumber to town.

(Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser, Friday 2 February 1951, page 8). It was Brian Mallet who ran this business and was instrumental in the installation of the reticulated water supply to the township in 1957. The water supply was officially launched in the Town Park pictured top that the local population had raised funds to purchase and donated to the Maroochy Shire Council.

For the current residents who were here in the 1950’s the memories of the dances, the amateur hours, the balls – when the hall was so packed it was difficult to move on the dance floor, the pictures on a Saturday night with up to 200 people attending, the Young Farmers Association, the CWA younger set, the Boy Scouts and Cubs may still be happy reminiscences.

All of these organisations managed to survive without the benefit of grants or handouts from any level of government – just the independent nature of this community.

One of the major changes I have seen is the difference in the number of local residents involved in those not-for-profit organisations.

The first show society had 29 members (Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser Friday 7 February 1919, page 4).

By 1924 the membership had grown to 76 (Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser, 9 April 1925, page 4), with more than 20 people reported attending a monthly meeting.

It was that sense of community that brought me back here to live. But being part of a community means that a personal contribution should be made.

What is your contribution to our community?

Lenore Meldrum, President Kenilworth & District Historical Association Inc.

The Mary Valley Voice

KSCC S CHOOL NEWS W

elcome to 2022! I am writing to introduce myself to the Kenilworth community. My name is Theresa Lyndon – I have been transferred to Kenilworth State Community College as the Prep/Year 1/Year 2 teacher from January 2022.

As a Kenilworth local for over six years, I am excited to be finally joining the Kenilworth school team! As a teacher with 36 years’ experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience teaching in many schools and communities to my new school. As a parent with four adult children, I have a first-hand understanding of the dynamics, frustrations and highs and lows of family life and kids of all ages. Over my career I have taught many year levels in Brisbane, Mundubbera, Nanango, Robina and Gympie. For the past three years I have been the Prep/1/2 teacher at Conondale State School, where I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the community and teaching the younger students at that school.

I have left there with some sadness, but am looking forward to building new positive relationships with my local community, parents and students. Teaching in a small school brings many additional tasks, with fewer staff to get jobs achieved. I’ve enjoyed taking on many roles at Conondale, organising all events for the early years and participating in community functions.

I am experienced with working in a small school, teaching multi-year level classes and planning the curriculum to ensure that every student is taught all Key Learning Areas.

Learning begins with feeling valued, respected, cared about and supported.

The start of the 2022 school Building strong positive relationships that year in Queensland moves from nurture every child, encourage and promote self-confidence ensures that every student Monday 24 January to Monday aims high, knowing that they can achieve their 7 February to avoid opening best. I’m really looking forward to meeting the Kenilworth school families in a few weeks! schools during the predicted peak Theresa Lyndon, of the Omicron wave and to allow Prep/Year 1/Year 2 Teacher

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Last December 314ml.

The 20 year average for December 170ml.

There was rain on 16 days, the average for December being 15 days.

The total rainfall for 2021 was 1161ml.

2020 total rainfall was 1239ml.

The 20 year annual average 1196ml.

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Kenilworth ArtsFest competition – Visit our web page! www.kenilwortharts.org.au

‚ Every Friday – Singalong! at KAC 10am till 12.

‚ Children’s Art Group at KAC. Classes starting 2022 – Thursday 6 January Thursday 13 January Thursday 20 January

‚ Saturday 12 February book launch 5.30pm “Deanna Dunham – The Drover’s Daughter” at the Shed.

12 JANUARY 2022 | July 15, 2015

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KAC DIARY DATES 2022

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COMMUNITY WELLBEING AN EPISCOPATE VISIT HIGHLIGHTED A BUSY WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS FOR KENILWORTH CHURCHES

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Eucharistic celebration and visit by Bishop Jeremy Greaves pictured below left were the highlight of a very busy preChristmas week for Kenilworth churches.

Bishop Jeremy is the Northern Regional Bishop for the Diocese of Brisbane.

A light (healthy) lunch followed the service, farewelling the bishop in true Kenilworth style.

Kenilworth’s Churches’ busy Christmas calendar commenced with a service of “Reconciliation and Healing” at St John Bosco’s on Tuesday. The service was well attended by a congregation representing the Catholic, Anglican and Uniting Churches, setting the agenda for a week of celebration and reflection.

Christmas Eve’s Eucharist commenced a very busy day for Bishop Jeremy. Leaving Kenilworth, he celebrated Eucharist at St Mary’s Montville, with the activities culminating in Midnight Mass at St George’s Maleny.

As darkness fell on Christmas Eve, the ecumenical congregations again assembled at St John Bosco’s for a service appropriately titled “Carols and Light”. As the last rays of daylight faded, candlelight provided an excellent setting for a celebration of wellknown carols and readings.

Christmas morning broke with a Eucharist celebrated by Rev Kaye Pitman pictured above right at St Luke’s.

It was a pleasure to welcome several visitors to the service and share Christmas cheer on the verandah.

Father Odinaka Nwadike pictured left celebrated Mass at St John Bosco’s, climaxing a very busy week for the Kenilworth Christian community.

Kindly submitted by Peter Hennessy.

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AVOIDING SUN DAMAGE

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here are several ways of avoiding sun damage including staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, seek shade when outside e.g. awnings or umbrellas on tractors, wear hats, long sleeve shirts, long trousers, sunglasses and sunscreens.

The best materials for clothing are natural fibre, not too thin and preferably not white, and for hats – straw, felt or material. Some of the most vulnerable parts of the body include the nose, lips, face, forehead and scalp, tops of ears, upper chest, back of the neck, hands, exposed areas of forearms and eyes.

Wrap around sunglasses will reduce the incidence of or slow the development of cataracts.

For the rest of the exposed skin the best protection product is sunscreen. Sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and are classified as primary or secondary sunscreens depend on the primary use of the product e.g. a secondary sunscreen may be a moisturiser which includes a sunscreen of SPF 15 or better. Sunscreens are rated and to be effective should be SPF 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks out 96.7% UVB and SPF 50 blocks out 98% UVB.  Correct application requires sufficient sunscreen and the accepted amounts are one teaspoonful (5ml) for each exposed limb, back and front of torso, and half a teaspoonful each for face, neck and ears. This equates to 35ml to 40ml for a whole body.

It is recommended to re-apply every two hours and if swimming or sweating use a water-resistant preparation. Apart from the water resistant and moisturising bases there are also propylene glycol/alcoholic bases which are good for people who do not like the feel of normal preparations.

All sunscreens should be applied at least 20 minutes before going out into the sun.

Some people can be sensitive to some of the sunscreens, so consider alternatives such as titanium dioxide (it reflects rather than filters out the UV).

Also occasionally people can become sensitised to the vehicles (bases), in which instance talk to your local pharmacist.

Lastly, remember to stay well hydrated – drinking plenty of water when out in the sun.

Kindly submitted by Warren Blee OAM, Consultant Pharmacist

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PICKERING BRIDGE, MOY POCKET W

NOT QUITE “WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE…”

ith a flood peak of 10.2 metres at Moy Pocket, the recent Mary River flooding around Kenilworth wasn’t even at “minor level”. The water level sat at around two metres over Pickering Bridge for several hours before starting to drop.

They always say that each flood is different and what characterised this one was that the heaviest falls weren’t upstream of Kenilworth, as is so often the case, but much further downstream in the Tiaro and Miva area, as ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth hovered over both, delivering impressive rainfalls.

While the Gympie Times was reporting a prize bull being swept downstream, most of the Mary’s aquatic creatures find a quiet spot and wait it out.

Although we often speak of “swift moving floodwaters”, observation of a river in flood shows fast places and slow ones, and sometimes even ones where the flow goes backwards.

Smaller creatures like snails, grasshoppers, spiders and even frogs, toads and snakes often clamber aboard logs as they travel downstream. Floods at this time do represent a challenge for Mary River turtles in terms of their breeding. Characteristically they lay their eggs after storms and rain in November and with roughly a two-month wait before hatching, the eggs are susceptible to being inundated during that time. Some lay not all that far above the waterline, others further above it, as if the species as a whole is weighing up the odds, balancing the risk of a flood with the benefits of hatching nearer the water.

It’s times like these, though, where you realise what is really the river’s territory, rather than the mark it makes on the landscape for the rest of the year.

With a sizeable catchment in a high rainfall area, nothing is more inevitable than flooding, and with a river being really a series of the lowest points in the landscape, there is no other option for water to run off, nowhere else for it to go.

Scientists call the Pickering Bridge, Moy Pocket around the peak of the January 2022 flooding. quieter spots “refugia” and they are a haven Historically floodplains have benefitted from the deposition of silt for fish and turtles at times like these. Remember a few floods making them fertile and attractive for agriculture but at times like back the lungfish that sought one such spot in the flooded carpark these you have to question the wisdom of locating our towns and of a Mary Street hotel, only to find itself a media celebrity as the cities on them. waters receded.

Kindly submitted by Ian Mackay, Chairman MRCCC.

The Mary Valley Voice

12 JANUARY 2022 |

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MRCCC REPORT + FIND-A-FROG A

MARY GETS WET WET WET...

lthough the early January downpour caused some minor and moderate flooding in the Mary Valley, however it was downstream of Gympie that the major flooding occurred in the Mary River and tributaries, with the highest flood peaks recorded in Wide Bay and Munna Creeks at Woolooga, Teebar and Maryborough.

There is always a concern for threatened aquatic species during these flood events, particularly the endangered Mary River turtle, which lays its eggs on sandy river banks. While it is thought that most of the eggs would have already hatched, the powerful flood waters would be disastrous for the tiny turtle hatchlings, causing them to be swept away from their instream safe havens.

Sediment washed into the river systems affects water quality and also impacts on aquatic species habitat within the river system and in the receiving waters of the Ramsar listed Great Sandy Strait.

The floodwaters also displace freshwater turtles, sometimes leaving them stranded a considerable distance from the waterway.

Wildlife rescuers advise returning stranded turtles to the closest permanent water source.

• There’s one species that loves the rain and that’s our frogs, so the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee is gearing up for its annual

Citizen Science program, Find a Frog in February. Jump on to the MRCCC website www. mrccc.org.au/frog-in-february for all the information you need to become a frog finder and help fill knowledge gaps about our local frogs. The rare and beautiful Giant barred frog – Mixophyes iteratus – showing the golden eye colour and body and leg markings. Below, January 2022 flood – very obvious dirt dumping from Deep Creek into the Mary River at Gympie – the sediment-heavy waters were on their way to Maryborough and the sea. Article and photos kindly submitted by Deb Seal, MRCCC.

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COMMUNITY NICKLIN SCHOOLS GET SMART WITH ORGANIC WASTE

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he Palaszczuk Government has been overwhelmed with Queensland schools and students wanting to join in the Organics Waste Smart Schools Program.

“We received a staggering 250 applications from state schools wanting to reduce their organic waste by motivating their communities to turn food and garden scraps into useable compost and other materials,” Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said.

“We have now selected 217 successful projects that we will support with total funding of almost $500,000. The Organic Waste Smart Schools Program allows schools to apply for up to $2500 for projects such as composting and worm farm systems, behaviour change initiatives, circular food waste systems and more.”

Member for Nicklin, Robert Skelton MP pictured said schools showed a great deal of imagination in coming up with projects that would encourage young students to become environmentally conscious adults by putting systems in place at school and at home to cut down on organic waste going to landfill.

“For example, Chevallum S.S. will be installing wheelie bin worm farms in key locations around the school and Nambour State College will establish a Woorie Waste Warriors program, managed by the school’s incoming student Environmental Leaders. Burnside State Primary will setup compost and separation bins, Federal S.S. will purchase a mulcher to turn food waste into fertiliser, and North Arm S.S. will use the funds to establish the ‘Matter Matters’ program, complementing their existing recycling programs,” Mr Skelton said.

Principal of Nambour State College’s primary campus, Mrs Bec Hutton, said “this exciting program helped shine a light on the great work the College has already been doing in raising awareness about the importance of effective waste disposal, recycling and sustainability. We are delighted to be a part of this very promising program because it ties in perfectly with the environmental leadership goals of Nambour State College which is all about understanding, caring for and working sustainably with what we’ve got.

Thanks to this grant, our Woorie Waste Warriors Program will be able to provide our students with the ideal, everyday learning that nothing goes to waste, and that through consistent composting and recycling efforts, we too can make a difference to our local environment.”

Ms Scanlon said there was “a wave of momentum” in Queensland communities looking to reduce their waste, increase their recycling and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Avoiding and reducing organic waste is a strong first step,” Minister Scanlon said.

“Organic matter, such as food and garden waste, make up to 50 per cent of what goes in waste bins. This will help the next generation about how to reduce, reuse and recycle, which benefits everyone.”

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unshine Coast Council conducted their routine nighttime feral animal surveying at Kenilworth, Conondale and Cambroon between 20 December and 22 December 2021.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said surveying was used to determine the distribution, population, size, habitat use and impacts of feral animals.

“It’s vital to understand the extent and magnitude of feral animals in the region and monitor where they are so activities can be implemented to minimise their impact on our environment and our community,” Cr Suarez said.

“Data collected from these surveys is used to inform and assess the effectiveness of council’s feral animal control programs and to assist with targeting problem areas.

“Some survey results are shared with research organisations, universities and other areas of government across the country, and form the basis for further research, programs and investigations.”

Feral animal impacts include damage to agricultural and horticultural crops, irrigation and fences, competition with livestock for pasture and supplementary feed, attacks on livestock, domestic pets and native animals, damage to trees and native regeneration, the dispersal of weed seeds and erosion.

The survey is conducted from council roads and reserves and does not require officers to enter private property.

The work was performed using night-time thermal imaging equipment mounted to a council vehicle. No spotlights are used.

Surveying was conducted in the following locations: • Walli Creek Rd / Walli Mountain Rd, Kenilworth • Aherns Rd, Conondale • Kilcoy Lane – Broken Bridge Rd, Conondale • Eastern Mary River Rd, Cambroon • Booloumba Creek Rd, Cambroon.

Report sightings of feral animals in your area to council. Pictured above, the English red fox.

Council officers are available to assist with education and action for landowners to minimise the impact of feral animals on their property.

For more information contact council at mail@sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au or phone 5475 7272.

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DIY OFF GRID MADE EASY New planning scheme in the works Council is in the early stages of preparing a new planning scheme and everyone will soon have the opportunity to provide initial feedback on the proposed planning directions for our region. Visit Council’s website and sign up today to receive updates and details on future engagement activities on the project.

Explore 73km of Coastal Pathway These school holidays, grab the kids, bikes or scooters and get out and explore 73km of Coastal Pathway and all it has to offer!

Hugging the coastline from Bells Creek to Coolum, the pathway offers families easy riding or walking with connections to local parks and playgrounds and a coffee stop or two along the way. Check out the Coastal Pathway guide or watch the videos of what the pathway has to offer by visiting Council’s website.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online –Thursday, 27 January at 9am.

Register for your rates Your Council rate notice will arrive in the next couple of weeks and payment is due

by Friday, 25 February. If you register through MyCouncil to receive future rates notices by email, you’ll go in the running to win up to $1000 off your next rates bill.

Visit Council's website for more details.

Flying-foxes keep our native forests healthy Some trees, like Australian eucalypts, only flower at night and depend on flying-foxes for survival to pollinate their flowers and spread their seeds. Without flying-foxes, there would be no food and shelter for koalas, no pristine habitat for native birds, and no magnificent forests for us all to enjoy. See Council's website for more info.

CUSTOMER CONTACT

sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/ Contact-Council

The Refinery 4.0 Working on a creative business idea but don’t know how to take the next step? Or maybe your creative business could do with a refresh, realign and a bit of a shake up? Refinery 2022 is open for applications and is encouraging creative entrepreneurs of all kinds to apply. To apply and for more details, visit therefinerysunshinecoast.com.

07 5475 7272 mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

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HI FROM THE SOLARLASERPRODUCTIONS TEAM!

e've been producing large solar powered laser shows, lighting and sound events since 2005 and over the years we've designed several solar generators with the aim to create a system which can provide robust mains-like power and is easy to set up.

After building each new generator version, before using it on our precious event equipment, we stress test it for a few months on our house and workshop first. There we have typical appliances ranging from sensitive computers through to heavy surging washing machines, air-conditioners, pumps, cookers, ovens, shed tools, air compressors, etc.

As you can probably imagine, years of testing has left us with a workshop full of broken electronic devices, failed batteries, dodgy solar panels, burned out water pumps, blown LED lights and failed computers.

Finding it hard to get warranty on imported items and having a background in electronics, we often tried to fix things but soon gave up upon seeing how badly (cheaply) many items were made. In the hope to find better equipment, after careful research, we would buy new, only to be disappointed over and again.

As the years went by, it became clear to us that the specifications of many devices were wildly exaggerated as most didn't even live up to half of what they were rated for and if they did, they usually soon failed under “real world” load.

Some devices did last for a year or two but then suddenly failed for no apparent reason, which has made us increasingly suspicious of the so-called “programmed obsolescence” syndrome, where a microchip decides when it's time for a device to go to landfill.

The up-side to this costly journey is that we also came across ultra robust devices which no matter how we treated them, never failed us.

Interestingly... these devices are manufactured in Australia! They are probably so durable because they are designed for our harsh Aussie conditions.

They are also “dedicated devices” that just do the one job they are made for and don't have bells and whistles, like LCD screens and programmable parameters which can lose the plot when exposed to static caused by wind, solar flares, distant lightning, microwave ovens, phones, WiFi, etc.

We have also found it wise to avoid combo devices which regulate the solar power, invert the battery power and charge from the mains when needed. The reason is that if one of the elements breaks, you have to send the whole combo away and have nothing to work with. Also, often the chargers are the wrong size for the battery bank and if they are right, what if you decide to expand your battery bank?

As such, we find dedicated units for jobs the most robust way to go and for anyone wanting enhanced power security, get two of everything with smaller power outputs (stays cooler) instead of one large high power device. Eg: two x 60A regulator instead of one 120A. When thinking about it, having withstood the decades of the unfair assault of the cheaper falsely advertised imports, any surviving Australian manufacturer today, should be given a medal! Being still in business shows that their service and product must be of exceptional quality, if not the best in the world. After all, with temperatures ranging from -15 to +50, humidity ranging from 10% to 90% and with impressive lightning and dust storms to boot, this country is a perfect testing ground.

And when talking about Australian manufacturers, we don't mean those who just import and re-label products either, but rather those who actually “manufacture” and service their products here in Australia. Re-label sellers using their once good company name are ultimately only contributing to the erosion of our Aussie manufacturing and skill base.

We have all seen how the cheap and often dangerous electronic imports of the past decades have ruined thousands of good Aussie businesses. Personally, we have witnessed a top Aussie manufacturer go from a proud 75 skilled employees (which took over 25 years to build up) to a skeleton crew of nine, within just a few short years of the cheaper imports flooding our markets. Where did all those well trained engineers and technicians go? Doing menial tasks somewhere? On government support? The word “tragic” doesn't even come close to what has happened.

As such, we've become a big fan of true “Aussie Made” and hope to see more businesses re-establish the production of quality goods, which should then also reduce the mindless landfill situation we have been experiencing in the past decades.  Above extract is the introduction from our free booklet. See advert opposite on page 13.

Visit SolarLaserProductions.com.au – international producer of audio visual events since 1984 and designer of solar ideas since 2005. For any enquiries call Serge 07 5484 5963.

The Mary Valley Voice

MARY VALLEY

We love our Mary Valley Beautiful place to visit - Great place to live

Marg Cochrane

Cherie Carlson - SOLD5 Hillcrest Court, Imbil Listed and under contract in less than 2 weeks!

Lifestyle property is still in high demand and we have a list of qualified Buyers ready to move!

Call our owners Marg & Cherie today to discuss your real estate goals!

The Mary Valley Voice

12 JANUARY 2022 |

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LOCAL AND FEDERAL CR WINSTON JOHNSTON DIVISION 5 SUNSHINE COAST

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alton’s Bridge Rehabilitation – Stage 2 I’m pleased to see Stage 2 works have wrapped up on the timber bridge spanning Mary River at the southern end of Eastern Mary River Road, Conondale. Dalton’s Bridge underwent strengthening and repair works in September 2021, and additional works were identified during completing the original scope of repairs to extend the life of the bridge. I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding while we completed these safety improvements for our community.

• Help council create a new planning scheme – A planning scheme sets out council’s plan for managing growth within our region. It applies to land that you own or rent and affects what you can do with your land and what your neighbour can do with theirs.

Council is in the early stages of preparing a new planning scheme and everyone will soon have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed planning directions for our region – including Division 5 areas including Maleny and Montville.

Visit council’s website and sign up today to receive project updates, details on future engagement activities and be the first to have your say when consultation begins on the new Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project.

• Minor Grants success – Council’s recent Minor Grants round (part of the Community Grants Program) saw more than $81,000 delivered to 50 local not-for-profit organisations. Congratulations to the following successful applicants: Combined Probus Club of Maleny Inc, Lily House in Woombye, Montville Village Association Inc, Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Nambour and Hinterland Australian Football Club Inc, Suncoast Hinterland BMX Club in Mooloolah Valley and Maleny Swimming Club.

The Community Grants Program’s next round will be a Major Grant round, opening 1 February and closing 14 March, with notification anticipated before 9 May, 2022. For more information visit council’s website.

Keeping you connected – Please do keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest Division 5 news and information. Visit www. facebook.com/winstonjohnstondivision5scc

part of the remote Conondale Range Great Walk.

• Minor Grants success – Council’s recent Minor Grants round (part of the Community Grants Program) saw more than $81,000 delivered to 50 local not-for-profit organisations. Congratulations to successful applicants including Gheerulla Hall and Recreation Association Inc, which received $2000 towards dance workshops to encourage exercise, community and inclusive dance in Gheerulla, plus Gunalda and Districts Western Performance Club, which received $500 towards a clinic day to bring together the equestrian community. The Community Grants Program’s next round will be a Major Grant round, opening 1 February and closing 14 March, with notification anticipated before 9 May, 2022. For more information visit council’s website.

• Out and about – I’m pleased to once again hold councillor drop-in sessions and free tree days this year. Keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest dates and information. Best wishes for a successful and healthy 2022 to you all.

If you have any questions please contact me at email: david. law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and follow my Facebook page for regular updates: @DavidLawDivision10.

TED O’BRIEN MP

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FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX

elivery of infrastructure is my first priority and the Sunshine Coast is now receiving more Federal funding than ever.

For example, I secured $390M for Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrades and $241M to fund works currently underway on the Bruce Highway at Maroochydore and Mons Rds. I also announced $8.78M a couple of months ago for a regional food and beverage hub to help local food and beverage companies research, develop, manufacture and scale their products using common-use facilities.

As we look to the future, I believe nothing is more important than rail and I have two projects in mind. Both are new lines that would extend the existing network in the short term but should be designed to accommodate fast rail in the future: firstly, we need a new fully duplicated line – that’s two tracks - between Beerburrum and Nambour and; second, we need a new rail line from Beerwah to Maroochydore along the CAMCOS corridor. I have secured CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 SUNSHINE COAST $5M for the former and $3M for the latter for planning work, to be matched by the Queensland Government which owns and xploring Kenilworth – I recently visited Kenilworth and operates the rail. came across a few people who said they want to be able to I’m often asked why I’m driving the campaign for better rail when experience some walks in and around town. Well the great news it’s a State Government responsibility. The answer is simple – is there are plenty available and with the New Year now upon us, our community needs better rail and I’m happy to try and secure what better way to get active then exploring the great outdoors?

Federal Government funds to help make it happen. I’m also happy Jump online to adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and take your to work shoulder-to-shoulder with anyone who’s prepared to pick. There’s the Kenilworth Township Explore 1.4km easy circuit, advance these projects regardless of their politics because we where people can take a stroll through our charming hinterland need a unity ticket to succeed. If you agree, please register your village with plenty of character. Nearby there’s also the Imbil State support at www.fastrail.com.au.

Forest Fig Tree Walk, a surprising gem tucked just off the highway • The Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund is now with both forest and creek views that’s just a 1km circuit suitable open for community infrastructure, building upgrades, events and for all levels. For something a little more challenging, why not try planning projects. I encourage interested community groups to the Conondale National Park: Booloumba Creek and Stranger Cairn speak with my office in the first instance.

2.6km walk. See an amazing sculpture and a beautiful creek in this • Olympics update – I was honoured to be nominated recently for a position on the Brisbane 2032 2500x FREE Organising Committee for the A4 COPIES PRINTED. Olympic and Paralympic Games MVV Editor jillguldbransen@gmail.com 1900x mailbox (BOCOG), by Prime Minister Scott direct. Rest are 0455 262 495 • 07 5494 9619 Morrison. by ten writ s year bulk drops. the community • Summer road trip: for the community.

My summer road trip around the electorate is being planned for MONDAY 31 JANUARY for #2 MVV 9 FEBRUARY 2022 end of January with locations to be Website issues issuu.com/maryvalleyvoice announced on my social pages and Mary Valley Community News Assoc. Inc., publishers of The Mary Valley Voice since 1991, reserves the right to refuse inappropriate weekly e-newsletter, to which you advertising and submissions for both print and website, and any opinions expressed in any published advertisements or submissions can subscribe at www.ted.obrien. does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Association or its Editor. It also reserves the right to determine what is inappropriate for publication purposes. • ABN 61 781 267 568 • Mary Valley Community News Assoc Inc, PO Box 158, Kenilworth Q 4574 com.au.

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Mary Valley Voice

The

FEBRUARY DEADLINE

14 | 12 JANUARY 2022

The Mary Valley Voice

FRIENDS OF KANDANGA

Come along and sign up as a member for 2022 to keep this community group going! Photos courtesy their Facebook page.

5.30am-6pm Mon-Sat 7am-6pm Sunday

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Any queries contact Glenda Pickersgill on 0411 443 589. Below photo of 8 January 2022 flooding. Kandanga Farm Store in view.

short term or ongoing care, we’re here to help! We support NDIS, My Aged Care and the private sector of our community.

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The Mary Valley Voice

Contact Leonie -

Email: Leonie@leonies-caring.com.au

12 JANUARY 2022 |

15

LATEST LISTINGS 7 Kenilworth Brooloo Road, Kenilworth It’s affordable and it’s in Kenilworth.

Offers over $385,000

This three bedroom older style brick home with kitchen and dining combined has a separate lounge room which opens onto a covered patio. For the tinkerer in the family this property has the lot. A large open carport which has been used for extended parties and family gatherings, old timber shed for storage and workshop tools plus another single garage at the rear of the property. All of this on a 827m2 block of land. There are some established fruit trees at the front of the property and you have a rural outlook from the front patio. Other features include a 1.5klw solar system on the roof, air conditioning, town water and sewage, easy access to main roads and the local town centre. It’s a little bit in need of some TLC but it has good bones.

9 George Street, Brooloo Private half acre – two-bedroom cottage.

$550,000

This compact cottage has all that you need. With two bedrooms open plan living and a good-sized covered verandah. The gardens are well established and very private with an automatic watering system installed; it can even be operated from your mobile phone.

Quality solar system that feeds back to the grid was recently installed. A meandering garden path leads you to a fully enclosed plunge pool which is a great spot to hang out and cool down during the hot summer days. The entrance into the property is a fully made bitumen drive way which provides easy access to the double garage. Lets not forget your pet dog (if you have one) they will love this property as there is 2024m2 in total, all fully fenced. Currently rented and returning $420.00.

Let our real estate family show your family the way home

Tonia Murtagh

Carol Gilmour

07 5446 0222 www.boxsells.com.au

0407 135 797

0417 603 451

tonia@boxsells.com.au

carol@boxsells.com.au