And now with the freeing up of reporting rules, it’s clear now that this dropped case is the catalyst for a more broadly based war of words, but it is a war with no rules of enragement – it’s getting quite nasty. However, in answer to reasonable calls for reforms to the legal handling of rape cases, The ‘Pie passes on a brilliant tweet that is the perfect – make that absolutely perfect – answer.
Stifled in council, Fightin’ Fran O’Callaghan again takes to social media to get the ratepayers’ voice heard …. despite the Mayor introducing a regulation to gag her. Un-fucking-believable.
Phillip Thompson publicly asks Albo to intervene with the Palaszczuk government on the issue of juvenile crime in Townsville …
The fatal flaw in the new national Anti-Corruption Commission that is only going to add to the sound and fury surrounding perceptions of political dishonesty.
Plus our regular American gallery opens with one of the funniest put downs of the year.
Those of you with an unquenchable failing for uncontrolled generosity can exercise your weakness by supporting the The Nest and its slow rebuilt into a smarter publication … feel free to use the donate button at the end of the blog. You’re welcome.
Now, wading on ..
Philling The Void
There are often sporting analogies applied to politics, and at this moment, a soccer (football to the faithful) one seems apt.
A friendly match saw Mayor Mullet, an expert dribbler, teaming up with hard hitting forward Phil Thompson. Working her way down the left wing (natch) of the field, she send in a high floating cross to full forward Thompson. He heads home a winner, leaving the hapless goalkeeper Aaron Harper, pounding the turf, tearfully telling supporters no one had worked harder than him to save that goal, and he wanted it disallowed.
A week or so ago, the high floating pass from the mayor came when, expertly judging cold electoral winds blowing, she attacked her three local Labor colleagues for their inaction on juvenile crime. For good measure, she bent the shot to include former bff Premier Anna Alphabet, castigating her for laws that aggravated the situation.
Phil Thompson, used to playing in a higher league than The Mullet, was ready for the cross, he was never going to miss an opportunity like this, and delivered the ‘header’ in federal Parliament, calling on Albo to tell Queensland Labor to pull their finger out on the issue.
The mayor’s tough pose was a lot of huffing and puffing and actually only asked that any community service the occasional brat was asked to serve would be done in the city to even things up a bit. Yeah that’ll frighten the bejasus out of ‘em.
But Bentley realised this was no member of the Over The Hill Gang, this was a new gun in town. And she was gunna sort things out.
One of the famed Riders of the Purple Sage that old timers will recall.
The Champagne’s Flowing In Kirwan today.
Busloads of investors will soon be clogging the streets, vying with joyriding young citizens, as they seek to snatch up a bargain. Because according to the Weekend Astonisher, Kirwan was the only Townsville suburb that can expect a growth in house prices next year.
Kirwanites, no bitching, take the win, and forget the fact that you median house price in the third lowest of the top 20 in the state, at just $380,000. But hey, at least your near the top of the list for highest rates.
But Don’t Get Your Hopes Up Too High
Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe has apologised to Australians for giving them unclear guidance that led to hundreds of thousands taking out big mortgages in the expectation that interest rates would stay low until 2024.
Towards the end of 2020 and for nearly all of last year, Dr Lowe said interest rates would not likely rise until 2024.
Bentley sounds a word of caution when he says ‘Whilst rates are still historically low, it’s doubtful they will stay that way as long as inflation allows the banks a reason to jack them up. But that could never happen, could it?’
Mayor Mullet Introduces A Gag Order To Stop Fran O’Callaghan Asking Questions
If that sounds sensational, that’s because it is, and it’s true … disgracefully true. Try this on for size from the revised TCC regulations:
“Councillors must not make requests under these guidelines for advice or information when a dominant purpose of the request is to assist the Councillor to publicly criticise a Council decision in a way that may diminishes the Council’s standing, authority or dignity.
WHAT?
Dignity? Bloody DIGNITY? Calling for risible airline boycotts, supporting a visitor tax, paying out damages to one of the most egregious politicians in the country and lying about rate rises etc etc etc … doesn’t leave much room for dignity.
Here’s the full story from Fran herself, on her FB page … and what’s the betting that the TCC’s legal bully and bovver boy Tony Bligh(t) is already preparing yet another official complaint against the Division 10 councillor just for keeping us informed from behind the purple veil.
Then there’s this, which The Magpie seriously believes is worthy of a court challenge by the ratepayers, forget all the stacked government authorities, this is nothing short of subversion of the democratic process.
Folks, we really are in very real trouble in this city. If this is the reaction to a single independent councillor, from a mayor with as overwhelming number of elected councillors and a subservient executive, the question has to be asked: why? The relentlessness of the attacks on O’Callaghan seem to go beyond the well known spite of this mayor and her lick-spittle shill, little big man Tony Bligh(t).
But One Bright Note
That excellent seven storey hotel and restaurant complex proposed for the Strand has been given the green light. TCC CEO Prins The Prince Ralston ticked the box, when councillors excused themselves from voting because of a bulk conflict of interest. The 9 objectors won’t be happy, but the 230 short and long term workers will be, as will the tourists this sort of development will attract.
Scuttling For Cover
ACT Crown Prosecutor Shane Drumgold
It’s a classic instance of doing the right thing for the wrong reason, ACT Crown prosecutor Shane Drumgold has dropped the rape trial against Bruce Lehrmann. This is the bloke who insisted on the trial going ahead, despite evidence so scant that even the AFP investigators argued with him that it was insufficient to bring Brittany Higgin’s allegation of rape up to proof.
It seems to The ‘Pie that Drumgold was a glory hound and wannabee dinner party hero, so went ahead anyway.
A mess start to finish, ending with Crown Prosecutor Drumgold, making cowardly dash for the convenient cover of Ms Higgin’s emotional turmoil and possible future psychological damage, without a hint of acknowledgement that his vaulting misjudgement undoubtedly contributed to the woman’s current instability. When all along, he should have known, as many in the legal fraternity did from the outset, that he should never have brought this prosecution on the scant evidence available.
Drumgold’s Friday announcement managed to leave us with a touch of ambiguous haughty smarm when his statement ended:
The decision to prosecute can be understood as a two-stage process.
“First, does the evidence offer reasonable prospects of conviction?
“If so, is it in the public interest to proceed with a prosecution?
“This is a view I still hold today.”
It is now clear that Drumgold refused to accept the obvious fact that ‘no’ was the answer to both his standard prosecutorial questions.
Too much grandstanding and side issues were woven into this debacle, but Drumgold wasn’t alone in the hubris stakes. Justice Lucy McCallum should be removed from the bench, she failed dismally to do her job – her personal judgements and directions to the jury were not of the real world or of common sense.
And ignorant urgers like Lisa Wilkinson, eager to virtue signal her support for cheap airtime, had perhaps left Ms Higgin’s with unrealistic understanding of how the laws in matters like this work. The media has hardly covered itself in glory through this, and now there are no court restrictions, the barney on all media has widen into the old him and her stuff, with both MS and social media full of vitriol. The crux of the central argument is how to avoid the circus that this trial descended to, and in future provide fairness to all involved in such actions.
And the answer is to be found in this retort to a book promotion by the self-promoting Louise Milligan.
Of course, the media wouldn’t like this put into legislation, and probably no government would dare unless Rupert OK’d it, but The ‘Pie has thought on it from all angles, and it is the ideal solution. The outcome of trials of crime of rape are matters that the public has a right to be informed about, but there in NO necessity for the drooling blow-by-blow prurient reporting in real time. OK, when it’s all over, sure if you must, when there is a conviction but no one is deprived of any meaningful information or right-to-know by having the whole matter, start to finish, completed in camera.
And it would guarantee complainants, almost always women, the protections and safeguards they rightly seek, without disadvantaging the accused.
From Arguing FOR Secrecy To Arguing Against It
But The Magpie is not being inconsistent here … sexual matters between private adult are vastly different kettle of condoms to the misbehaviour -sexual or otherwise – of our elected representatives and those who do their bidding, public servants.
This from comments during the week.
The Magpie
November 30, 2022 at 6:22 pm (Edit)
OK The Magpie claims dibs on being the first with the inevitable.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) was brought into law today, and headline writers have rejoiced. They are going to have a juvenile field day with the likes of ‘NACC-ered!!’, and ‘De-NACC-ered!!’. And all permutations thereof.
But it’s already started its groan-worthy life in The Guardian.
But there is an extremely serious flaw in today’s Bill … the totally upside down regulation that it will be the Commission to decide if protecting possible unjust publicity for anyone brought before it, the NACC will be the arbiter if a public hearing is justified.
That is completely arse-about as a starting point. Certainly, with the vicious and skewed media we enjoy today, certain matters involving national security should no doubt be heard behind closed doors, but the starting assumption must surely be that ALL hearings are held openly in the public interest. That way, if the NACC decides otherwise, there is an onus on them to give a broad reason – as it stands, they have no obligation to to say why a hearing is secret, what prejudicial effects an open hearing might cause, just that it is the norm. Not even a broad-brush explanation.
And remember, the main group of people being investigated are expected to be -ta da – politicians!!
This is an absolute disaster for the transparency of our national politics and the bureaucracy that serves it. Because the NACC will primarily be investigating not just shiny bums, but the people WE elect to serve US in parliament. The closed hearing regulation offers the temptation if not the opportunity for even greater rorting of the public trust.
As it stands, with no transparent explanation that can be made, these unelected bureaucrats will decide what is in the ‘public interest’ … which really means they decide what we have a right to know, without reference to any other law or right. Matters touching on national security of course need the shield of closed hearings, but what others matters meet the test?
It is an unfortunate circumstance of the lowly state of reporting and media management that anyone facing a yet to be tested accusation will get the glare of the media spotlight (and possibly outright dishonesty and unjust smear from particularly News Ltd hacks). Indeed, our corporatised and management-directed media have brought this on themselves – and us. Thanks, guys.
But for all that, open hearings should be the norm not the exception -THAT’S CALLED DEMOCRACY.
This bill is starting out on an unacceptable repressive note, and will remain that way until suitable amended.
Saying Of The Week
‘Our stadium has proven it would be a great venue to host more soccer action, including Socceroos matches in the future. Fans turned out in force to watch Australia’s women’s side, the Matildas, play New Zealand in April, and for the Aston Villa vs Queensland Roar match in July.’
Mundingburra state Labor MP Les Walker
Guess that depends one’s interpretation of ‘turning out in force’ … The Matildas, led by superstar Sam Kerr, pulled in just 10,779 punters, while the costly Aston Villa debacle pulled a crowd of 7468 (including hundreds of freebies for both games) No doubt, Les, you’ll be hoping that ‘turning out in force’ will be a bit more enthusiastic when election time rolls around. Hmmm … or maybe not.
Now To Our friends Across The Pacific In The Insecure Mental Unit That Is The USA
For those of us who follow American politics, this is pure satirical gold by the master tongue-poker, Andy Borowitz of the New Yorker.
After Lake’s attempt to win a majority of the wishbone was soundly defeated, she blasted the contest for being riddled with fraud.
“When the truth comes out, I am going to be your worst nightmare,” she reportedly told her niece.
Just prior to her angry departure from the dinner, Lake had angrily rejected a demotion to the children’s table, relatives said.
And then there was this, to kick off this week’s gallery.
Oh, Dear, Wonder How Long Before She Will Have To Change Her Name.
And Finally …
Airlines are in the news.
So who’s going to be the first to make the obvious joke … not me, Richard, not me.
Also, Virgin has signed a deal to continue flying out of Townsville … the Astonisher made it sound like some sort of achievement … and the way things are around here, maybe it was. Maybe the mayor agreed to a ‘no boycott call’ clause. But with our luck, anything could happen.
….
That’s yer lot. Comments remain on sizzling offer throughout the week, pick a name and join in. And that donate button is below.
Regarding the Cowboys stadium I drove past the Crab Pot last night and it was lit up like the mayor’s CBD Christmas tree. Friends tell me this happens every night so given power costs who is paying for this waste of energy, especially at a time when there have been no events at the stadium since the last Cowboys game in September and none scheduled from now until the Reds rugby game at the end of February (5 months!). But its ok Jenny Hill and her 3 Labor drones have hailed the stadium a success. Hate to see their version of a failure.
I would hope to think that Solar was part of the new stadium built and the power for lighting used is either “Credit” from feeding into grid or a battery of some size.
If Team Hill and the Ceo spent as much time running Council as trying to shutdown one independent we wouldnt have $3 mil blowouts on a $5.5 mil library relocation and many major projects that wernt completed from last year completed . Fran raises the poor quality of the footpath repairs on Charters Towers road and the length and effect on Businesses . Didnt we have the same issue Flinders st West with Council having to return and have a second go . Definitely worth seeking legal advise on Team Hill trying to shutdown transparency . Team Hill is giving the divisions they represent the clear understanding that Townsville Council needs more independents if we want transparency and Councillors who dont vote themselves 60% expense increase .
Sorry, had trouble sizing this, but you should be able to enlarge it. It is what Mike is referring to in his comment above.
Cr Fran is correct. The question is “Does TCC follow the relevant Australian Standards and requirements of the Qld Department of Transport and Main Roads when constructing or upgrading footpaths”, particularly when Charters Towers Road is a Department of Main Roads responsibility as I understand it.
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Pedestrians-and-walking/Guidance-and-Resources/Pedestrian-and-Walking-Guidance-and-Resources/Paths-for-walking#:~:text=While%20a%20footpath%20necessarily%20follows%20the%20natural%20topography,safety%20and%20orientation%20at%20street%20crossings%20More%20items
Having well designed and maintained footpaths increases the accessibility of our city to its citizens and in particular parents with strollers and young children, older people, people with disabilities (whether their disability be permanent e.g. using a mobility aide such as a motorised scooter of wheelchair, having a vision impairment or temporary e.g. using crutches), cyclists using the footpath for whatever reason and so on.
Seems like case of lets just built
Cr Fran is correct. The businesses on Charters Towers Road and the Townsville community deserve better than the poor standard of works that TCC is dumping on the community. This standard of work on a major entry road into the city certain doesn’t improve the image of the city,
The question is “Does TCC follow the relevant Australian Standards and requirements of the Qld Department of Transport and Main Roads when constructing or upgrading footpaths”, particularly when Charters Towers Road is a Department of Main Roads responsibility as I understand it.
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Pedestrians-and-walking/Guidance-and-Resources/Pedestrian-and-Walking-Guidance-and-Resources/Paths-for-walking#:~:text=While%20a%20footpath%20necessarily%20follows%20the%20natural%20topography,safety%20and%20orientation%20at%20street%20crossings%20More%20items
Having well designed and maintained footpaths increases the accessibility of our city to its citizens and in particular parents with strollers and young children, older people, people with disabilities (whether their disability be permanent e.g. using a mobility aide such as a motorised scooter of wheelchair, having a vision impairment or temporary e.g. using crutches), cyclists using the footpath for whatever reason and so on.
Would you like some pictures…..the section i walk between Bayswater road and Bayswater Terrace is terrible.
You bet.
You get the email with pictures?
‘Fraid not, Rocky. Try email hidden; JavaScript is required
The ‘Yeah, Right’ Raised Eyebrow rule of law.
The #MeToo folks and the chatterati clitterati should stop and take stock for a moment, and realise what has happened in the past few months.
Today, Brittany Higgins made her first public comments since her case against Bruce Lehrmann was dropped.
Now, there is no way the media … the good, the bad or the ugly … would or could ignore publishing the above. But it remains to be seen if any ask any pertinent questions arising from it. And more importantly, if Ms Higgins should have been more closely counselled in her responses to her present situations, and not be swayed by celebrity and pumped-fist rallying cries unfettered by the strictures of a court proceeding.
She is correct about the effect of the legal procedure in matters like this, but she seeks to change a basic tenet of western law that an accused person has the right to remain silent when a charge is brought. What is the accused expected to say? ‘Sure, I did it’, when they have already pleaded not guilty … had in fact denied that any such contact took place at all.
But Ms Higgins is dead wrong – shamefully so – in one aspect.
The statistics she quotes are presumably correct, but it flies in the face of any democratic process to claim the process did not deliver ‘an outcome’ for victims of sexual assault. YES IT DID … IT’S JUST THAT YOU CHOOSE TO NOT BELIEVE OR ACCEPT THE OUTCOMES.
Beyond the raised eyebrow yeah right rule they adopt, how can anyone make such a claim, and worse, be encouraged to by those with other agendas, not knowing any details of the 84% of ‘no charge’ incidents? And by clear inference, that half of those who went to trial ’got away with it’? Justice by numbers?
Such unsupported, biased and bullying statements want to perpetuate the stereotype of a sweaty, beer-bellied copper in braces with a fag out of his mouth, adjusting the light into the hapless victims eyes and rasping ‘So you wearing a short dress, dearie, were you?’
That’s not how it works nowadays – indeed, isn’t it de rigueur that specially trained females officers are involved every step of the way?
Ms Higgins was poorly advised legally from the outset, and was perhaps blinded by the attention to the realities of the law (which didn’t suddenly change because she was involved in it). But the likes of Lisa Wilkinson and Samantha Maiden have questions to answer about their responsibility in this … as does Ms Higgins involvement of the media before going to the police. But they will sleep easy tonight … they know how trial by celebrity works, and this is just an inconvenient hiccup.
Being the father of 4 daughters I am very supportive of looking after the complainant during the process.
However im also very supportive of the rule of law and the person being charged.
This whole process of going to the media first…the information coming to light during and after the trial was concerning.
Having run late night venues I have personally witnessed things from both sexes that in the light of day at times would be hard to believe…or for them remember.
I had a chef working for me who faced very similar circumstances….and after 2 years and 50k in legal fees the girl refused to return to Australia and testify…..case closed. It nearly broke him mentally.
It is a worry that in the wash up we have a person under medical care and a person having an uncleared name going forward.
I wonder if the bloke has legal rights to take cival actions against both her and the system….so he can actually clear his name?
This is a mess.
Both have uncleared names now, given the hitherto unknown circumstances coming to light. But any jury verdict would’ve had to have come down to opinion, and having an opinion beyond reasonable doubt is a travesty, in fact an impossibility … the reasonable doubt must be in light of the evidence.
And Lehrmann has already made the standard ambiguous statement that he is ‘considering his position’. But I can’t see him suing Higgins, he’d have the impossible and ruinously expensive task of proving malice and be right back in the legal swill he has just left, and the DPP would be normally be inured against any such action, but you never know.
Anyway, both will be getting a bucket of goodies from we taxpayers, from one of the obscure funds the government keeps around for contingencies. Lehrmann’s lawyers have already held at least one conference seeking compensatory damages.
Can’t say one can blame him. And perhaps the Wilkinsons, Maidens and Fitzsimons of the world could stump up for Higgins, for egging her on so unconscionably.
Those advising Higgins need to shoulder some of the responsibility. What was the impact of choice to “dispense with the anonymity”
Interesting commentary in the SMH;
“for more than 40 years is that almost all sexual offence trials are held “in camera” – legalese for a closed court – and non-publication orders are made regarding the identity of the complainant backed by a criminal offence. Because Higgins had chosen to dispense with the anonymity to which sexual assault trial complainants are entitled”
https://www.smh.com.au/national/attacks-on-higgins-outside-court-were-something-new-inside-it-not-so-much-20221202-p5c3a1.html
If you mean her legal advice, an impossible idea, unfortunately, Prickster, for myriad reasons. Chief among them is that lawyers ‘advise’ but clients ‘decide’ (and the lawyer then decides whether to continue representing). And it is almost certain that Ms Higgins was not legally ‘advised’ to approach the media before going to the police, that would raise a very ticklish situation for her shills, who would face some ethical questions from their professional betters. It’s pretty much unheard in that sequence. She was the one who chose to ‘dispense with anonymity’, and publicly name the man she was accusing.
Brittany Higgins had every right to seek recourse to her accusation, but there are many paths leading to a successful outcome, and just as many paths leading elsewhere. Lawyers are the best guiide through these thickets, but she initally plunged on alone.
Tacticily, she rolled the dice and as they say ‘crapped out’.
The whingers are already complaining that The Strand is going to turn into the Gold Coast now that a seven storey hotel has been approved. Well I guess we have now reached the 1960’s Gold Coast when their first high rises were being built.
Building of real heritage value should be preserved, and seven or eight storeys should be a rigid regulation, but otherwise, selfish and short-sighted luddites should be ignored. As they have here.
This lawyer is simply doing what comes naturally, must have been rubbing shoulder with ex Townsville’s Barry Fog-horn.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/exlawyer-convicted-of-stalking-sues-qld-government-for-73b-over-fear-of-heights-discrimination/news-story/8cac4d8f1815910287981414cfb630dc
This bullshit action got the short shrift it deserved, and chucked out instantly. The bloke’s a wanker.
The Mayor and CEO are similar in nature – both are nasty, conceited bludgers. A pair of lazy bullies. My advice to Fran would be to jump on a forum like the Magpies Nest each Council sitting and then anonymously post a series of questions or comments on here that normally would’ve been raised against TCC. Either that or perhaps a fake gmail account from which she can send tidbits to the Magpie. I know it’s not normally her style, but there is more than one way to skin a cat.
from the little The ‘Pie knows of the lady, she wouldn’t countenance any of that. She’s the straightest of straight shooters … that doesn’t mean she’ll always be right, but she’ll always be honest, in the Magpie’s view.
Whatever you’re smoking, Princess, I want some.
Yes what a great idea you pickled fuckwit….to have Fran post a series of questions to this captive audience of critics, whingers, wannabees and nobodies. All 50 or so of you can their spew forth your bile and insults while the rest of Townsville gets on with it. As for the Magpie’s little tidbit, lets ask this straightest of straight shooters how many complaints she’s lodged with the OIA every time one of the other councillors calls her out on some inane crusade….all while playing the victim so well.
This has to be written by a Jenny Kneeler if for no other reason, the ‘crowd estimate’ is way out, but not in the usual direction. But keep those comments coming, the desperation is so pleasing to see.
The approval of the seven storey hotel and restaurant complex on the Strand with only 34 carparks instead of the required 118 is criminal in my opinion.
The development should have been made to provide carparking in sufficient numbers so that NO street parking was required. The Strand is, has and will continue to have no where near enough parking for all the existing venues without adding to the problem.
And that is aside from the fact they the development is taller than the current rules of the town plan.
Agree that a harder line should’ve been taken on car parking, but if it was a sticking point, well, so be it. But will be a problem as a precedent perhaps.
‘
asfar as height goes, The ‘Pie’s has always understood that if a reasonable argument could be made on the planning flexibility, eight was the highest. Anyway, it will be a welcome boost to what is basically an economic magnet that has been woefully neglected.
As The great Russian author said, “ forget about the fucking height of the building.” This issue is all about the number of car parks for the floor space. Regulations call for about 120 for a building of this capacity, but these clowns asked for approval for and got just 40, a shortfall of 80. All we need is 10 more buildings like this with the same approval and we are short 800 car parks on the strand which is more than actually exist. So everyone trying to visit there will just have to keep driving as the spaces will be full of staff and tenant parking. Magpie, you might be able to make money renting out your driveway for locals hoping to go to the Strand they paid for.
Talking to a mate in Brisbane and his Uni of Queensland graduate son reckons that if you have to go to regional Queensland then you apply for jobs in Cairns before Townsville. Apparently Cairns is a lifestyle choice because of the many things to do in Cairns and surrounds, cafes and eateries that don’t close at 2pm, nightlife, seen as a clean and tidy city, greater choice and higher quality houses and units, multiple flights to Brisbane and southern cities. Apparently Townsville is seen as being deadend, bogan, ugly, has no lifestyle for young people and has a higher crime rate than Cairns. If you’re unfortunate enough to get Townsville then get out asap.
Happy recruiting Townsville businesses.
Townsville has a lot going for it. True, it will never be as picturesque as Cairns which has a variety of reefs, the Tablelands, Kuranda, the Daintree and so on, so the tourism aspect will never be our core business, but tourism still should be part of our business model. What we have going for us is space, and lots of it, and the perfect climate for large/heavy industrial businesses. Huge solar infrastructure capability, rail and aviation. The often dry weather is also a bonus for some types of industry. All this aside, we don’t have capable people leading the charge. The Mayor, TEL and an assortment of dead shit CEO’s over the years has made sure that we are well and truly behind the eight-ball. In fact we are not even inside the pool hall. It’s a sad state of affairs.
You know, there are many around town who regard The Magpie and his blog as a negative nelly, always whingeing and carping, which is true if that’s your choice of description for revealing truths and the real state of affairs that no one else will, but they don’t seem to understand why. The ‘Pie loves what Townsville could be, if only the base ignorance and self interested personal promotion was removed from the equation.
110% correct Prince R ! The Townsville city leadership…and I use that term extremely loosely…is the city’s biggest problem and under Mayor Mullet is driving the city into the ground.
Townsville is sitting on the absolute Eastern coastline of Australia. Step off the Strand and your next step is into the Coral Sea.
Man, throughout recorded history has been attracted to the coastline and the ocean yet here we have local Government fools ignoring that simple fact and preventing any real development of note.
Height limitations of buildings on the Strand isn’t the problem. Ridiculous slashing of current bylaws including car parking spaces, is just one of the failings of these local decision makers.
I have never heard of anyone complaining about the old Travel Lodge building (at 15+ storeys) being the beginning of the end of The Strand due to shadows on the beach etc.
Developers will not build buildings if they can’t build levels enough to make a profit and this will never change as land values, development costs, holding costs etc continue to rise.
Townsville’s major problem is the fuckwit Mayor and her team, able supported by a FIFO CEO, who continue to put up countless barriers and hurdles that prevent the growth of the States largest city north of Brisbane.
Agree with everything there, Snappy Biscuit, and The ‘Pie has raised concerns from the outset about the lack of parking, but if it was a sticking point, thinks the benefits of letting this one through at this point in time outweigh the downside. When a real council comes on board, the screws can be tightened.
But one wonders, could not a legal challenge from the concerned naysayers challenge the parking ratio?
And just to end on a totally irrelevant but fun fact: ‘…absolute eastern coastline of Australia ..’ Not sure what you meant there, but did you know we are about 800 kms further west than Sydney? If you draw a line directly south from Townsville, guess what is the first recognisable place in NSW it dissects?
Bourke.
Yes Pie, Objections can definitely be raised and the DA approval is no ‘fait accompli’ ! Sadly, for the general public common sense from local councils is a rare commodity and there’s usually a deal done with the developer re adhering to all the bylaws/rules.
Re ‘absolute coastline’ yes I meant Townsville is a seaside city and why the hell the TCC isn’t offering opportunities to enhance that very feature of the city is beyond me. The best thing that happened to the Strand was the $24 Million redevelopment of it !!
Re Strand, tep, Mooney had his lucid moments. This was his mist shining. Even a man who lies under oath in court has a good moment or two.
And Jatz, serious question: do you know by what wrinkle the Planning Geniuses at the TCC were able to waive the usual parking requirements?
It appears what coulkd well happen now is – that rather than sticking to their guns and insisting on the right number of car parks quietly and letting the developer either walk or comply, the TCC planning department will now be dragged into court (maybe) and no matter what the outcome, Townsville will be further publicise as a place where it is hard to do business.
The “lack of parking” box was opened when the Double Tree Hotel (what’s happening with that?) received approval with next to no parking included.
There was eventually an allocation, but it too was way below the recommended/required limits. But that was understandable because the proponents were Labor mates. whereas the Strand developer was/is merely a political contributor to the mayor team.
Pie, I’m in the dark re the relaxation of the car parking guidelines being adhered to. When the Citiplan format was first introduced to all regional councils circa 2005, it virtually gave the councils a free rein to come up with their own relaxations of the rules and amendments to same.
Car parking numbers for a development was usually based on the number of bedrooms in a project and many developers chose to call a two bedroom apartment a one bedroom with a second room called a ‘media’ room (see 2nd bedroom) to get around the car parking number rules.
These days councils basically say ‘we make the rules and if you want to object, lets run you down the path of objection/appeal/court/lawyers’ !!
Council don’t care, they’ve got unlimited funds for fights (ratepayers money) and they are also keen for the extra council rates income from a project.
Besides building/holding/borrowing costs a developer has to stump up just to build today, they’re also wacked up the rear end big time with council fees and approvals which have blown out massively over the last decade.
The big problem is that the goal posts keep being moved by councils and the rate paying public and developers get the rough end of the pineapple….again !!!
Lancini was smart to pack up his tent and move on along with plenty of other developers in the Ville.
I believe very few individuals have made a profit on their home if they sold in Townsville, if they purchased after 2007. That’s 15 years ago !!
Yep hard to argue with any of that and seen it myself first hand trying to attract people to Townsville, but somehow Townsville is still where the dollars are in the north, still where most of the positions are for health, engineering, manufacturing and mining support, and the average Townsville household earns $12k a year more than Cairns which would also indicate a much higher proportion of good paying jobs, the type of jobs people coming out of Uni would want, imagine how well this town could actually do if it wasn’t run by a pack of incompetent fuckwits.
Now the truth comes out, Higgins is suing for $3m. Of course she is, she is a gold digger. Accuses a man of rape yet she had no evidence. Didn’t report it immediately. Didn’t get medically examined. Nothing! Pathetic.
Why was there no video evidence of alleged incident introduced by either the defense or prosecution during the trial? Surely there are security cameras everywhere in parliament house including inside ministers offices that would have picked up exactly what happened?
The whole thing stinks of someone wanting their 15 minutes of fame. Former media adviser runs to the media with her story almost 2 years after it supposedly happened, asks the media to not release it until and start of a parliamentary sitting week (to maximise coverage) and then puts the police interview off for week after the political firestorm has been unleashed.
Monday 1 May 2023, Labor Day Public Holiday; Saturday 6 May 2023, Coronation of King Charles III. The question is, Will we get a public holiday on Monday 8 May 2023 to celebrate his Coronation?
Personally, I say fuck him. Pompous fucking King, we don’t need a monarchy at all. However, yes, you can call me a hypocrite, but I will gladly take the public holiday if it is gazetted.
OK Cook, you’re a pompous fucking hypocrite.
You are also a shining example of all that is wrong with our once great country.
Have a nice day!
Well, while both of you are woefully deficient in witty self-expression, The Chef is hardly a hypocrite. If there is a coronation holiday (yet again, the monarchy costing Australians economically) he is at least honest enough to say he’ll take (enjoy) it … unlike you, Russ, who’ll take it (you have no choice) but will loudly virtue signal your distaste while having a day of sun, sand and surf.
Who do you reckon the hypocrite is?
Still the Cook Pie. It all about attitude.
And no, I haven’t have a day off for a Public Holiday for the last nine years or so; this one (if it happens) won’t be any different. Cheers.
My hero.
A legal eagle mate reckons Fran has a very strong case for taking legal action against Jenny Hill for harassment (constant official baseless complaints about Fran doing the job expected of her as a councilor) and discrimination (Hill doesn’t treat the other councilors the vindictive way she does Fran). If you’re reading this Fran (and I suspect you, like me, are a regular reader, there are people in Townsville who are prepared to help fund legal action to put a stop Hill’s totally unacceptable behaviour. Just let us know through this blog and I’ll start a Go Fund Me account.
In the couple of brief conversations The ‘Pie has had with Fran, he gathers she is a proud individual businesswoman and wife … successful too, so she is probably not without her own means. The Magpie is guessing here but she probably views the attacks on her as wholly personal, and therefore she would adopt an honorable ‘I’ll fight my own battles’ attitude … she would probably see public funding in the manner you suggest as charity and a financial burden she would not allow others to take on. Personal pride and honour have a lot to do with everything the Division 10 councillors does.
If The ‘Pie is correct in these assumptions, he would simply say this to Clr O’Callaghan … these attacks on you are NOT personal, they’re attacks on the rights of rate paying citizens by a politically motivated cabal desperate to keep operating in the shadows. And if they are so minded, those who believe in transparent and responsible governance – and also believe that is being denied them – have every reason to also see attacks on you as ‘personal’ and simply want to use what is happening to you, Fran, as a means of legal challenge for themselves.
In this instance, might it not be misplaced pride to not accept the backing of those who are indignant for themselves as well as for for you, which would allow you to bring an action against the unethical behaviour of this mayor and those enabling her, an action that would have the attendant publicity to shine a light on into the Hermit Kingdom of Kim Il Jen for the betterment of Townsville.
How does she do it?
Patricia O’Calaghan…
Well, the time has come to say thank you as I step down today as the Destination Gold Coast CEO after two extraordinary years.
It has been an absolute honour to represent the GC and I want to acknowledge our DGC family – Our Board, Executives, and our inspiring team – thank you. You never cease to amaze me and I am leaving a better person because of my time with you and for that I am grateful. ❤️
I also want to acknowledge our partnerships with the Gold Coast Mayor and the City of Gold Coast, our State and Federal Governments and our industry that has helped steer us through the challenges of recent times. Our extraordinary rebound is a testament to these partnerships and I know this will continue.
And to our members, and our industry –You have welcomed me into your businesses, your homes and your lives and I am honoured to have served you. I leave this organisation knowing the Gold Coasts’ best days are ahead and I can’t wait to see what the New Year will hold for this City.
As one chapter closes, another one opens and I am excited to take on the role as the CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland in Jan. As a born and bred Queenslander, I am passionate about all our regions and I can’t wait to work with our industry to inspire people to visit this great State – so bring on 2023!!!
So where’s she going to totter off to?
She’s not tottering, she’s seated comfortably and traveling first class on the gravy train
Read the last sentence. I am excited to take on the role as the CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland in Jan.
Oh, sorry, skimmed that, thinking that’s what she was leaving.
‘Well, this will be interesting, becausde it will bring our favourite totty into the state spotlight.
And Mayor Mullet, as an ex bestie, will be beating a path to O’Callaghans door calling in all favours with her begging cap demanding $$$ and events for Townsville in 2023/24 to boost her election chances.
Just on another note, I hear that TEl is boasting that 9 cruise liners are scheduled to dock next to the cattle export pier in Townsville in the next year. A quick check of the Ports North Cairns website shows that between today and 31 December 2023, 79 cruise liners are scheduled to dock at the cruise liner terminal and at times multiple ships are in port. This count does not include larger cruise ships that are scheduled to anchor off Yorkeys Knob and Port Douglas and transferring passengers into the relevant either Yorkeys Knob or Port Douglas by high speed catamarans and then to destinations by clean coaches.
Thank heavens these cruise liners are arriving in Cairns and not Townsville as it appears that Townsville has problems coping with one cruise liner at a time.
Really, can you please take a more positive attitude, Crits? Being embarrassed nine times in a year is much better than being embarrassed 79 times a year.
Always critical mate, moaning and whining. Get a grip man.
There is a whole world of rorts and fiddles that await little Patty. She is good at talking spin and hiding the bullshit. And of course in our new age working environment where being a woman is the sole requirement for snagging a good paying job, she ticks the necessary boxes. Perhaps she has a strong jaw also?
Don’t quite agree, but then, The ‘Pie may only be forgiving because of comparisons. Hotlips has the gift of the gab, sHe can work a room expertly, which requires absolute clarity about absolutely nothing of substance. But for all that, in the overall requirements of the positions she has held, she doesn’t seem overly bright, depending more on the glittery chatty side of her presence and her dazzling array of shoes, for which she seems to have a fetish, The ‘Pie is told.
I misread that as “licks all the right boxes” which took me on a totally irrelevant and I appropriate tangent. Thanksfully I put my glasses back on to read it again and was corrected.
Regarding the cruise ship visits, I fronted up to my doctor for an appointment today only to be told he is out of action for a week with covid. Asked to see a different doctor and couldn’t get an appointment for 5 days. The girl at reception said there has been an outbreak in Townsville over the last couple of days and they have 3 doctors and 4 staff isolating this week. Then went to the chemist and had to wait 40 minutes for a script because they had 2 pharmacists off sick with covid. Could it be that this current surge in infections is due to passengers from last week’s cruise bringing it ashore? If so, Cairns is welcome to their 79 cruise ships.
Bit of a stretch … in the relative confines of a ship, be hard to disguise it if you had covid … and you in that devent, wouldn’t be disembarking anywhere. Cruise lines have learnt their lesson about being slack in that area.
I doubt very much that you could quarantine properly in a ships cabin, unless each has its own air supply and ventilation.
My own experience of “quarantine” when I cam back from Asia18 months ago. I landed in Brisbane and was put up in the Grand Chancellor, nice room and great food.
However the people in the adjacent rooms and balconies were smokers and I could smell the stuff full on in my room and outside in the corridors, so if the cigs smoke is getting around then so must any virus. As the hotel was being “managed” by QLD Police I doubt if they applied the smoking/Non Smoking floors “rule”.
I thought the same as you Ratepayer but Magpie is right.
There’s a number of protocols in place for cruise liners entering Eastern Seaboard ports.
The biggest problem is those selfish people who have symptoms but don’t disclose and take the necessary precautions, just ask any pharmacist, doctor, physiotherapist or other health or front line professional and I note that Ratepayers problems were all with our front line health professionals.
The exact same thing happened in Gladstone. I know this as I work in the health industry. Small to medium regional towns cannot cope with 100 sick COVID grubs turning up to the doctors surgeries, chemists and hospital all because the onboard ship Doctors charge an an arm and a leg. Something has to change.
R,
This covid surge; is it confined to one area or is it wide spread. Are there any other Nesters who have seen evidence of a local surge? Keen to know and if so I will modify my activities for a while. Thinking,,,,,,,,, Christmas shopping mixed with a local covid surge, charming:-(
Not covid, but there is a nasty flu going around around as well as the shits (literally).
Lots of people off work around the ridges and some say they have COVID others just the flu. Not sure what SURGE means any more so it is hard to say.
To Bulletin reporters, surge is a type of twill fabric that has diagonal lines or ridges on both sides.
hahahaha, this will have them all serge-ing towards the dictionary.
More trouble for the money makers at Hillshlong. Seems that Mr Houston’s dad not only bummed some kid, he also paid him off! Sick bastards. No doubt the entire sordid affair was done in the name of God?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-05/brian-houston-court-hears-victim-paid-for-silence/101734376
Someone more in the know about government civil construction project management will probably have the answer to this. (Barely Civil Engineer perhaps)?
I see that TCC public are just now inviting the public to review Council’s submission to the Australian Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 for the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 project.
My question is: has the Stage 2 project received the necessary environmental approvals under the EPBC Act, or are these still outstanding?
If the project is yet to receive EPBC sign off, is it normal practice to enter into significant procurement contracts, (for example, purchase and delivery of the pipes), prior to receiving the necessary environmental sign off?
Genuine question, as I’m just a bit puzzled as to why the EPBC process is occurring at this stage of the project when major financial decisions and commitments have already been made.
The project is still going htrough the EPBC process so this is pretty normal. Unless a species is found which cannot be relocated or offset a project usually goes ahead and just makes minor changes to accommodate the issue. Most of this project goes through disturbed cane and grazing land. Even things like the Black Throated Finch can be resolved with offsets which means adding some other suitable land to the project area which makes up for the loss of habitat.
Hope someone remembers to tell the birds their new address.
I have heard that older birds often lose their faculties.
Probably true but The ‘Pie wouldn’t know …will get back to you in 20 years … if he remembers.
Wulguru Wonder it seems that pipes that are very similsr to those used on Stage 1 of the pipeline are arriving at Port, so I hope it is going ahead.
The bullshit use of bleeding heart language to protect the irresponsible. FFS, it is the community that is at risk when the criminal behavior of these snots have caused the police to close down the Alice Springs CBD more than once and let the snots, in multiple stolen cars, run amok unabated, because the police were out numbered.
First priority, protect the community.
Second priority, protect the community.
Third priority, protect the community.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-05/nt-government-plan-at-risk-children-alice-springs-/101734054
Where are your car keys tonight?
The so called “custodians” of the country want a voice in the Parliament, they cant get their youth to respect let alone obey the laws of this land.
That right which they are claiming has to be earned, sitting around for 60,000 years is not any kind of criteria for a “right” to participate separately from the people who “made’ Australia.
‘Sitting around’? You try surviving in this country without modern technology. The aborigines were smart enough to survive, and that didn’t involve a lot of sitting around. However, that’s got nothing to do with your other points – the main flaw in which is using the word ‘they’. Various indigenous groups themselves have all pointed out that ‘they’ are not a ‘they’ but disparite tribal voices (340 of them is it?) who have many opposing points of view on many issues. So much so that no one in this country – with the exception of Steve from Belligerent Gardens and a couple of other urgers – knows what it is exactly ‘they’ want from the proposed Voice. ‘They’ don’t know, because they’ve said so. Yet we’re supposed to vote on something that could have a major effect on our lives.
‘Put your hand into this hollow tree and get a surprise.’
I agree with your comment about using a generalisation “they”. It is also the basis of my concern, because the term used by the media and politicians to lump them all into an homogeneous “they” and its been hijacked by the primarily lighter skinned and some pious idealists, who unsolicited choose to be offended on behalf of others.
But my original point remains how can there be a claim to have a say in legislation when so many distorted :facts” are bandied around and yet the elephant in the room carries on ignoring the lack of duty and responsibility to raise their children. That is not a generalisation , but it is an unacceptable ratio.
There are so many puppeteers who wish to make issues where there are none, I recall several years ago when I lived in Adelaide a genuinely sincere but deceived and manipulated mob of Ngarrindjeri women by a load of self appointed intellectuals and historians who claimed (read invented) “secret women’s business” to stop a bridge being built over to Hindmarsh Island. Many of them had holiday shacks on the island and manipulated the indigenous to suit their own agenda.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/hindmarsh-where-lies-the-truth-20030509-gdvo98.html
Remember the discredited and long disbanded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. A platform for vestid interestes with no tangible benifits for those it was surposed to benifit.
With no hard detail to hand, the Voice is likely to go the way of ATSIC. But this time, if it gets up this airy fairy concept will be enshrined in the Constitution. What a potential dog’s breakfast.
And, Dave, who can forget the National Aboriginal Conference and the Aboriginal Development Commission? Corrupt to the core, rife with nepotism and plain ol’ fraud.
We taught ‘em well.
G,
Sounds like our very own Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service investigated many times, going as far back as Peter Lindsay’s time, if Hansard is to be believed, and yet the nepotism and corruption continues. There is no stopping them.
https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/queensland/mike-oconnor-while-brittany-higgins-had-a-high-media-profile-bruce-lehrmann-maintained-a-dignified-silence/news-story/6902ddeaee47f291515c34db49bd4779
Enuff said!
Another well written bullseye by one of the most underrated columnists in the country. Don’t always agree with Mike, but he puts his arguments with plain, non-vitriolic and generally insular free language. So refreshingly different from the gaggle of ‘look at me’ charlatans on both sides.
Not so elegantly or eloquently perhaps, but didn’t I say the same thing a week ago? Much to the chagrin of some virtue signalling goose.
Aaron Harper ” the gift that keeps on giving ” seems to struggle with his social media often posting on Facebook late at night then removing our posting then apologising . Yesterday he drew attention to the salaries of Federal LNP members salaries $217,000 and the fact they didn’t vote to support Labors policies on IR . A quick google of Queensland Government MP,s salary $159,122 , committee Chair $219,000 and Aaron supported the funding removal for Qld Police on safe City precinct and now assaults are up 44 % in a year .
aaron was the committee chair of Voluntary Assisted Dying or whatever its called, allowing those on their last legs to call it quits – a move he was in favour of. Someone should tell him it doesn’t apply to the city he represents.
Maybe late on a Saturday night someone could say “Hey Aaron, mate your pushing this euthanasia thing, can you give us a demo to prove it’s efficacy?”.
With any luck …………….!
Elon Musk’s expectations of his employees is now well known.
Elon Musk has a medical implants company where the employees, under the Musk requirements of, faster, faster, work longer and longer have, in their medical experiments, killed 1500 animals since 2018.
Under the Musk work ethic, and with that death rate, and now worker backlash, and being investigated for cruelty, the question is, “Who is dumb enough to volunteer as a candidate for the first human experimentation. ”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-06/musk-neuralink-faces-federal-probe-employee-backlash-over-an/101737554
Fuck Musk. To be a billionaire you have to be a c#nt, and that he is. He also has Asperger’s and is a narcissist. What a wanker.
Sorry, what town is he mayor of?
W,
Yes, but do you have any nominations for the first to be experementented on. I have a few local candidates, but I refrain lest I be correctly accused of gobbing off too much.
So? he’s got Asperger’s what criteria is that? from the symptoms it seems so did Newton, Michael Angelo, Galileo and very obviously ………….. Einstein and probably Fred Hollows.
Funny you should mention that, The ‘Pie had aspergers recently … made his pee smell funny.
No Pie, that’s dislexia.
Brisbane City Council CEO can now ‘edit’ and ‘correct’ the records of council meetings. In effect their ‘Hansard’ is to be corrected to reflect the glory and majesty of the Mayor and his/her cronies.
Fair bet that in 2/10s of a second similar editing powers will be bestowed on our part time CEO to enhance the glory and majesty of the mullet. (Lower case m deliberate)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-06/brisbane-city-council-move-give-ceo-more-power-edit-transcripts/101739164
Bet Jenny will be having a good look at implementing this practice in Townsville asap
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-06/brisbane-city-council-move-give-ceo-more-power- -transcripts/101739164
This is just fucking madness.
The CBD has been struggling for years, with remaining business owners tearing out their hair as they watch the tumbleweeds blowing down the main drag … but the tumbleweed has – thanks to a clearly deranged mayor – turned into pine needles and cones.
In an area that is dying primarily because of traffic and parking problems, Mayor Mullet has decided in her wisdom to move the annual Christmas tree from it’s handy, unobstructive niche near the big screen in Flinders Street across the road to be outside the Cowboys club, and plonked right in the incoming traffic lane on Stokes Street. This has necessitated the blocking off of one vital entry to the suffering Flinders Street business stretch. The unfathomable idiocy of this is enhanced by the unimaginative, unattractive by-the-numbers dross of the ‘tree’ itself, suitably guarded against clamouring hoardes of souvenir hunters by a menacing, uncheery red stay-back barrier beneath.
There has been no attempt to explain this cockamamie and destructive idea idea. It’s just another kick in the balls for local businesses, coming at what should be a peak trading time. There was a touch of callous malice when Jenny merrily wittered away on the council release “Council has engaged Pop-Up Food Trucks to bring local food businesses to Flinders St for revellers to enjoy, and we’ll be taking over Hanran Park this year to present Sweet Street with dessert options and a pop-up cinema under twinkling lights.’
In other words, again introducing outside businesses to come and compete with rate paying businesses in situ.
Adding to the foaming lunacy, she gurgled headlong into further questionable decisions. “Council has also supported Stable on the Strand’s move to Riverway this year with a $50,000 grant. Stable on the Strand at Riverway will run from December 18 to December 22.”
Now, maybe The ‘Pie is missing something here, but $50,000 of ratepayers hard earned for what, pray tell? All the paper Mache icons, Pampers for the baby Jesus under the swaddling, and the usual U-Built hut/stable are simply in storage from years past, they are not a permanent fixture anywhere. So they are going to Riverway rather than the Strand Park, which is fine, in fact probably sensible, but boy, The ‘Pie wishes he owned the truck taking the gear to the site.
$50,000!?! That’s a fuckin’ shitload of gold, frankincense and myrrh – especially gold – the lucky contractor no doubt suddenly got religion when he won the contract ‘Jesus Christ, the jackpot!!’
Jenny Hill needs to be careful with all this largesse aimed solely at a campaign boost “Jen and Jesus, the immaculate pair’, they’ve got my vote’. Fifty grand for this sort of thing is hard to justify at the best of times (couldn’t the overflowing coffers of the various churches at least cough up out of their hush money fund for little snitches for what is essentially their prime advertising and membership recruitment drive of the year?) But it is doubly so when the bite is put on ratepayers who have just been lied to about their massive rates jump a few short months ago.
Roll on March 2024.
Does anyone know how many people turned up to Flinders Square in the early hours of Sunday morning to watch the Socceroo’s game, after TCC’s last minute decision on Friday afternoon to put the game on the big screen?
20 people? 200 hundred people? Or 2 blokes and a dog?
I haven’t seen anything about numbers in the Astonisher or on the TCC website/Facebook page. Normally if any more than a cricket team turn up to a Council event they would be spruiking about how fabulous the crowd numbers were and what a great job Jenny did arranging it all.
When did the Xmas tree go up outside the Cowboys. Perhaps they moved it there because of the thousands they expected to be in Flinders Square on Sunday morning.
No that would require some imaginative forward thinking.
re numbers: let’s ask Messagebank Walker, he no doubt will advise that fans were ‘out in force’ … both of them.
No one goes into CBD because there is no reason to. I avoid the place like a plague. Unless you work there or are after a night out I’d say majority of the ‘ville is similar. I can do everything I need in the suburbs and without the 1001 traffic lights getting there, topped off by parking fees.
Honestly I have never seen a city throw so much good money after bad into a precinct.
On that does anyone know about the proposed renewables projects being bought up round Townsville suburbs. One near me that I have just discovered, I am currently trying to get info from the various state bodies but am getting nothing with substance. Funny because these things have to have community consultation by law and the land was bought in 2016. So far we have had zero consultation.
Could you explain a bit more what you are the renewables you’re talking about, Dave?
Pie am busy as I am international bound Saturday tying up loose ends before weekend but I think I have your email I’ll somewhere. I’ll send you pics of the fenced off bushland plus what I have which is not much atm.
I have only just started scratching this one and informing neighbours of its existence. Mate who is on facebook knows nothing about it which surprises me as he knows the ins & outs of this area. Could be nothing but why would the state purchase all that land from the Tapolas family if it wasn’t going to do something with?
GRANT seems to also cover INKIND support these days at Wanker Street. Council probably added up all the time and effort in doing nothing, put in the cost of advertising, the cost to clean up the park (ha ha like that really happens), doubled it and arrived at a cost of $50,000.
If you’re correct, and no reason to think you’re not, then this confirms Mayor Mullet’s frantically blurred thinking. Instead of explaining the council is doing what it can to facilitate the Stable, quoting no figures (which wouldn’t be anywhere near $50k anyway) she thinks its a good idea to tell ratepayers who are still groggy from the recent rate rise that she’s such a great mayor she’s coughed up $50,000 ($50K FFS!!) for a transitory and selective event, which frankly, the council has no business funding. (see previous comment re correct alternative.)
There’s a big difference between glorious and vain-glorious.
Used to be $100,000 each and every year for Stable on The Strand. They churches were told about 5 years ago the amount would be gradually decreased each year. Most of it is ‘in-kind’ eg. waiver for use of the park, free rubbish collection (and supply of industrial bins), water usage etc.
Ok, that seems a sensible explanation, but why the mayor’s grandstanding, because we all know about her ‘back of an envelope economics’? It would be so much more inclusive to explain the assistance in that way, wouldn’t it?
Ahhh, the delicious irony of you casting this as a ‘transient” and “selective” event. I’d hardly call 20+ years transient and as for selective, the tens of thousands who embrace the Stable each year may think differently to you and a small coterie of regular whingers to your insignificant blog. Even if it was all cash provided by the council, I’d be happy for 50cents of my rates (I’m sure you and your halfwit mates can work that out) to go toward putting on an event that brings joy to many thousands of Townsvilleans.
The Magpie is honoured that one such as yourself would grace this ‘insignificant’ blog with your august presence and wisdom. But not insignificant enough for you to ignore, it seems.
And of course you’re right, who would resent just 50 cents that cashed-up vested interests of Christianity decline to cough up … certainly not the muslims, hindus, jews and – the biggest group of all if data is to be believed – atheists. And no doubt you and all the other ratepayers you apparently speak for are happy for similar amounts to the Indian, Greek, German and Italian communities et al, who contribute so greatly to our material rather than spiritual wealth, to the point where they seek public money to celebrate their great good fortune to live in this country.
Say hi to jenny and the Bishop for The’ Pie, will ya?
Saw the mayor on seven news tonight.
To paraphrase she doesn’t know what all the fuss is about, we consulted with the businesses and besides we didn’t take any parking away just do a u turn at the tree.
The main justification seems to be the usual spot is obstructed because of the construction at the sugar shaker, and last year they tried Victoria Bridge and people weren’t happy about that.
I’m with you on this though, what a stupid idea to block the street. That tree in the past was on the corner near the night owl don’t know why that’s no longer suitable.
Haven’t seen whatever it was she said, but isn’t it interesting that she had to acknowledge there was a fuss about it. But there was no way she was going to admit that it was an ill thought idea … and any business person in this town knows you don’t argue with this vindictive woman.
At last we didn’t pay for traffic control on the stupid thing. It says it all when you can block one of the main streets of the center of a city and think it will have no impact on traffic or shopping.
But … but … splutter … you cretin, didn’t you note that we’ve made parking free in the CBD for the Christmas period. Harder to get to, but FREE!!
That photo of Jenny Hill’s Christmas tree road block says it all about the Townsville City Council really. Another dog’s breakfast that completely ignores the needs of the public and adjacent businesses. They block off roads and footpaths at the drop of a hat without any consideration for the people who pay their salaries. The V8 Supercars are another example, with the road closures impacting thousands of people and all for what? The ever dimishing number of revheads who still turn up for Jenny’s expensive annual ratepayer indulgence. Jenny probably thinks we’ve forgotten her callous decision to cancel a national vocal competition to enable the V8s to stay for 2 weekends during covid when the southern promoters had nowhere else to go. Another Jenny special is the Charters Towers Road debacle and subsequent potato patch repair job on the footpaths. As for crowd numbers in front of the Sugar Shaker for the Socceroo’s game, Jenny will no doubt trot out Ann Maree Greaney to assure us there was an amazing vibe from the 20 or so soccer tragics that turned up.
Well, before we start into that, was there anybody able to actually witness the numbers for the Socceroos game? Maybe there was a decent crowd a couple of hundred or so. Of course, there would be others arriving to set up for Cotters Market, so any story will be interesting.
Good question S79.
What was wrong with the usual spot outside the Night Owl.
Seems to me that Hill goes out of her way to cause disruption to small business.
Maybe if they put the tree inside her Flinders Lane white elephant they might actually get some people in there apart from drunks and derros.
A most interesting detail, right at the end of this story, about Seagulls getting a $2m makeover by new owners. It perhaps explains why some are making the incorrect conclusion that property sales are booming along around here because of a destination’s desirability. Maybe true in one sense … things are as cheap as chips in this town … or else things were vastly overpriced a few few short years ago.
And at the very end of the story?
“The 1.18ha property was acquired for $3.48m after being listed for $6.9m in 2019.”
Ballpark 52% drop.
In an adjacent separate and balanced story, Colliers MD Peter Collier carefully emphasises the same point when he says: “As we look to 2023, Townsville’s economy continues to perform well overall and property investors see the region’s long term promise”. Generally, it is only bargain hunters looking at a depressed local economy that talk about ‘long term promise’.
But they and Mr Wheeler are right … with the proper city leadership and promotion across all sectors, Townsville has … or should have … a bright future.
Barry & Robyn Toohey were visionaries when they built this place. Let’s hope the new owners can clean it up and breathe new life into it.
yep, The ‘Pie can remember when it was deservedly one of the jewels of the city’s accommodation attractions.
Pie,
Stayed there once,never ever again.
The friggin sandflies were ridiculous !
They’ve checked out now, you can go back.
M/bird….It is a hugh problem with the place and I don’t know how you could ever fix it.
Charlie – DDT
Our Mayor’s been busy of late … on social media that is. Up to 4 posts each day (with very few exceptions) since the start of October. She’s even learned to selfie. For those playing along at home, 0 purple doonas have been sighted.
Ummm, don’t want to go out on a limb here, but ‘selfies’ by the mayor would be a bit self-defeating if the aim is popularity and admiration, no?
I must be getting old ! I thought a ‘selfie’ was something you did in the privacy of your own bedroom and the very thought of Mayor Mullet going down that path (purple doona or not) has just given me the worst case of the shudders !!
Besides, isn’t posting that sort of stuff on social media against the law !!
yes, wellll … but that puts The ‘Pie in mind of his favourite Dear Dorothy letter:
Woman: ‘Dear Dorothy, three times now, I have walked in on my husband masturbating in the bathroom. What should I do?’.
Dorothy: Knock.
The Townsville City Council’s ‘close enough, good enough, she’ll be jake’ Charters Towers Road policy.
Not one single shred of pride from anyone … not from the mayor, who should be down on this faster than a priest on a choirboy but is too busy blocking roads with Christmas Trees and spending $50k on moving a few bits and pieces to Riverway … no pride from the council shiny bums who sign off on this sub-standard shoddy repair work, and no pride in a job well done and with tradesman like skill by the workers themselves.
Even this small sample is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Like the mayor or anyone else in Walker Street would give a tuppenny toss – council’s got plenty of ratepayers’ money and the services of their cut price consigliere Tony Bligh(t) when the inevitable accident happens.
Remember this is just s small sample – already got more but send in others if you want.
I think that bottom picture is going to be the front cover of the Works annual report
And whete the hell is the Councillor for this Division Cr Liam Mooney who should be watching works in his division. Isn’t he a foot soldier to Jenny and should be reporting problems back to her so she can concentrate on bigger issues. He’s probably riding his electric scooter somewhere, then how about riding it on the footpath on both sides of Charters Towers Rd from Ingham Rd to Rising Sun, you might learn something.
People on Kings Rd are wondering when, if ever, council are going to remove the two Detour signs on Kings Rd used when council closed off Townsend and Bayswater Tce months ago. I think the young people have now moved one of the signs to Balls Lane now.
Perhaps everyone can purchase pink spray cans (the ones that are left and have t been sniffed) and everywhere you see a piece of munted pavement, concrete, footpath, or gutter you can paint a pink circled around it and write Jenny Hill!!
Apparently in Canberra people are placing little monuments and statues and things on top of damaged roads and pavements, hoping to get the attention of local government that there is a huge problem.
I don’t think that we got quite to the point of being able to plant gardens in the road pot holes yet but then I only travel around the whole city.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/act-government-commits-153-million-to-fix-potholes-and-improve-roads-across-canberra/ar-AA14ZHfE
Jenny Hill answers her critics.
‘I don’t know what everyone is carrying on about with the Charters Towers Road footpath. but to help the public understand, I have ordered new uniforms for roadworks inspectors. We at the TCC – that’s me – adopt a very philosophical approach in relation to reinstating footpaths’.
Pie, give them a break! It’s obvious they have to go and buy a masonry cutting tool, then train someone to use it. Should be right in about 6 months.
Love Rollmop’s idea for highlighting all the examples of shoddy council work around town.
Maybe it should be extended to potholes on our roads. I know of one section of road where there are 15 potholes in 2 blocks.
One of them has been there for most of this year.
Meanwhile our mayor spends most of her waking hours harassing the only councilor who is working in the interests of Townsville.
As for Looney Mooney Jnr, he’s too busy acting as a marriage celebrant and masterminding local entertainment disasters to worry about footpaths.
That might change when the injury law suits start coming. Nah, it’s Townsville.
Parts of Wotton Street look like a patchwork quilt because it has been repaired so many times. It should have been re-surfaced years ago.
Photographs, please.
How about reporting them either on line through TCC website or by phoning the Customer Service Centre
I find that it takes them 3-4 weeks to repair the pot holes after you report them so do it tomorrow and they might be repaired by Xmas.
Use snap send solve
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/contact-council/report-a-problem
Use “Snap Send Solve” app to report just about anything. If not a council thing, the report will be referred to the appropriate mob, ie Ergon etc. It creates a “paper trail” that cant be ignored or just filed away. Still can take a little while to be fixed tho.
Agree with that, although The ‘Pie tried it and somehow wasn’t able to get the app to work. But by all reports, seems to get the needed information to the attentionnof the right people. Will have another go at it.
I didnt say the app was user friendly tho…Getting the location bit to work is often a pain at the best of times and a real shit fight when reception is marginal
These people came here to be part of Australia’s future, (as probably did the ancestors of most readers here), but this mob of self righteous, virtue signaling council morons have used OUR day to degrade the value of migrants.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/council-chooses-day-of-mourning-over-aus-day-citizenship-ceremonies/news-story/daceca3282a25c4768a4ab02821955fb
A,
Time for everyone to purchase their Australia Day tee shirt. I wear mine from about this time of year onwards.
Available from Redbubble. Hope the link works.
Happy 26th January Australia Day everyone.
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjgjpWzjOv7AhWMCSsKHR32BuIYABAOGgJzZg&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESbeD2Bv8PCiR3XI3nkyNCTOqH-j1UpAT1Di5TC7Xz8xvHnhgha1qtgUC-4o1qxqsJfx8bYpOT57Vv-OLkbEe73Bj6Hzby74GjMwRJ6uAK9AkxB8rPANQO-6dxqDiKJ-YNBZbkik3vK_taE-QTmkc&sig=AOD64_1ukBxGafCMkJmB31v0HypjFXyHgw&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjN6o6zjOv7AhXxR2wGHeoPDeIQwg8oAHoECAUQEQ&adurl=
You wear an Australia Day shirt through Christmas?
Ok.
Occasionally and more frequently through January, so yes.
Have you noticed that almost every time a politician now begins an interview with an apologetic, cringing, nonsense creep into subservience to the fear of accusations of the non word “racist”.
On this premise Pie, from now on you must only begin any comment in the nest with an acknowledgment of the prior custodianship (read bollocks) of the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people.
Their progeny have sole right to possession of your motor vehicle, supermarket produce and to use them in “secret knowledge” incinerating ceremonious rituals.
Seems to be a lot of sirens around here this morning.
Don’t be tempted, any offered dawn breakers will come at a price.
Lash yourself to the mast, Dave!
More of them there sirens this afternoon. No fear of ending up on the rocks. Wax in the Argonauts ears. It is Medusa’s eyes I fear. That and the Mullet’s behaviour.
I have just read that a Council in Melbourne has Changed its name from Moreland to Merri-bek so as not to offend the local first nations residents. It is doubtful if there are any of these people in Brunswick. It is difficult to find an original inhabitant anywhere in Australia let alone Brunswick. 6th,7th and eighth descendants who have interbred with other races are now Australians, not first nations people. This council takes in the upper class suburbs of Brunswick and surrounds. This bright green Mayor and council is saving the planet from their climate controlled homes and driving their 3 ton behemoths to the nearest shop or school. HYPOCRITS! The rest of us are letting them do it. You’ve got to hand it to the loony left, they are organised. It is about time the righteous right got organised too.
Always good to now where people stand.
“the name was gazetted on 13 September 2022 and came into operation on 26 September”
You’re awfully worked up over something it took you months to notice.
And you, Stephanie, seems all worked up about something you had to Google today to find out when it gazetted. or was the talk of nothing else over the Belligerent dinner table these past couple of months.
Piss weak reply, mzate.
It was in the news months ago Pie, I just looked up the exact date when pointing it out.
Yeah, sure, of course, deepest apologies.
Now if you had read the magazines in the laundromat you wouldn’t have needed to google Stevie boy.
Has anyone checked the spelling of Merri-bek, it seems unlikely a Latin script alphabet arrived on this continent 60,000 years ago?
Sounds like an All Black forward named Murray.
A couple of shovel loads from our favourite funsters at the Shovel.
And apparently the word ‘homeless’ has now been classed as politically incorrect and it is preferred that the term ‘rough sleepers’ be used. FFS, this world is totally fucked up.
Anybody can make up any euphemisms to suit their sensibilities, but it has naught effect on The ‘Pie’s vocabulary, beyond him accepting that demeaning pejoratives for certain groups is self-demeaning. So ‘homeless’ it is, but he tries not to use such terms as ‘morning TV host’, ‘Sky News commentator’ or ‘real estate agent’.
Or the term ‘journalist’ when describing Typo Gleeson! He he he
An appropriate time to use “alleged” journalist.
Having been part of a targeted response to homelessness many years ago, I learnt there are various levels of homelessness (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) and therefore definitions of each level homelessness.
It would appear that government is trying to target a specific group of people who fall into the category of “Primary Homelessness” which is experienced by people without conventional accommodation (e.g. sleeping rough or in improvised dwellings) for services.
Information on each level of homelessness is here:
https://homelessnessaustralia.org.au/about-homelessness/
Cannot say, “disabled person” anymore.
Now it is, “person with a disability.”
That would include the entire population, depending on your interpretation of ‘disability’.
Yep. Mine is spelling.
P.R. Assuming that they sleep for 8 hours, what are they to be called for the remaining 16 Hours of their homeless day?
If you don’t understand what you’re talking about and don’t want to educate yourself about it, maybe don’t make a comment at all?
Look who’s talking.
And m’dear have you noticed that several indigenous groups and other interested parties have admitted they really don’t know what The Voice will contain, mean nor do, and even the rednecks apart from the Nats, unlike you, have enough brains to wait to find out what to get worked up – or down – about. Like the rest of the nation, The ‘Pie is waiting to find out what he’s being asked to vote on. but of course, in your books, that makes the old bird a racist.
Of course you’re racist, you were spoon fed the information a long time ago and refused to even glance at it, poor form for a so-called journalist.
As The ‘Pie recalls, you required him … and anybody else who feared your slur of racism … to read a 500 page report. But being the dense old one-eyer that you are, you cannot admit you cannot answer the simplest of questions: what will be the impact on the governance of the 97% of Australians who aren’t indigenous? You and your fellow dullards just don’t get it, do you, Steve? You are proposing something that will go to a referendum vote, but you won’t tell us what it is we are voting for.
That’s almost certainly because you don’t know, like everybody else at this stage. You are just too chicken-hearted and up yourself to admit it.
Back to TTE, mate, this site is a bit over your head. And please stop bringing the name Malcolm into disrepute.
Congratulations SoBG on your promotion to editor of the Nest. Who’d a thunk it!
It desperately needs an editor.
Just in case you were ambivalent about this bloke’s intelligence?
“When Les Walker started to have heart palpitations last Sunday, he thought it would be a good time to mow the lawn.”
https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/les-walker-admitted-to-townsville-university-hospital-after-heart-problem-strikes/news-story/7fbf082d489c77e95b53b6755eb5f3bf
I’m glad the story is behind a paywall. But seriously, how is this news? Who gives a fuck about this bloke and whether he went to hospital or not. Blah blah blah Les, whatever, fuck off idiot.
(Sigh) We all give a fuck because this is the bloke who is meant to intelligently and responsibly represent our interests as an elected member of parliament. He is a time serving arse kisser with only his own hip pocket his only interest.
R/S… I think The Bulletin is trying to tell us something that we already know. That he isn’t overloaded in the brain department.
Thank heavens, Les … we don’t want a blind MP as well as a useless one.
That is delightfully disgusting!
Hey Steve of BG,
It says here that the Government has no idea how this so called Voice will work. In that case, even with your 500 page report, how do you know how it will work?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-10/how-voice-to-parliament-could-work/101749746
And the various tribes are still squabbling about it themselves.
On the news just now, the government is considering raising the age of criminality to 14.
I hope the proposal will include a requirement of parents and guardians to be accountable for any crimes committed by their progeny.
Yes. And being promoted by the good old United Nations. So lucky they exist aren’t we?
Not a chance.
For Les Walker, going to hospital with heart problems would have been a change from fronting up at Emergency with injuries sustained at the Mad Cow.