In an extraordinary move, it is reported that TCC CEO Joe McCabe has instructed staff not attend any future meetings of the Magnetic Island Residents and Ratepayers Association (MIRRA) due to the disruptive, abusive and threatening behaviour of a group including a number of ‘outsiders’. The Nest loves a good conspiracy theory and The ‘Pie will not let his loyal readers down with his take on trouble in paradise.
Tweed Heads on the Queensland/NSW border gets a big surprise, and the Townsville Bulletin to get a new editor. We don’t know who that will be but we have a good idea who it won’t be.
Will this week’s TCC meeting give us a sign post to the longevity if this current crop of our finest? Rates may be rolling in, but are they enough to ward off the previously looming insolvency ?
Lend us your ears: Australia’s Post’s latest money spinner guaranteed to give us no haven from snake oil salesmen.
And he’s fair dinkum this time. Donald Trump ambushes a sleepwalking world with his loopy new fascist order … it’s as subtle as a grenade in a bowl of porridge … but a grenade is a bowl of porridge will still kill you.
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Onwards …
The Odour Of Rodent Hangs Heavy In The Maggie Island Air
And it seems the rats have been imported from the big island we call Townsville.
The ‘Pie, a devotee of cryptic crossword puzzles, loves piecing together hints and clues to find an answer, so here is story the old bird has pieced together from a barrage of opposing reports in comments during the week.
It all started when a couple of comments – possibly not both from islanders – posted different reports about a rowdy MI Ratepayers and Residents Association (MIRRA) meeting back in December, one slinging the usual mud for the undeniably unpopular divisional councillor Foodtrucks Greaney, the other decrying what they described as the hooligan-like disruption of the meeting over a couple of local issues. At first, the truth was hard to decipher – writing The Magpie’s Nest os often a guessing game based on probabilities – but after claim and counter claim, the old bird has reached an understanding of what is going on.
So these appear to be the facts: unlike the fake joke TRRA, MIRRA is a serious outfit with a clear charter to provide a forum to identify the major concerns of the majority of the community, discuss appropriate action and work towards that end. It is also a fact that MIRRA meetings have been critical of some invited speakers, particularly Clr Greaney.
But it seems the December 7 MIRRA meeting descended into a sort of controlled mayhem, with shouting, uncouth and foul-mouthed accusations directed towards Clr Greaney and the TCC, and rabble rousing caterwauling by a small group determined to disrupt proceedings. This lot ended up demanding a vote of no confidence in Greaney (and maybe the council, not sure of that though). The chair, lawyer and presiding official Cameron Turnbull quite correctly disallowed any no confidence vote and the meeting broke up in confusion.
The upshot was an extraordinary and unprecedented move, by TCC CEO who wrote to the MIRRA President Cameron Turnbull, saying all council staff have been banned from attending future meetings. This was because of the unruly and aggressive behaviour of the dissent group, (which was far from a majority of those at the meeting, according to one report) which made future council staff attendance a WPH&S issue.
So how did this unruly and disgusting behaviour come about? In one of his famous ‘joining of the dots’ exercise, The Magpie believes he knows exactly what is going on.
A little history. During his brief stint as mayor, TwoNames Thompson addressed a MIRRA meeting and was well received (and why not, talk is cheap) but soon afterwards was turfed onto a floating pool cushion, suspended on full pay. But his desire for revenge seems unquenchable and he saw an opportunity to damage one of his main antagonists, Ma Greaney. Thompson is in close cahoots with the wild eyed fuckwitted MyPlace cultists, and there is plenty of reason to believe they were the core group of protesters at the December meeting.
There were among them others with personal axes to grind, including Greaney’s defeated electoral opponent Alan Sheret, who has long been miffed at being excluded from council contracts because of alleged attempted price gouging in his road repair business. But it seems it was all a MyPlace-orchestrated project. Why would one reach that conclusion, apart from Thompson’s unabashed running sniping at the councillors and staff?
Well, the presence of this bloke at the meetings is one good reason.
Mark ‘Batty’ Batts runs something falsely named North Queensland Freedom Network video blog (vlog) a mish mash of immature nitwittery. He is an unapologetic Greaney enemy and an addled media fondler of TwoNames Thompson – it was Batts who threw Thompson a leading questions that led to the false claim that he, Thompson, had been a member of the SAS for 5 years. Which was lying bullshit. Batts is probably a MyPlace lolling head as well, given the amateurish pap he serves up on his site. He was at the December meeting with his camera, but it appears he wasn’t allowed to video proceedings (this seems to be true, given he hasn’t posted anything of the carry on.) But his very presence raises the question of an orchestrated MyPlace/Thompson campaign to divide and disrupt the Magnetic Island community, and enticing them into the jackboot behaviour as reported.
Several Nesters have commented on Thompson easing back on his spittle flecked fb sprays of late, and it is probably because he has recruited others to do his white-anting for him, while awaiting the crunch decision about his future.
It is understood at the latest MIRRA meeting, Joe McCabe’s letter was read out, and the committee will tighten up procedures without muzzling free and reasonably stated opinions and complaints. There certainly are a few issues on which Greaney clearly did not take constituents into her confidence, and she has certainly brought a lot of this public distain on herself.
But the disruptive fuckwits and dribblers like Batt and his MyPlace mates should remember, that free speech is not absolute, there are boundaries that all decent people know are not to be crossed.
A Final Note To The Well-Nicknamed Mr Batty
The Magpie noted this pompous tripe at the start of your very forgettable discombobulations.
You can write? What the fuck is ‘alike intellectual property’?
The ‘Pie now awaits the full force of your law, you imbecilic poser.
Seems The Bulletin’s Staff Turnstile Is Getting Another Spin.
A source tells The ‘Pie that Astonisher editor Cas Garvey is heading down a well worn path trodden by her predecessors, and will be leaving for the Hobart Mercury. Big difference from the three previous Astonisher editors that headed to Tassie to take the reins at the Apple Isles main paper … it’s understood Garvey will be deputy editor. Cas has had a tough personal trot over the past couple of years, as well s copping the usual serves from the Nest, and so from a personal point of view, The Magpie wishes her well. She has always been civil, professional and even friendly in the few email exchanges we have allowed ourselves.
The ‘Pie’s source says that the editor of the Cairns Post, Tyla Harrington – who graced the Astonisher with her presence for just two months in 2022 as News Director – had been approached to replace Garvey, but declined the offer. However, The Magpie isn’t sure that Ms Harrington, a rural lightweight in terms of experience, was considered for the job, simply because in the News Ltd steppingstone career trajectory, you don’t get asked to go somewhere, you are told to. Anyway, Ms Harrinton by all reports is making a fair fist of the Cairns job.
But no matter what second-rate bozo we get in the latest reshuffle – some cadet from the Oodnadatta-Milparinka Chaff Cutter is probably packing his bags as we speak – News Limited has reaffirmed its haughty disdain for Townsville as nothing more than a Harvey Norman publication requiring a few newsish stories and not worth an investigative reporter.
But the Astonisher will continue to astonish, like it did in this weekend’s edition. Excellent to see the paper supporting the beleaguered CBD businesses seeking to gather ideas to liven up the area, including a couple of local architects with dazzling but impossible dreams and lots of buzz words to ginger up flagging spirits.
But the Captions Cock-Up editor – a position that never seems to change at the paper – managed to give the city of Tweed Heads as well as Brisbane’s city fathers a big surprise in the article. It seems Brissie’s Story Bridge and riverside boozariumns underneath it are being moved across the border.
Seems to be a habit at the Astonisher … a few weeks ago, a picture of protest crowd in Melbourne was captioned ‘outside the Victorian parliament’ when in fact it was Flinders Street Station.
A Heads Up For Those Hangin’ Out For This Week’s TCC Meeting
Just how much we are going to be told about the city finances will be interesting on Wednesday.
At the last meeting in January, we were told as and Clr Robinson wagged his warning finger, the council had just nine week moola in the bank to run the city. We were also told that even if rates flowing would ease the pressure, we were a city living from ratepayer cheque to ratepayer cheque. Let’s see how they spin this to make it look hunky dory.
We’ll see. Or maybe we won’t. Don’t disappoint us, Andrew.
Woke Goes On Trial … And Loses
There were two defendants on trial in the Sam Kerr racial vilification case … there was Kerr herself, and then there was the currently fashionable over-woke sensibilities that promote being offended and vilified at the merest wisp of verbal injury – in this instance by a couple of words.
A guilty verdict for Kerr meant a not guilty verdict for woke, and vice versa. And the jury took a lighting fast four and a bit hours – including an hour for lunch – to put one past Team Woke’s goalie and slam it into the back of the net for Team Sanity. That made it Sanity 1 – Woke 0.
And a result that confirms that there is a push back against the extremes of wokeism continues to gather strength. Woke originally started life as simply awareness ( ‘awake to’ or being woke in black American argot) to social injustice. But like all necessary social adjustments (feminism is another example), ‘woke’ was soon hijacked by extremists and shadow flinchers.
No wonder Britain is so socially utterly and completely fucked, the nation’s lost its collective mind, from the upper reaches of their cesspit parliament, to the boardrooms, office and factory floors of their businesses to the streets of their cities. And the woke elite and lawmakers think it is a great idea in a crumbling increasingly impoverished society to spend millions of pointless pounds on actions like this one, pandering to the now widely discredited extreme woke crowd.
That collective mind has been so brain-washed by woke agendas that many just simply accept the absolutely ridiculous proposition that a London copper Constable Stephen Lovell, a man society trusts to chase down robbers, murders and thieves and bat away much of the daily rough and tumble of the streets was ‘shocked, upset and humiliated’ when Kerr drunkenly called him ‘stupid and white’. Being a constable, Lovell is probably of the age that embraces the idea of a right to be offended by anyone – about anything.
But were you actually offended, Constable, or just talked into being offended retrospectively? Your initial statement heard no such wet hanky wringing but it somehow popped up months later after prosecutors clearly talked you into admitting to being the world’s biggest sook. So – offence intended, mate – you can add to that list, Constable, that you are transparently a fucking liar. Otherwise seek professional help for emotional instability.
And the perils of the tall poppy syndrome appeared to play a big part, with the offended party no doubt upset with Kerr’;s intemperate bank balance waving version of ‘do you know who I am?’ antics. Childish, drunken effrontery, but surely not worth buying a small flotilla of legal slimes new spinnakers for their yachts. Constable Petal Snowflake told the court he was determined to pursued the matter to court. It was a matter, the court heard, of a pursuit because of who she is, not what she did.
Sam Kerr may have shown herself to be the average Aussie sporting star who is a drunken bombastic pisshead at times, but that isn’t the sort of things that demands hundreds of thousands of dollars being pissed up against the woke wall of lunacy in the name of fake offence.
And a question. Should not that London cabbie face some sort of deprivation of liberty charge by locking the doors and detaining the two high profile women against their will.? It was an action that panicked them into believing they may be being kidnapped. Given her celebrity and lack of sobriety, Kerr and her girlfriend had every right to think something underhand may be happening.
FYI London cabs are fitted with driver operated door locking ability, but it’s usually to stop getting in, not getting out … or at least until you’ve paid your fare.
The Art Of Saying What You Don’t Mean … Or Meaning What You Don’t Say
You can run but you can’t hide … and you can’t stop being bombarded with sales babble in public places.
The gurus of gobbledegook have outdone themselves this time. Not just content with the their usual karma sutra of language (Oh, look Tarquin, a new way to fuck over the punters’), there is also an outright lie in their latest effort. These things always need translating, so The ‘Pie will happily oblige.
We speaks of last Monday piffle talk announcement that Australia Post is about to launch it’s ‘first in-store retail media network’.
Translation: Post offices will have radio style ads pestering, begging, wheedling and belittling you with FOMO messages throughout their business hours.
A trial is about to start in 60 Victorian POs, with the plan for this pestilence to spread across the nation if there aren’t riots. The idea is of course money, and the changing state of the post office services are showing a financial decline (full story here), so there is at least a rationale for the intrusive move.
But how about this for pompous twattery: ‘Why this is an ideal fit is combination of “high foot traffic, extended dwell times, and a strong physical presence nationwide which means marketers can deliver targeted, contextually relevant messaging at moments when customers are highly engaged and receptive.”
Receptive? FUCKING RECEPTIVE? Now there’s a new term for ‘captive audience’. … but let’s translate that whole effort at making the unpalatable sound like a feast.
“high foot traffic” = punters
‘dwell time (ffs!)= ‘because Aust post offices are understaffed, you have to wait a couple of birthdays to even get to the counter, but ‘dwell’ makes it sound like you are lingering longer than necessary to hear yet again how the burgers are better at Hungry Jacks.
‘Strong physical presence nationwide” = Aust Post has a shitload of post offices across the country (4000 in fact).
And finally, this ripsnorter
“deliver targeted, contextually relevant messaging at moments when customers are highly engaged and receptive.” = subject customers to a continual barrage of ads to a captive audience, because customers are at the post office for a specific reason and have no alternative place which to turn. And ‘contextually relevant’ in marketing terms applies most often to internet ads for products your web messages suggest you’d like and you are targeted with them. In the case of the post office ,an organisation that can send and receive anything you like short of a tractor, ‘contextually relevant’ therefore means any fucking ad for any fucking product someone is willing to pay for.
VP J.D Vance Tells Europe ‘We Won’t Let Uncle Sam Become Uncle Sucker.’
Sadly Jd, the American MAGA voters have already done that. Vance made it clear during his swing through Europe it was America’s way or the highway. And as aside, on behlf of his mobster boss, he sold Ukraine down the river. vance is indeed a cut-price Goebbels, but as Marina Hyde pointed out in the Guardian, the only real surprise in Vance’s arrogant jackbooting approach was that the Europeans – including Britain – were surprised. It’s been sticking out like Rover’s love nuts for more than a year, but simply no one believed it.
Another small but ominous moment in the past 48 hours which is straight out of the Third’s reich’s playbook …
The insanity the world now faces is this Alice In Wonderland rationalisation of the ban.
The White House deputy chief of staff, Taylor Budowich, made the announcement on X, saying: “The Associated Press continues to ignore the lawful geographic name change of the Gulf of America. This decision is not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press’s commitment to misinformation.”
‘Lawful geographic name change’? Do we now expect an Executive Order burning all current atalases in school and bookstores and new one with Gulf of America inserted? We’re in for a bumpy ride, folks.
But The ‘Pie is happy to take a front row seat and watch the looming American implosion when this self-destructive rampage finally bears unexpected fruit. We are living in historic tiomes, and at The ‘Pie’s age, he just gonna enjoy the spectacle, while feeling sad for his grandson.
Trumps does a deal with God, dropping tariff’s on harps and halos in return for taking over St Peter’s job. 10 minutes after the meeting, God discovered his wallet was missing.
…
And one last one for you.
Topical popular songs often have a short shelf life, but one exception is this one from Kevin Bloody Wilson “What Trump Gonna Do Today’ which was popular during Trump’s first term. Sing along with him and laugh while you still can.
………………..
Another week and we’ve managed to remain a democracy. Interesting week coming up, have you say, or just have. A laugh in comments. The donate button to help out with nest costs is below.
Wow, this reminds me of that one time I was walking down the street, and I saw a dog just staring at me. Like, deep eye contact. And I thought, ‘Is this my spirit animal?’ But then it ran away, and I tripped on a footpath crack, which made me wonder, who even invented footpaths? Anyway, great post!
Mark Batty, Andrew Watts, Tina Pinot, Alan Sheret, Brian Venton, Mark Fishburn, Mike Schmit, Jeanie Zonta, and Tracey? Are the main offenders and My Place loons who regularly attend the MIRRA and MyPlace events. All supported Thompson, Price, Robinson, Ellis, Phillips, Jacob’s and Dirou during the local government election. They are on councils watch and act list.
Greaney has done herself no favours and this is the bottom line to how bad it’s got on the island. The CEO should not be stepping in, and if the councillor and staff choose to stay away, then that rests with them. The councillor has an obligation to the island residents and this is the biggest forum for residents and council to attend, the break down in communications will result in Greaney not being re-elected, and some close attention from the minister.
Thompson hasn’t been since October to a meeting, from all accounts he is abiding by the rules put in place. He did get a warning from the Minister about councillor conduct and the 5 principals of local government, but that was to keep him in line. Council executive received this notification, the mayor has a few matters raised now in the industrial relations court, so it will keep him busy.
Who’s Tracey?
And your dead wrong about McCabe’s action … in fact, he could be in big trouble had he not written his ban letter and something subsequently happened to a staff member at a MIRRA meeting. As The ‘Pie pointed out, this is not a matter of morals, ethics or opinion, it the LAW as laid down in the LG WPH&S regulations. And it is especially relevant when you have agent provocateurs disrupting meetings in an aggressive way.
The issue is under the local government act, section 4 and 12 points out the councillors and mayors, or acting in this case’s responsibility. CEO’s tend to fall back on WHS act, though the meeting was recorded, I think both may be investigated by OIA and CCC.
Good story, there is a post floating about from Cr Price that states Greaney had intended to remove herself from Magnetic Island, and have only a council staff member attend, I am tracking down said message, and will bring it to the blog. It demonstrates disregard to the island community group, it is damning.
Upper House, you assert that the councillor (or Mayor or council officers for that matter) are obliged to attend a meeting of a community group regardless of their treatment there. You say, failing to attend demonstrates a disregard to the island community group, it is damning. I say bollocks. It is ridiculous to think the OIA and CCC will pay any attention whatsoever. MIRRA meetings have been well attended, and growing, BECAUSE councillors and other politicians come along without hesitation, for the exposure. They are ‘invited’. It is not mandatory it is voluntary. Greaney and Jenny Hill turned up regularly for years and usually responded to persistent complaints by finding the money. If you drive over the hill to Horseshoe Bay you will see the results of a persistent campaign for AND BY council to take control of stormwater runoff in both Horseshoe and Arcadia. Some don’t like the results but we all know some $20m has been expended, most of it raised by the council from State and Federal coffers. The reputation built up by a councillor for Magnetic Island over a decade is unlikely to be dashed by an event like Strand paid parking – that’s the prerogative of mainlanders and good luck to them. If an election for Div3 was held today with the same candidates as last year I’d still put my money on Greaney, particularly at the Island booths.
Troy, writing about yourself as if this is not you does not fool anyone
MyPlace did not support Jacobs, Dirou or Ellis.
Did My Place support Guy Reece. He was part of the Jacob & Dirou mix . Judging by his insane comments sometimes they must have .
It seems unlikely that Clr Dirou was supported by the MyPlace whackos … she is known to be deeply loyal to Labor.
Yes it’s true.
Just before the election a vast uncompromising army of supporters from MySpace and other lesser known groups swarmed onto the streets unleashing havoc, fury and chaos at the ballot box in my favour.
Time, money, effort and resources know no bounds to these groups. They are very powerful.
@Big Mack
That is completely untrue. The mayors volunteers all handed out Ellis, Phillips, Dirou, and Jacob’s how to vote cards. Perhaps ask Guy, as he too was pushed over other candidates. The mayors election tent had all the flyers except Team Jenny’s on each polling tent. Thompson and his partner put up and pulled down Ellis tent every day at the pre polls, so they did promote them.
You need to get your facts right Jacob, Philips dirou price , ellis. where not supported by myplace nut jobs. Only thompson they only handed out for thompson no one else. At prepol in kirwan price dirou jacobs and Philips handed out there own stuff. Thompson still attending my place meeting as told to me by Alan Sheret.
I am unaware of who “Upper House” is but hiding behind a keyboard apparently gives him license to make false statements and generate a story to advance his fictional narrative. I have no affiliation with ‘My Place’ and referring to me as a ‘loon’ when I’m unaware of even speaking to Upper House is just another example of hate speech for no benefit except his/her own!
When Mrs Greaney is the representative of the people she is focused on evicting, the people of division 3 are now very aware of how desperate Mrs Greaney is to deny her behaviour. Mrs Greaney has not even demonstrated the basic curtesy of seeking out these people she is trying to evict to understand the impact on their lives of her behaviour. A pensioner recovering from cancer doesn’t need Mrs Greaney undermining his life.
Anyone who is aware of politics should understand that to remove the person who has abandoned the community you need to support the opposition. I did not support the people on the list, how inconvenient.
Anytime Upper House wishes to discuss the truth then I’m available, let’s see the response?
You are on fire this week Magpie! Love your take on the Kerr stupidity. Think I’ll share it if that’s OK?
Cheers, Sue
Always happy … indeed flattered … if anything from the Nest is passed on. The ‘Pie doesn’t subscribe to Mr Batt’s chastity belt on information.
The council executive staff continue to either mislead the councillors and public or their incompetence is on complete display with this month’s treasury report.
Cash balance was a fucking scary $2.8million at the end of January. This is a touch over 2 days – yes that is DAYS – of council operating costs.
That pretty much means the council is only using the working capital facility, basically a Wallet Wizard-type loan to help get them out of the shit for a brief while.
It is the reporting difference of the working capital facility and unrestricted cash is where the misleading is occurring.
The Cash Composition includes the working capital facility and is part of the unrestricted case portion of this stupid pie graph.
This number is reported as $34.2million. When you subtract the $2.8million, this means the working capital facility is down to $31.4million.
Then in the Cash Indicator table in the top left the working capital facility is showing $58.6million.
So what is the truth Greaney and McCabe?
This same table shows the unrestricted cash cover ratio as 1.14 months. We know the average operating costs of the council is over $1million each day. So the $34million is probably the truth. And the council incompetence or fraudulence left the $58million in the table.
This is fucking scary because this report is from 31 January, so the actual cash balance including working capital facility when the meeting is on 19 February is probably not much more than $10million. Meaning the council could be insolvent with no working capital facility left to draw on by the end of February.
But won’t the rates inflow this month temporarily relieve all that?
Only if the rates come in earlier than the due date.
Which seems unlikely as the early payment discount has been dropped.
well I pay on the due date as the money is better in my account for as long as possible than the council’s shrinking coffers.
the best case scenario with the current council operating model is that after the rates income, the council total cash reaches about $120million based on the total cash forecast. This gives them less than 4 months operating costs for a 6-month rates cycle. I’ve been saying they’re on the path to insolvency and need an administrator for about 6 months now. The council is crook and the people running the show allow it to occur.
When you look at the recent rates rise of north Sydney council of 45% in the next financial year, I wonder if the useless councillors and more useless executive staff will look at that as an option to get them out of the shit they’re in. Such a rates rise will certainly remove the need for the council to be more efficient. They can continue to deliver half of their capital works plan because they can’t plan for shit and charge us for all of their shit planning.
Many pay their rates fortnightly or monthly to avoid bill shock. This may result in a council shock next month.
Are you absolutely sure they’re dropping the discount for early payment? There’s no way they would stoop that low. I’m pretty sure they would keep that in.
It was certainly discussed and going on memory only, it was a budget item. Will have a look around. Can anyone help?
Ratepayer,
I pay in fortnightly instalments, but it is in advance. It cheeses me off that the council receives my money early but it helps money management at my end.
Discount was kept – but halved, you get 5% now instead of the previous 10%.
It only comes off the General Rate, not the utility charges, so adds up to a grand total of $30 on my bill, still better in my pocket but certainly not the incentive it once was.
Thanks for the clarification.
Don’t stress about finding if they have, Magpie. We’ll find out soon enough.
I laugh to myself thinking, if Troy Thompson was back in, there’s no way he would have ‘frozen’ rates and he would be getting absolutely hammered by everyone over it.
Early payment is also now only on primary places of residence.
Rates notices have been issued without the essential Biller or Billpay Code number for those wishing to pay by BPay. If you phone the Council a recorded message will inform you that the Biller Code, which yes, was unintentionally omitted, remains the same as it ever was on previous notices: 8896
That doesn’t maker sense … ‘unintentionally omitted’ and then you say remains the same as it ever was on previous notices.
If omitting it was the norm on previous notices, how can it suddenly be ‘unintentional’. you probably have a valid point, but it sure isn’t clear.
The TCC Biller Code for rate payments by BPay is now, and has been for a long time, 8896 and is usually printed on the rates notice payment options next to the Reference Number. Unfortunately, due to an unintended omission, that Billpay number is not printed on the recent rates notice in the usual position meaning that the BPay method cannot be used. In order to find out what the Billpay number is, you have to phone the council on 134810. Or you can take it from me that the number you will be told is 8896.
OK, thanks, much clearer.
Of course, it raises the question of how does a number cruncher leave out the most crucial bit of information enabling bill payment? Not worthy oif a conspiracy theory, but certainly a worth a kick in the slats to whoever was responsible.
Pie , speaking of Ceo Joe McCabe . Do you think Joe picked up the phone and called Chris Morris to ask why he is selling South Rail Yards or the owners of the proposed Vibe development the same . I hope the Ceo didnt dispatch his minions because if you read the nest Joe that has been part of Councils problems . Supposed Council senior managers who dont make decisions and didnt communicate the bad news / $ blowouts to J Hill . Another Flinders st office tower has hit the market owned out of town . Council have leases in the building on level 1 add the huge rent Council have been paying with a large office basicly empty falls back to ex Mayor misreading the market yet again . Albo is hoping the RBA reduces interest rates as he only has 9 weeks to call the election . Trump / Musk , Tariffs and Albos poor polling will deliver policy / legislation changes for the better .
Councils last treasury report is concerning. $2.5M cash in the bank, then the overdrawn $42M, as at 31st of January. The rates revenue coming in will shield the insolvency from sight for 3 months, then it’s back into the redraw facility. First the rates coming in will need to pay out the QT $100M facility and it’s 6.43% interest that comes with it.
What of the 13 outstanding Queensland Treasury loans recently mentioned, the interest on these is killing us. The Haughton, Lansdown, NQ Spark loan discharged, then the outstanding capital projects mention by you previously, 40 years of jobs that will again go on hold, the council is putting jobs on hold, not reemploying some roles, and the rate revenue after FTE covers very little.
In your opinion, from what is out there, is it time to go into administration. What of the Haughton leaking every 12 meters, surly that makes it a white elephant. And then as raised in the Bulletin, the sewerage going back into houses, then the silly councillor Ellis saying residents should buy a valve to stop it, at their own cost, this council is dysfunctional, even without the outed Thompson. I’m going to dread these words, but Thompson may be right, the Premier must step in.
As is well known, The Magpie is very much a one man band, helped out immensely by a number of trusted readers, but we can’t be across everything.
Soooo ….
1. Please provide some sort of proof that ‘the Haughton pipeline is leaking every 12 meters’. That’s a pretty precise measurement, let’s hope you didn’t make it up.You or someone else in your cohort has made that claim before without any explanation or evidence that it is true. The ‘Pie calls bullshit until you shut up and put up.
2. Please provide a link or direction to the claim that Clr Ellis said any such thing. While he’s been known to be a bit of a boofhead, it is difficult to believe that even he would suggest such a thing.
If you cannot provide the required proof of both these things, The Magpie will draw some pretty obvious conclusions that you could be sitting on TwoNames lap as you tap out your messages that align with his personal campaign of spiteful revenge (while on full unearned pay).
For all the Trump craziness I am keen to see what happens when the JFK and Martin Luther King files are unsealed
https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-orders-declassification-of-jfk-rfk-and-mlk-assassination-files/
Well, he’s certainly rbead them and he would only be releasing themn to exploit some political capital. Yes, it’ll be interesting, maybe he is th eenema America needs, but fortunately, enemas disappear along with the muck.
Pie, He is also going to release the names of Epstein’s client list. But only after he has cleansed it.
And also about to audit the gold in Fort Knox (hasn’t been done since the early 1970’s). Creative accounting practices could be exposed.
Australia has issues with its gold reserves too
https://x.com/senatorrennick/status/1891051795159429514?s=46&t=DY10PsJzoWGzFZelsdO27A
Can we audit Senator Rennick to see if there’s a brain? The man’s two six-packs short of a carton.
You occasionally come up with an unhelpful comment that from anyone else might be sent to delete heaven, Ducky.
The ‘Pie would like to think he has a brain (although he has his moments of doubts when handling comments) so do the right thing and be specific about whatever it is that you object to.
Senator Rennick has never met a conspiracy theory he doesn’t like. I object to that. Anyone that far down the rabbit hole needs an audit on what’s going on in their head.
And you’ve just summed up the core of what is wrong with public discourse in this country, Ducky … playing the man and not the ball. Not one word from you, either for or against, on what Rennick said in the clip provided. You do yourself no favours by not first prefacing your personal smear with a cogent argument against the matter under discussion. Without broadening it to suit your own debating method.
Ah Magpie, even a stopped clock is right twice a day. I prefer to judge people on their character and not on if they occasionally throw out a statement that is correct. I mean, even Jenny Hill, Adele Young, Prins and Tony Bligh occasionally say something that is correct.
And you would be dimwitted enough to disagree on character grounds with something that is the truth?
I would be smart enough to realise that the document says that “the existence of fake gold bars has been detected IN THE PAST” by identifying duplicate serial numbers. The document also says that there is a process in place to upgrade records. I also note that the document was confidential. Senator Rennick is chasing windmills.
Well, isn’t nice that the lovely Chris Bowen is providing him with so many things to chase.
Since it took about five attempts to find out the actual correct name of Mark Batts the MIRRA meeting photographer, with your supposedly informed correspondents “Cracker”, “Island Voice” and “Maggie Moggie” all getting it wrong time and again, perhaps I can add an actual fact to your revealing story. The Minutes of the 7 December meeting (published in February because there was no January meeting) state:
“Mark Batten, was at the meeting trying to film for his podcast and was initially refused by the President because paperwork had not been completed and both Clr Greaneey (sic) and the MIRRA Secretary (among others) did not want to be filmed. Eventually a compromise was negotiated and Clr Greaney was not to be filmed at all and Secretary Rick’s face was to be blurred out of all filming”.
The “paperwork” was a ‘written consent’ from Greaney which Batts had promised the Chair he would obtain before setting up his camera at the back of the room. It was said that Batts had secretly filmed a previous meeting and posted material on his podcast that defamed Greaney. On discovering that no such consent had been attempted let alone obtained, Turnbull should have chucked him out, something that had never happened before. To be fair, Turnbull was trying to maintain the open-to-all civic forum MIRRA has cultivated over the years and which, by and large, attendees respect and appreciate. There is, after all, no other like it in Townsville. Unfortunately, on this particular occasion, about five stirrers managed to bully their way into proceedings and at the last a self-important local blowhard dragged the meeting into a long-winded personal slagfest against the hapless councillor. It was not the Chairman’s finest hour.
Look up “Mark Batts Townsville” if you really want an introduction.
Your comment nearly wasn’t published Maggie Moggie for two reasons: Batt himself says introducing the useless blurred video clip (so much for ‘viewing it’) that it was audio of what happened at the start of the meeting, and didn’t show any of the disruptive behaviour later that ultimately led to McCabe’s letter .. in essence, what an up-himself Batt has done on that podcast link is simply attack Greaney for his own personal grievance, to which we can only say ‘thoughts and prayers, mate’.
The second reason is your claim of a false statement is in no way proved by the podcast link, because it doesn’t show the relevant action.
But The ‘Pie has decided to let you all bitch-slap it out for a while until it gets too boring for others. It’s like watching a bad tennis match.
Pie,
it shows what happened at beginning of meeting, it doesn’t show when actual questions were being asked like; please give costings for the $900k for the new toilets at Picnic Bay, a petition being stared re the proposed removal of the pedestrian bridge at Horseshoe Bay – Henry Lawson drive, The lack of car parking spaces at the terminal and the proposed dredge waste being dumped in a residential area of Nelly Bay.
It shows the disruptive behaviour and the close of meeting – that is it – the so called disruptive behaviour – there is NO more.
Batty states that due to Greaney’ and one other person not wanting to flimed – he blurred the whole lot out.
I offered to send you over the full audio for the meeting and I am dissappionted you did not want to hear what was really said – there are no edits.
I am still at a loss of why Greaney ran to the CEO and why Joe has taken the action he did.
If MM had been present at the February MIRRA meeting it would be clear why the CEO has intervened and why the MIRRA executive has terminated all memberships and reasserted the Constitution. I’m looking forward to the usual public notice of the next meeting (1st March) being published in the Community News and whether all and sundry ie. “Everyone” is invited.
But Jenny I was at the meetings – study up on poker games – you never show your full hand till the end. Bye…
MM, if you were present for the February meeting you should be able to recite a bit of a precis of the CEO’s letter read out by the Chair at the very start of the meeting. Go on . . . . . just a couple of snippets to demonstrate your bona fides. So far, you have declared you have recordings but did not know the proper name of “Mark Batten” (as you wrote), you declare your doubt as to my presence at either meeting (although I can detail line and letter my presence, who was there and the order of proceedings) and now you claim to have been at the February meeting but seem to know nothing about what transpired there. You are a fake. No wonder you can’t find your name on the attendance list.
FFS Jenny, get off trying to be a TCC and former State Govt media spokesperson person, and your pipe and get at fucken life…
Yawn..yawn..yawn. You and Jemny should get a room and fight it out. BORING!!!!
Two idiots insisting upon having the last word. Wake me when it’s over.
“But The ‘Pie has decided to let you all bitch-slap it out for a while until it gets too boring for others.”
Now’s the time Pie. Now’s the time. Yawn.
“Bitch-slap”? It’s more like a G & S opera.
Minus the entertainment.
Temporary acting mayor Greaney was on ABC Radio this morning, revealing that TCC is finally going to repair the dotted “musical pavers” near the North Ward Shopping Centre, that have been playing tunes (when you walk on them) for months.
Obviously, she reads the Magpie Blog.
So if you’ve got a problem in your suburb that the council hasn’t fixed for months don’t ring Walker Street to complain, expose it on this blog.
That way you’re at least a chance of getting a result.
Moves by the respected UpTown group to invite ideas for the Townsville CBD are a breath of fresh air but anyone thinking about attending the talkfest forum on 21 February at the Townsville Brewing Company should note it is being organised by another entity called Bes-Tville, which is “an initiative that was founded by Counterpoint Architecture”, and if you want to attend you have to buy a ticket at a cost of $88.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/insights-to-inspire-a-transformation-for-our-cbd-tickets-1137144322279?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Surely the UpTown movers and shakers could have found a more suitable venue that would allow interested residents to attend without charge.
This sounds suspiciously like piggy backing on UpTown for a quick quid. And having read the agenda, can’t see what anyone would get for their $88. Sounds like an opportunist rip-off.
Down Towner , fancy having a cbd presentation in the cbd . Townsville brewing , Picnic Bay hotel , new Tavern near Fairfield Cebtral ? . Presenters Ellen Buttrose Cairns Council architect who developed a Cairns cbd plan . Helen Norrie Urban studies , John Choi Urbus – Rockhampton riverside revitalization , Brisbane Northshore , Airlie beach foreshore . I gather you don’t get out much as Property Council and other organizations same venue for $150-$200 a ticket and book them out .
Mike, The C-Bar is available as a dry hire site for $250-300. For up to 80 people. Better venue, and location.
A few observations, a wonderful blog.
Magnetic Island is a highly sought destination for locals and visitors, it needs better representation. TCC has dropped the ball and the latest carry on with staff safety is exactly that, cuddle culture councillors should not apply for jobs they can’t handle.
We need to stop talking about Troy Thompson, he’s not there, and more than likely won’t be in November after his suspension ends, Crisafulli and Miles will make sure of it. Time to ban the bloke from being mentioned.
Townsville’s CBD is dead in the water, we need an investor like Harry Triguboff to come in and rebuilt it like he did in Main Beach on the Gold Coast, there’s money in it, but you have to spend to receive, this council can’t help, discounts, rebates exemptions do very little, they need to be excluded from discussions.
TCC administration is close, all their assets, is all that protects them, but even those are in such a poor state, if the QLD Government came in with a rescue package, it may help, but the work that has been ignored catches up. If you don’t oil the bat, it drys out, council has lost the battle. Queensland Trustees can loan them everything they need, but the debt is to great, there’s not enough rates revenue and the expenses are unaffordable, Joe walked into a trap, set up by Hill and the previous CEO & CFO. One wonders if there’s been corrupt behaviour if anyone of these will see a court room?
Our Premier speaks well, but with so many local governments on fire, is it a time to reassess the efficiency it brings, and whether it requires better oversight, not from an LGAQ, they are just leaches at best.
Townsville Enterprise has outworn its welcome, the board is out of touch, many living the life of privilege and none a battler, and if they were, they’ve long moved on. If advocacy is what we need, put it in the hands of the Chamber of Commerce, the representative all walks of life not just the top end of town.
You are dead wrong in one of your views …this rorted and ripped-off community will only see justice if WE KEEP TALKING ABOUT TROY THOMPSON. Summarising hisn latest foaminghs, reminding people of the background that continues to keep Townsville at the top of the list of national jokes. And ignoring him will play into the hands of those who old his future in their hands. They may be duped into thinking he is yesterday’s news, and no one cares anymore. He was, is ad always will be a cruel confidence trickster with self-interest his only driving motivation.
But what this blog, and fortunately the paper, will not give him a megaphone for his weasely words and manipulated sucking-up act. He must remain a subject of outraged public scorn. Otherwise, just turn your back, drop your tweeds and assume the position.
The MIRRA saga of who said what and who did what is as tedious and boring as last weeks dam discussion. This weeks blog was great, but the argument over MIRRA is as exciting as watching Trump brush his hair. Keep up the good work Pie and good luck with moderating the MIRRA obsessed weirdo’s.
Hello Malcolm,
I developed a Agerbraic Littery (?) statement many years ago that has stood the test of time for me.
Love = Repect + Honesty in any configeration.
I pay most respects to those who respect Magnetic Island…… my home.
We now see how things are coming to ahead on Magnetic Island where its continual disrespectful degradation is a really full on wholesome embarrasment overflowing to all Australia and the World. Becauase of that, I am the one who has been advocating that we become our own entity away from the inabilities of the TCC, so that we who understand Magnetic Island can help ourselves, the Island at large and her visitors to enjoy.
I’m not a Greenie nor a raging Capitalist, I acknowledge the truth of Magnetic Island is in herself …. not the manufactured truth such has been written above, most likely by senior members of the ALP with no respect for Magnetic Island and in defence mode.
I am the Jenny Kennets “(ALP Secretary?)” self important loud mouthed long winded slagfester” and I make no secret of that or my complaints to AMG given that I PUBLICALLY read out list at MIRRA meeting of the 7th December 2024 of her inability to serve Magnetic Island and its Community. The unruliness of that meeting came from the floor…. not the presenters.
The wrath that is in my community can only come from pent up frustrations of the diplomatic avenues not working for such a long time.
Sadly … disrespect causes disrespect and hate.
I would love to meet Jenny Kennett (and others who speak for Magnetic Island) to understand what she/they have done in my community for me to show respects to.
It is a blight to have the inhouse finger pointing critics who appear to have no foundation of goodwill other than to the ALP.
I am independant of politics, advocating for who I believe will do the best job.
And make no secret of it or the topic.
“Upper House” has full knowledge of and decribes the TCC’s “Watch and Act list”. Who is the criminal?
Regards, Michael Schmidt of Nelly Bay since 1963.
( In truth to protect Magnetic Island herself and those who are true to her.)
Your comment is published Michael, on the basis that you seem to have willingly identified yourself, which The ‘Pie will always respect, and your existence is confirmed in an old telephone book that sometimes still comes in handy. Of course, in the Nest world, there many mischievous folk, but you get the benefit of the doubt.
The ‘Pie has no comment on the contents of your post.
Thankyou…..
Carving off Magnetic Island to a separate council would probably be to the net benefit of Townsville City Council, financially.
Well, Palm’s got their own. And while The Magpie made this call for MI months ago in The Nest, it would also come with the downside of the inevitable council politics. The upside would be thefocus on island matters not at the mercy of wider budgets.
Ooof.. imagine the rates… all utilities would be outsourced to Townsville.
Magnetic Island would rapidly become the most pro growth, pro development LGA in Queensland.
Yes. And …?
I’m not sure how many residents of the island want to live in Surfers Paradise mark 2.
I don’t think Palm Island council is self sustaining, google says they get $6 million from the federal government for operating costs as an indigenous council.
Actually, the obvious solution is for Magnetic Island to become part of Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council.
Just managed to get in ahead of you there Bullshit … see previous reply to Jenny K.
Magpie, a compromise position might be that Maggie Island is made a separate Division in TCC with a separate councillor rather than being lumped in with North Ward, Rowes Bay, Pallarenda and the CBD in Div3. Of course it won’t happen but is probably more possible in the scheme of things than becoming a completely separate LGA.
Oh, Jenny, you’ve just sent the box-ticked clenched buttocks in Brisbane into a whirl, suggesting that an area that doesn’t meet their sacred numbers and quotas be given some sort of seperate treatment just because it’s an island. You’ve got control your sudden and mostly rare flashes of common sense, Jenny, you’ll do yourself a mischief.
Of course, if Maggie took an aboriginal name, and enough inhabitants claimed to be indigenous, the LG and Indigenous Affairs folk be falling over themselves to accomodate the suggestion.
Ah, but would the denizens of those seaside ‘burbs be prepared to be ‘dispersed’ from Div3 altogether (leaving it to Maggie Island) and be farmed out to surrounding less salubrious divisions to take their chances? You know, Pallarenda into Div1, Rowes Bay into Div2 etc. What to do with North Ward though? Hmmm.
That whacky theory is making a base assumption that is wobbly at the least … that there is a fixed number of divisions (currently based on population distribution – and that is a different argument for later) and that number can’t be expanded. Why not the much simpler Division 3 shrinks but remains the same on the mainland. A smaller population in a division means nothing, gthere can be no claim of advantage in representation, all decisions are made by the whole council.
Are you one of those mavens whose appointed task is to make things more complicated and difficult, Jenny? Quite possibly you are, because judging by the time you spend on here, there are only two choices we have to decide about you … a public servant with time on your hands, or retired. Or maybe the jackpot … a retired public servant with time on your hands.
I’m waiting at the Riverway traffic lights on my e-scooter. Whoops! Gotta go.
So a vote on Magnetic Island would be worth ten times a vote in a mainland division? Maybe Magnetic Island should get ten councillors and the rest of the city one, if we’re going to play favourites.
Now yer talkin’.
Fuckwit.
Magpie, your view that “A smaller population in a division means nothing, there can be no claim of advantage in representation, all decisions are made by the whole council”, is exactly the opposite of ‘one vote, one value’. If you create electorates (ie. divisions) with widely varying populations you end up with a Bjelke Peterson-style gerrymander. In Townsville, regular divisional boundary changes are an attempt to keep the number of electors in each division within 10% + or – of each other. Currently, the average enrolment per division is 12,752 with the highest just over 14,000 and the lowest around 11,500. A Maggie Island-only division would have about 1,500 voters but of course they’d be ‘special’.
This is not state or federal politics, this is a LG council, and as usual, you conflate out into some dastardly attack on ‘democracy’. MI, or any group in similar separated situations and the attendant costs and concerns, need to have a single voice for their issues. Asit is, a footpath in North Ward versus an expensive flop like Townsville Eats and a much-needed bridge for MI have to compete with the affections and social backhanders offered to Greaney … not to mention the political direction she was under for all her time as a councillor. Your blather about a Jo-like ‘gerrymander’ is a lot of hot cock.
But let’s not go much further on this issue, we both know it’s never going to happen, and we don’t need another long, dreary hypothetical clogging up the comments page, but it was as always to hear that familiar creak you make when jerking your knees.
This is easily resolved – we just divide TCC into 100 divisions of equal size, one of which is Magnetic Island.
That way they get their own division without a gerrymander.
And a councillor wages and perks bill ten times what it is now. Thanks a bunch.
Mr. Pie, it was good to see Townsville’s “White Elephant”, sometimes called QLD Country Bank Stadium, being utilised for the Cowboys practice match this weekend.
Maybe their second match?
Nope, that’s being held in … wait for it!
Cranbourne.
Claudia must be on holidays?
Do you mind, EB!?! It is well established in the Nest there is no such thing as QLD Country Bank Stadium, or White Elephant.
It is and always has been even before it was finished, Total Tools Stadium, as a tribute to both those who pushed for it, and the most obvious missed advertising opportunity.
Harumph!!
They’re being hosted by Melbourne Storm who choose the venue.
On Saturday the Cowboys hosted in Cairns – the one game of the year they play there
Facts
Not another week of this Maggie he said she said stuff
Yawn
Gotta let ‘em have a go, there’s no other well read site that can grab the Bulletin’s attention for things the paper is usually too timid to discuss. McCabe’s letter is hard actual news to even a cadet journalist, so expect to see something on it soon.
Magpie, I would like you not to publish my latest comment.
This endless twitter on the comments box from Jenny, is getting no where.
Prince Rollmop has called the Magnetic Island/My Place Morons conversation tiresome and boring. For him, maybe so.
I consider this discussion vitally important.
My Place Morons with their ridiculous ideas are a dangerous movement that has infiltrated local government in Victoria and possibly other places. Townsville has a My Place Moron for a mayor, currently suspended, thank goodness, but that suspension was for other matters, not for being a MPM.
Dear ‘Pie, keep this conversation going. The harsh glare of the spotlight must be kept on these people and their ideas debunked.
There will be no shortage of information thudding in on that topic, Ben. And no one is forced to read comments, they can skip what doesn’t interest them.
The Qld councils infiltrated by MyPlace are Gympie and Bundaberg, to varying degrees of influence … usually riding in on the back of faux alarmist twatfacts about fluoridation.
RE.. Sam Kerr
Pie one wonders what the story would of been if the police officer had said Get out of the cab your being Fu$#@@ck,n stupid and Brown
Quite abit different I would say
Yes, it would’ve been. Not sure what your point is.
Coppers aren’t drunk and they are rightly held to a higher standard because of the powers the community invests in them.
Exactly. Had it been a white male calling her black and stupid the person would’ve hung at dawn. The woke idiots would’ve demanded blood. But because Kerr is black and a lesbian, she belongs to two untouchable classes and the white copper’s case was doomed from the beginning.
Everything aside, Kerr is a feral grub and is overrated.
You’re a very confused person, aren’t you, dear?
Read the actual facts of the case before rushing to judgement.
It’s no wonder the Arcadia RSL hall and its MIRRA meetings has been the only news on the Magpie’s Nest – Townsville’s long anticipated concert hall has been dudded once again. And although the federal member Phil Thompson’s unspent $195m slush fund is implicated, in fact our dud mayor and broke council are left holding the baby. Whatever is written in the Bulletin today, this is what was all over InReview in August last year:
“At a specially convened meeting of Townsville City Council held behind closed doors on August 16, council resolved not to proceed with the concert hall and stated that based on the council’s long-term financial plan their required contribution of $50 million would not be available in the foreseeable future.
The motion was moved by Mayor Troy Thompson, despite the fact that he had publicly stated and continues to state that he supports the initiative for a purpose-built concert hall. Cr Thompson instead advised that the $100 million committed by the Federal Government would be reallocated towards refurbishment of the Reef HQ Aquarium, a popular but run-down tourist attraction.”
So MD you think we’re lucky we aren’t being charged $200, and do you only want ideas from people who can afford to attend the forum? Re the venue why does it have to be in a brewery. Why not at Townsville Stadium at the Murray Sports Complex for example, with the council waiving rent.
Wouldn’t that be the ultimate irony … a pointless money grubbing exercise of airy-fairy ideas from mostly outside academics that will achieve nothing … and held outside and far away from the core subject … an ailing and deserted CBD.
And The ‘Pie says airy-fairy for one undeniable reason … such a gabfest would only be useful if attended by those people who could actually do something about the situation i.e. property owners, large leaseholders, the council and the state government. The ‘Pie’s understanding from the outset was and is that UpTownT, while seeking ideas from anyone who has feasible suggestion will also be backed up by approaches to the council, government agencies and maybe some of the larger out-of-town landlords. This approach is made more feasible by the involvement of the Chamber, and UpTownT will be making a grave error by letting TEL too close to decisioin making … gthey are beholden to a council that has consistently let the area down … a council represented in CBD matters in the past few years by the now acting mayor Clr Greaney. A woman who has wholeheartedly backed the council giving TEL a $million+ events contract to the proven incompetent TEL, which it continues prop up with a $750k annual ratepayer crutch. And Clr Greaney – also proven to not have an original bright idea in her head – was the first to put her hand up for a juicy spot on the events review panel.
Sisyphus, stop whinging, you moaning slacker, your task is an absolute doddle next what faces the Townsville community.
NFP
Malcolm,
FYI
Turnull was summoned to CEO office in Dec, he then wrote a letter to CEO, the CEO wrote back saying he still was not convinced about the TCC staff safety
Turnbull , the CEO and other TCC staff will have a meeting on the 21st of Feb.
Greaney says she is not going to attend MIRRA meetings anymore.
As I stated earlier Greaney copped some flack at the meeting – but there was no abuse or threats. At the closure of the meeting Turnbull wished everyone a Happy Xmas and invited everyone to share some food it is a tradition MIRRA has kept up at their last meeting before Xmas for years.
So the way I see it Greaney has pushed the ‘I felt uncomfortable’ button with the CEO and he has acted. I believe – Greaney doesn’t want to attend the meetings – because of the open forum and she has always struggled with it – Hill often attended meetings to support and back Greaney up.
So there you have it. Doubt whether the Bully will touch the story – but the ABC might?
Cheers
You’re kidding. You send in a comment under a pseudonym marked NFP? That’s a bit laughable in itself. If you want to supply background information privately to The ‘Pie, you can email him. NFP is a pre-agreed arrangement, as all journalists well know. Which was not the case here.
You are not a trusted and known source like those who have enough faith in The Magpie’s integrity to email him info (which may or may not reveal their identity). And besides, while curating comments and deleting some for a variety of reasons, Tha ‘Pie cannot see what’s the big deal with what you’ve said?
Oh come on Malcolm – I knew you would get a laugh at the NFP, I also knew you would publish the comment.
The Moggs has been around enough lounge bars over the years and has met and knows many trusted journalists.
However the truth is now out about the ‘shocking events’ which were said to have occurred at the meeting’.
Although one comment Turnbull made at the Feb meeting – ‘That TCC staff have been mistreated’ , is still a bit of mystery. Surely it can’t be referring to the serial bully and ex major?
Yeah, right, sure, mate.
Say hello to the missus for me.
I read something interesting the other day.
It’s not important and it’s not life changing for us, but each Minister in the current Miles opposition government has never served a day in opposition, until now. Every member entered parliament during Labor’s 9 year reign, so this is the first time that they have served in opposition. Anyway, one thing that didn’t change is that the Unions are still calling the shots and the neutered Labor party still can’t get its shit together. Some things never change.
And I can’t wait for the Federal government shenanigans to ramp up as Labor desperately cling to power in the face of an election wipeout. I’m betting there will be a big swing away from the two-party system with Independents gaining seats.
Trump’s negotiations with Putin to end the war in Ukraine reminded me of a book I once read called ‘GUILTY MEN’
It was written under the Pseudonym ‘CATO’
You know, if Trumpo were smart than just the world’s dumbest sandpit bully, he’d forget buying Greenland, gaza and Panama … and buy The Ukraine. Putin wouldn’t mind his mate donald on his doorstep, the US gets the considerable mineral wealth and Ukrainians … well, they could just please themselves.
Is it even up to Trump? I thought this was an administrative coup and Fuhrer Musk was now in charge.
SHHHHH … no one tell Donald.
Have just received our Rates Notice.
Had to ring the council, they forgot to put the Billpay Code in the Bpay line! Basic billing mistake.
Once again, no discount for second property. With the current financial state of the TCC and the uncertainty of future rate rises, no wonder investors are getting out. With rental caps placed by Governments, Body Corporate fees, rates and bad tenants, interest from fixed term deposits seems a much better option.
Same omission on my rates notice.
Why would there be a discount for a second property?
Maybe start firing people in this department that can’t do basic tasks ????
Silly talk, if you sacked all the incompetents here we could work from the old Northtown offices.
I believe a huge rates rise for 2025/26 would be appropriate. Potentially a rise of 25 to 45% would help get us out of the shit operationally and it would help fund the list of council projects. Although many would think of such a rates rise to be unfair, one must remember that local ratepayers have consecutively voted in dud councillors over the past decade. You get what you vote for and unfortunately it is now coming back to bite everyone in the arse.
Dave – it’s not necessarily “ratepayers” who voted for these idiots. In fact, they would probably be in the minority.
Even if you pumped up the rates, management/ worker wages, CEO wages , superannuation, perks and vehicle purchases and staff numbers would only go up ( friends, family only plus mandatory DEI hires). Very little money would go into paying off the debt. The great thing about the government service is that if you run out of money just put up taxes. You’d only be looking into the same operational money pit the following year. The only time you MIGHT have some push back from “the community” is when they are living out of a shopping trolley – though most likely the middle voting block would sell up and leave town.
Thompson is stirring again on Facebook today. Posting the results of his targeted surveys, posting comments about TCC needing to go into administration. This sociopath would have to be one of the most vengeful, underhanded, shit stirring Nutjob’s I have ever come across in all of my 70 years. He is going to haunt the halls of Walker Street for many years to come.
The $2 million Concert Hall business case was put together by AECOM under instructions from Townsville City Council (in other words Jenny Hill).
The result was no surprise, but surely Phil Thompson or one of the Team Jenny Hill survivors can come clean on why it was kept secret for so long.
Ann-Maree Greaney, Liam Mooney, anyone?
Doug, AECOM is always the ‘go to’ consultancy that both Mooney and Hill used when they wanted the desired outcome. Labor mates.
Their motto is “outcome driven” … a bit on the nose.
Doug, didn’t the Bulletin say that the decision to keep the report under wraps was the federal government’s? Councillors may have had no say.
Not that I saw but happy to be better informed by someone from executive council / comms team Jenny.
Greaney’s MIRRAphobia didn’t just spark a slap on the wrist for Cameron
Turnbull.
A source tells The ‘Pie that David Sewell has amended existing policy and introduced a brand new one
to deal with all us undesirables.
See Item 6 on the Agenda for Wednesday.
Pie,
Is this the first of the many unpalatable decisions Greaney & TCC has to make?
There can be no argument that councillors and council workers are entitled to a safe and respectful environment in which to work What the public is entitled to is not become the victims of vague, ill-defined and manipulative regulations that can close down legitimate debate.
And the leading buzzword bullshit in all this is the ultra-woke wankery term ‘psychosocial hazards’. This absolute nonsense should be dubbed the ‘Boo Hoo Clause’ because it is determined by the individual who claims – truthfully or otherwise -to have been stressed, offended or traumatised by something or other.
The smartarsery of this cobbled together highly questionable document – presumably tapped out with two fingers by TCC’s latest legal drone Grupenfuerher Sewell, is wide open to challenge on several fronts.
But more alarmingly, it is wide open to misuse and abuse.
The main flaw is who decides what are ‘appropriate standards of behaviour’ and what is ’unreasonable conduct’, and what guidelines do they use make these determinations? This is so loaded in favour of council shutting down criticism that it should be examined by cooler legal heads. And councillors should remember, as we will, that something isn’t right just because you can do it.
The flip side of this is “frivolous complaint”. A TCC staffer or councillor can say they were exposed to a psychological hazard but if a punter tried to use that against TCC it would be dismissed as frivolous and dropped.
Not just dropped, but under the current LG regulations, someone deemed to be making the same complaint judged as frivolous three times can be prosecuted in court on some sort of hokey harassment charge. The ‘Pie didn’t make that up, happened to a friend (the threat of action at least) about three years ago. Courtesy of the TCC’s then bargain basement shill, Tony Bligh.
Here it is in all its glory. The ghost of legal bully the now departed Tony Bligh still stalks the corridors of Walker Street.
https://townsville.civicclerk.com.au/web/UserControls/pdf/web/DocPDFWrapper.aspx?ad=8224&token=36820b59-f874-48a1-8edf-f827945f7e1f
Council can now decide what behaviour it doesn’t like, no matter how it is couched, And not only turf you out of a gathering, but also ban you from future gatherings unless you go through a tortuous appeal procedure. Under these rules, someone could, in a reasonable and not raised voice, say to, for instance, Clr Greaney that she’s done an awful job and has inadequately represented her constituents, to which she can simply say ‘I feel threatened by you’ and the person can be removed and banned until an appeal is made. This should not be a slam dunk which in effect will curtail reasonable complaint and criticism of council and councillors’ performance and decisions. With this legally challengeable document, council is setting itself up to usurp and be superior to sections of existing law that is administered by the police and the judiciary. It can be wilfully manipulated to disadvantage open and honest speech.
Well – there goes public open forums, and asking councillors and staff to be acccountable. Shame, Shame Shame…
Greaney, and/or the authors must have been brushing up on George Orwell, with a touch of Joe Goebbels or just plagiarising more like.
Reckon it makes The Magpie’s suggested city motto all the more relevant, which is aimed at power-crazed TCC staff more than the councillors.
Pie , this Council policy will roll in the back of State Government looking at allocating $6,500 per MP for home security . The angst in the community is so bad on T.C.C. that business / ratepayers are holding off paying rates on a poor performing Council that have raised rates 27 % in 3 years , added $300 mil to Council debt (mostly Team Hill ) . Inexperienced Councillors signed the Council budget to lose $24.8 mil 2024/25 and a further $35 mil the next two years following . New Councillors voted in on change so they need to step up and make some ” unpalatable decisions ” . Forget the optics because confidence in this acting mayor / councillors / council possibly get worse .
Yes Mike. And the sad thing is that many of our current councillors regard an unpalatable decision as speaking up against the TCC backroom staff who run them. Wobbly knees all round.
But Pie, Didn’t the alleged bullying and abuse occur at a MIRRA meeting and council staff/councillor were guests. That policy would hold no sway in that environment.
Can we shift Jenny to another island?
Mr. Pie, what is it with all these snake bites across Queensland during the past week? Has the humidity and heat affected peoples brains causing them to be careless? It’s disturbing.
EB, why don’t you ask the snakes? They are the culprits.
Here is the reason why you should vote for the Independents at the next Federal election.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3G-wubd3glk
Fucking WOW! The ‘Pie is an instant fan, every single word this bloke spoke is undeniably the truth. Shame about his voice, but the razor sharp rhetoric makes me jealous, so many good one liners in there.
Certainly there is another side to the argument but fuck that, loved this guy way of giving his colleagues a well deserved kick in the slats.
I’ll second that Pie, bloody beautiful breath of fresh air in a stale environment.
Rennick is a cooker conspiracy theorist, I guess broken clocks etc etc
Exactly … you would be hard pressed to argue against anything he said in that clip, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t bring bottled vapour trails to his next speech.
Rennick is actively courting and receiving donations from the My Place crowd. In May last year he was on a speaking tour, his stop off in Townsville was “interesting” to say the least. As well as meeting with TwoNames he had also hosted an event at the West End Hotel attended by familiar My Place and other Cooker elements. Familiar idiots like the goat farmer and Jeanie with a Z all paying to attend and listen to his wonderful Cooker wisdom. It’s not just Townsville, the same occurred in a number of My Place footholds on his tour. Never trust this guy for a second.
That still doesn’t address anything of what he said in his speech which is the subject of this thread. Te political hake up he calls might not turn out – in fact, most certainly won’t – the way he envisions it, but the rise of the independents against mighty opposition is to be reckoned with. They’re not all wild mad MyPlace whackos.
The argument between Maggie Moggie and Jenny is typical of the differences of opinions on the island.
If the island had its own council like someone suggested, they could never reach agreement on a lot of issues, and in my opinion could not sustain itself anyway.
Well, yes, maybe, but (The ‘Pie adjusts his rose coloured glasses) perhaps a lot of those issues would not arise in the first place under an island council – or as Jenny K has suggested – as a seperate council division.
Temporary acting mayor Greaney was on ABC Radio this morning, revealing that TCC is finally going to repair the dotted “musical pavers” near the North Ward Shopping Centre, that have been playing tunes (when you walk on them) for months.
Obviously, she reads the Magpie Blog.
So if you’ve got a problem in your suburb that the council hasn’t fixed for months don’t ring Walker Street to complain, expose it on this blog.
That way you’re at least a chance of getting a result.
Doug,
See, therein lies the problem.
I reported the pavers in the Picnic Bay Mall around 2 years ago to AMG.
So some pink paint on the edges of some pavers, and some traffic cones near some of the worst ones !
This is the contempt that TCC treats the Island with .
Magpie, I know Mike Schmidt and his passion for the Island is unquestionable. He has been attending MIRRA meetings much longer than I. He is typically well prepared, specific in airing his issues, and unlike the rabble I mentioned in an earlier comment, rarely if ever launches personal attacks. He is occasionally heckled by other MIRRA members and occasionally Cameron Turnbull will cut short his long-winded speeches (Mike, I hope you realize no malice intended here) but as I said, he is steadfast and consistent in the issues he raises.
Personally, I disagree strongly with Mike’s suggestion of MI becoming its own entity, not because Islanders are not best placed to speak for themselves…they are…but for a few obvious reasons…the cost of doing business and the very small rates base.
The cost of delivering services to Magnetic is significantly higher than the rest of Townsville. As a consequence, the rest of Townsville is currently subsidizing the true cost of delivering services to MI for waste and recycling (everything must be taken off the island), water (additional cost of delivering and distributing water to island residents), sewerage and water discharge (MI is in WHA with subsequent special requirements), roads and maintenance (additional cost of delivering materials to the island). While the actual amount of that subsidy is unknown to average punters like us, I’m certain it would be not insignificant.
Sure, the island is a jewel in our crown and delivers significant income to the Townsville economy, but the inescapable fact is that the existing rate base revenue comes nowhere near being able to support delivery of services to the island.
As for the financially troubled TCC’s position on Magnetic Island becoming a separate entity…..be careful what you wish for!!
(** Magpie, its plaudits to Mike for using his real name, but for personal reasons I prefer to continue using my Pseudonym. I hope that doing so hasn’t jeopardized you publishing what I consider to be a relevant addition to this commentary)
I watched a mini 60 mins documentary last night about the horrible lying turd Belle Gibson. There are some very scary similarities between her and someone else we despise. The difference is one has two names, the other has two ages.
Actually TwoNames has a Wikipedia page. I’m assuming the egomaniacal liar set it up himself, because one of the first items in it was his age. Which was a lie that had him 2 years younger than he is. So he did have 2 ages after all.
Somebody fixed that up recently, and the next thing you know it looks like the Squeeze has left him. Maybe she couldn’t cope with an age gap, iq gap, honesty gap as it really is. Sorry, not sorry for TwoNames.
Ya just gotta love the way the Bulletin has spun this one.
Apparently is just all one big coincidence that the MIRRA spat coincided with this new policy demand, because it is all about TROY THOMPSON, according to the Astonisher. And there isn’t a single mention of the Magnetic Island carry-on or the CEO’s letter to Cameron Turnbull banning council staff from future MIRRA meetings. … it’s a classic ‘move along, nothing to see here’ from the paper.
But The ‘Pie will confess the paper’s story does frame things in an interesting way, without being too specific or think too hard or at all about possible ramifications. Note this from the story:
“This follows almost a year of unrest at Townsville City Council after the election of suspended Mayor Troy Thompson.
Suspended on full pay for 12 months, Mr Thompson continues to make numerous complaints about councillors, CEO Joe McCabe and staff on his Facebook page, encouraging his ‘followers’ to do the same via polls and sharing councillors’ mobile numbers and email addresses.
He has also claimed to have lodged multiple official complaints with the Office of the independent Assessor and the Crime and Corruption Commission.”
Now what the average punters posts on social media private accounts is certainly none of the council’s business beyond private legal action for claimed defamation, or if TwoNames or anyone incites other to commit illegal acts. So I seemed strange to lay this particular piece of policy at the conman’s doorstep, but then, being an old style journalist, a question noir two came to mind.
Pretty sure that councillors can’t use private social media accounts to start sticking it up colleagues or council staff, not that any of this bunch is likely to try … whispers around corners in corridors is more their style. But they could be hauled over the coals for bring the council into further disrepute, if that is possible.
Soooo … while Thompson cannot by normal definition be termed a council ‘customer’, maybe Thompson is not an ordinary punter in the sense of this policy. He is on suspension but on full pay, so perhaps comes under some arcane category like ‘inactive but still accountable council member’. And if that is the case, he is in the same boat as a councillor or a staff member who wants to give the council a bit of a ginger-up on private media. Which they cannot do even under existing regs.
So this policy might or might not be a major set-back to the conman’s agenda of pretending to Brisbane he is now a goody two-shoes, while sticking the vengeful knife in on fb. But the real danger for TwoNames is hidden towards the end of the sgtory (as always with the Astonisher). It is this line: The policy also includes measures to deal with “continue, incessant and unrelenting conduct”. Perhaps Thompson shoulkd be more worried about that throwaway line.
One hopes that Sewell is aware of his limited legal talents (why else would he be working for a regional council, let alone the TCC?) and has had this checked out by more experienced peers. External of course, $400 per hour of course..,. BUT if they’ve slipped up and it ain’t kosher, it could end up costing the rate/taxpayer mega dollars in court (at $400 plus court time per hour).
An aside.
Going by that photo, is Sewell’s fashion advisor Paul Jacob?
Seriously Pie, what is it with the TCC dress code? We had the Mullet with her yellow stained teeth, famous mullet hairstyle, and daily purple doona. Then we have Jacob and Sewell (Seawall) dressing like they’ve just stepped out of a David Jones store circa 1972. And of course we have Foodtrucks who looks like she is wearing a hot air balloon every day! How about Joe McCool implement a policy preventing TCC staff looking like complete fucktards. It’s embarrassing.
No wonder DJ’s is in financial trouble.
Imagine the Magpie’s Nest was a local community forum which hosted politicians, public servants and infrastructure managers to engage with residents, explain decisions and provide information about issues raised. Imagine if some audience members saw fit, and were given licence by the chair, to address an invited speaker face to face in the type of language and personal observations demonstrated in the comments on this thread – sometimes with nervous animation and aggression, sometimes referring to them as liars, blaming them personally for the intricacies of legal proceedings brought, not by them but by the council, or for “looking like complete fucktards”. It would not take long for all and sundry public officials to simply not go there or to be officially precluded from attending. Not even for a look. Why would they bother?
A very tortured hypothetical, carefully crafted to suit your public service mindset.
So tell us, oh oracle, what is better, public meetings where ordinary people can express their dissatisfaction or anger at authority in everyday language (not abusive, that’s never on) – with or without representatives present – to get the depth of their frustration across, or a meeting of average everyday people hemmed in by nanny state woke language where the object of complaint can simply say ‘I am offended, stressed and feel threatened because you said I was incompetent, and I’m outta here.’
The ‘Nest speaks for itself. You curate the public forum, anyone can say, anonymously, whatever they like, fact free, no holds barred and no politician or public servant turns up to answer. Ever. You write about them as though you are speaking face to face in a Donald Trump locker room. You encourage and personally hurl abuse and invective like confetti, you invite answers to questions and all you get back is silence. I recall the first and only personal contribution from Fran O’Callaghan (anything following was hand-me-downs copied by others from Facebook). Whilst she was not personally attacked, the debate in the forum about members of council and others was conducted in the most abusive, unsavoury and salacious terms that the councillor never came back. This is exactly what has happened at MIRRA. No public figure has to put up with being called a liar in a public meeting, being secretly filmed and defamed on social media, and being yes, actually abused, by members of the community that have invited them to attend. Even you take exception to ‘abuse’ apparently but you don’t seem to accept that it might have occurred. Well, that’s your prerogative. I guess you had to be there.
I’d say their questionable fashion choices are a consequence of dedicating every waking hour to infrastructure, community services, and balancing the budget, leaving no time for wardrobe refinement.
And what a great job their doing with all that. Their wardrobe failures presumably include needing help to tie their own shoelaces.
Magpie, are you suggesting some of our town’s top leaders and bureaucrats might have an inflated sense of importance and a talent for making absolutely nothing happen?
The debt goes up and so does the wages of council management, they get to decide what they are paid. To paraphrase “upper house” : the problem is too entrenched. There’s no way out now apart from massive debt and massive rate rises. Maybe split up townsville from thuringowa and start all over again ?
Porky told a porky! Um ah!
Thanks, Resident. Sounds like he’ll most likely get something out of this.
There is no real doubt that at least part of this policy is “inspired by” TwoNames and the cooker club. As for procedures, whilst TwoNames is suspended on pay (for those who want to check, read up on Queensland Local Government Regulation 2012 Section 253 – TwoNames get his name in print even there), he is still bound by the Councillors Code of Conduct. Which includes a lot of things, most notably not bringing the Council into disrepute. Something he fails at daily.
While Mr Sewell may not be winning the fashion stakes during the racing season, don’t think he has a lesser legal mind, just because he has returned to reside in Townsville and taken up employment at TCC. His LinkedIn bio and CV seem to demonstrate a lot of hard won experience. Particularly useful of late could be his time as a Federal Prosecutor.
David Sewell claimed social media is a different beast and something difficult to prosecute on. It seems there is not enough there for council to move on with Thompson. The policy is setting itself for a battle in the courtroom for sure.
Just saw Thompsons page, it appears the Industrial Relations Commission has accepted a referral from the Human Rights of a complaint lodged by Thompson against the council and the CEO and the legal boss, trouble is brewing.
Are there any lawyers in the house who can put their take on this matter? Just because it’s be accepted by industrial relations, doesn’t mean he’s going to win for certain.
The original complaint to Human Rights was over one matter, the referral sent to Industrial Relations from Human Rights was supporting 4 additional items, aside from his impairment. Political discrimination, Mental Health, Reputational and damages. Let’s hope a deal can be done, and a gag order put in place to remove him for good. If he doesn’t get a payout of sorts, we all know he’ll drag the whole place down even further, good riddance.
“Reputational damage”?
Oh, good one.
Councilors who can’t stand the heat should get out of the kitchen.
Pity the next election is so far away.
Or is it?
Anne Leahy and Chrisifulli aren’t coming to the rescue.
I wrote to both laying out what’s in the public sphere with the dysfunction, budget shenanigans and why the council is even into featherbedding dodgy battery makers or Lansdowne. Said they needed a full audit and an administrator for a spell.
Leahy who I have been told isn’t the highest of low flyers didn’t even address the council problems but only concentrated on my concerns about two names.
I half expected the Premiers office to push off to the LG minister or ignore it which the former is what he did.
We are stuck with this lot for another 3y and a bit years, I voted against 4y fixed terms and now am even more adamant 3 is enough.
Dave, here is the link to Councillor nomination form.
https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/25929/Form-5-LGA-Nomination-Form-Endorsed.pdf
Put your money where mouth (keyboard) is.
Hmm, hang on a sec. So you’re saying no one can offer a criticism, opinion, or suggestion on council issues affecting ratepayer in particular and the community in general unless they have at least nominated to stand a as councillor?
Of course not Magpie. But I am reminded of one of my favourite Elvis covers “Walk a Mile in My Shoes”. It would interesting to see how many of the experts on your blog would manage with a Councillor hat on. Yourself included. I suspect they’d walk away with a very different view.
Settle down, drongo … you know nothing of The Magpie’s life story.
Won’t repeat Pies counter but what I was thinking.
If I have offended some TT fanboys, he’s a big boy and is in the mess he is by his own doing. I won’t go into my service but you might get the drift why he irks me a tad. Also as an adult student putting myself through a bachelor degree and working night jobs only Indians do now at the same time also irks me. Other than that I don’t care apart from the audacity to try it on in a garrison city, that I find impressive. The administrative process is there and will deal with him.
As for your challenge I like the analogy allegedly uttered by Bradman, lay down with dogs get fleas, so yeah na.
Anyway meh, take it or leave it.
Anybody else having an audio problem with the council meeting live feed?
Yes. The audio is appalling this time around. Normally I never have an issue. Not sure if we need to request subtitles. Surely they have a policy for that as an accessibility matter
New way to keep us pesky critics in our place.
The vision has always been such that you often have to squint to see who the hell is speaking … the only recognisable voice is SB.
And knowing this lot, if they reluctantly were forced to introduce sub-titles they’d get someone from the Bulletin to handle them in real time.
Well we could always put TCC in more dire financial straits by requesting an “interactive sports TV”-like experience. We can select different camera angles, in-game match stats, and perhaps a live-link to sports betting (that might make up for the costs).
What hope do we have when this city council administration cannot get right the most basic of required tasks – an acceptable live stream audio of a council meeting?
You have to believe in the convenience of coincidence that the live stream of today’s council meeting had almost unintelligible audio – which has never been the case before at any meeting – and just so happened on the day when several matters of heightened interest and importance to the community – council finances, variations to the budget, and a gag policy for people dissatisfied with council performance – were being discussed/explained/excused.
It also appeared staffers was happy to speak more softly than usual, but perhaps that was just a perception aggravated by frustration.
The whole meeting might as well have been conducted in Klingon … maybe it was.
Yep, it’s shocking. Very low and feed keeps cutting out completely every so often
Audio problem here too.
Yes, it’s hard to understand anything.
What was that about a fool and his money are soon parted? Pity this bloke has a running tap of supply!
Clive Palmer announces his new political party, Trumpet of Patriots. Sounds like something from the US’ carrot (faded) top.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/clive-palmer-to-announce-his-new-political-party-trumpet-of-patriots/news-story/53230d924ffa37a22cde947969209eb4
A,
Unbelievable! I suppose fuckwits and morons need to have candidates with which they can identify.
RLW, does that mean he’s got your vote?
A,
Nope. I support the Happy Birthday Party
Willie do you mean that there aren’t enough already?
Betoota is all over it
https://www.betootaadvocate.com/uncategorized/clive-palmer-reveals-he-still-has-every-australians-phone-number-and-is-about-to-start-texting-us-again/
Palmer wants to be the $trumpet of Patriots. It makes perfect sense.
What was that about history repeating itself? The US (arms supplier) and Russia (protagonists) are behaving like Sykes-Picot after WW1.
Seems that Ukraine will be advised in due course.
They’re clearly discussing borders and not apportioning liabilities.
They’re discussing the spoils. Like access to rare earth and strategic ports.
Bit like Gaza. I mean obviously Ukraine could have ended this if they’d just bent over. And Hamas are completely to blame for Israel bombing the fuck out of Gaza. Israel having never done anything antagonistic ever.
As The ‘Pie previously joked, and now has egg on his face, Trump should forget Greenland, Canada and Panama and buy Ukraine instead.
So many jokes are becoming reality nowadays, it’s time to get out of the satire business.
Trump has made satirists look amateurish. People actually believe this shit.
Trump Derangement Syndrome is not satire.
You’re right Trump’s derangement is nom joke.
FYI
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/corporate-information
FYI
Media release
Council delivers Mid-Year Budget Review
Townsville City Council is a step closer to delivering an operational surplus ahead of schedule as Council handed down its 2024/25 Mid-Year Budget review at today’s Ordinary Council meeting.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the organisation had faced some hard truths as a new Council in the past twelve months, but through a combination of reforms and strategic efficiencies Council had improved its operational position by more than $5 million in just seven months.
“As a new Council we’re realigning our focus on how we can best serve and deliver for our community in the most cost-effective ways, while still growing Townsville,” Cr Greaney said.
“Part of that has been acknowledging the fact we weren’t in the best position financially and taking a step back to refocus on how we can give our community the service they deserve while finding efficiencies within the organisation.
“There has been a huge focus internally, looking at how we can be more innovative when it comes to stretching each dollar to give ratepayers the best bang for buck.
“Not only have we improved our operating deficit by $5.3 million, to $19.5 million, but so far the team have found $1.4 million through a number of organisational reforms and efficiencies. This is just the beginning of a major reform effort to identify better and more efficient ways to serve our community, with further savings and service improvements still to come.
“We’re certainly not immune to increased operating expenses such as labour costs, the scarcity of materials, supply chain disruptions and the cost of fuel, and at budget adoption we firmly stated we could not take on the burden of the increased costs of doing business without passing onto the ratepayer anymore.
“We have put everything under the microscope to find efficiencies.”
The adopted budget operating revenue is $515.2 million compared to a mid-year review budget forecast of $518.6 million, with the forecast increase mainly due to an increase in commercial waste.
“Despite the challenges, our capital program continues to move forward, which is all part of our plan for future service delivery requirements and creating economic growth in the capital of North Queensland,” Cr Greaney said.
“By investing heavily in delivering our core services in the 2024/25 budget, I truly believe that kind of investment has helped our region fare as well as it could, off the back of recent severe weather.
“We’ve made some hard decisions, and the hard work isn’t over yet, but I think as a Council we’re going in the right direction to financial sustainability while delivering for our city and continuing to grow Townsville.”
Download the Mid-Year Budget Review on the Corporate Information page.
Sounds like everything’s OK then. Phew, that’s a relief. We’ve probably been worrying about nothing.
By the way, lousy audio made it hard to know, but was there any mention of cash on hand to avoid insolvency?
$1.4 m in savings???? $1.4 fucking million in savings????? (The other $3.somthing came from customers paying more for waste) $1.4 million??
To put that into context if your weekly supermarket shopping trip cost you $200 each week you would have to cut it down to $199.68 every week, you would have to save $0.32 or 0.16% of your budget.
$868m budget times 0.16% =$1.388m
I am speechless.
So why is there a tender to build a road at Landsdown Eco Park in todays paper. Has Magnis been refinanced?
Yep, saw that, and wondered if maybe it’s really a road repair/rerouting contract following the recent ‘weather event’ (ugh!)
Pie, It’s the access road for the DriveIt Complex. Jenny fucked them around. But now QPM have gone bust, there is no reason to not build the access.
OK, sounds feasible. Excdept how did QPM affect the Driveit complex
Pie, The preferred option for access to DriveIt was always the northern point at Woodstock, but Jenny gave QPM another parcel adjacent to the block they already had. If their project went ahead, that would have ruled out that access. That big long merging lane at Woodstock was already part of the plan.
I must say, that’s a stellar outcome. The budget is in check and everybody was obviously complaining about nothing. What an amazing turnaround in TCC’s finances, and so quickly too. Amazing!
I did not hear about the 6.43% interest payment on the $61M now drawn, the capital projects completed or outstanding. Surely a statement issued by the council holds no weight what so ever. $5M surplus, but they took $100M loan for Lansdown and Haughton, good try, not biting!
I love it how Jenny Kennett is having a meltdown over ‘salacious comments and nicknames’ in the Nest. Perhaps Jenny ought to stick with reading New Idea and perhaps The Bulletin? Much much less fucktardary in those pithy news/entertainment forums.
Is John Over’hard still acting as state spy for the Crisafulli government when it comes to TCC matters? Just curious. And did anyone else hear that the Tom Taint Council on the Gold Coast charges a ‘view tax’ on apartments over 5 stories high. Ha ha maybe TCC can implement a similar ratepayer tax? Or perhaps they already do!!
No, it’s a View tax on apartments above the 5th floor in all apartment buildings, not on apartments over 5 stories high. Your explanation infers that if the building is over 5 stories high, they get taxed no matter what floor they’re on. Which is probably what you meant. Anyway, it’s fucking ridiculous.
The Gold Coast is probably another council in serious debt hence a view tax, what next, the resumption of window tax? The more dire the financial situation the more taxes governments impose to solve a problem they themselves created.
Here’s some light bedtime reading for you. seems Trad really was naughty girl … although it’s bloody hard slog to make out in amonst all the inquiry’s otured language.
Media Release
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity
The Honourable Deb Frecklington
MEDIA STATEMENT: Statement from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity
Statement from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity
This afternoon I have delivered on a key promise of the Crisafulli Government to release the Crime and Corruption Commission reports into Jackie Trad and Peter Carne.
We said we’d deliver it and that’s exactly what we have done.
After years of secrecy, Queenslanders deserve to know what these reports contain.
They are available for every Queenslander to read at:
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5825T0107/5825t107.pdf
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5825T0106/5825t106.pdf
The legal system’s got one rule for the powerful and another for the rest of us. If a regular worker doctored a hiring report or played favorites, they’d be fired and possibly jailed, but when politicians and bureaucrats do it, it’s just “insufficient evidence for prosecution.” The CCC called it corrupt conduct, but without real consequences, it’s just a glorified wrist slap. Until anti-corruption laws have actual teeth and public servants fear losing more than just their reputation, this political charade will keep playing on repeat.
The root cause of these issues is the system was built by those who benefit from it, politicians, bureaucrats, and legal advisors who ensure loopholes, weak penalties, and selective enforcement keep them safe. Every government tweaks the rules to protect its own, while political parties, media cycles, and public apathy let scandals fade without real consequences. Those in power will never design a system that truly holds them accountable. Change only happens when public outrage becomes too loud to ignore.
It was ever thus, Babe.
For those worried about spending $88 for a talkfest on the CBDead you can feel better now that Townsville Entropy is charging $660 for their own talkfest on green energy but you will have to take them on faith because they have not set an agenda or speakers. Perhaps they are channelling The Castle and it is Mabo, it is the Vibe.
Townsville Council Corporate Plan 2021-2026 Foreword from the Mayor Troy Thompson Council Corporate plan the current management and future development of Townsville . For those who could hear the Council meeting over an hour of Councillors time was about kayak racks at Magnetic island executives said the Council couldnt afford under current financial constraints but Councillors want costing quotes which continued with one Councillor said ” we could have built the racks in the time we have spent discussing them ” . Add Council staff wanting to remove Palm trees around the City because they are too expensive to maintain .$250 mil over budget on Haughton pipeline , Lansdown CIC , the mystery road and i guess Council is paying for Driveit access whilst Council could lose another $50 mil next few years . Quote from a very successful Townsville business person on Councils new legislation Councillors human rights / workplace safety . ” When you need to implement dumb rules its a sign you have dumb people ” . Every week our Council goes from bad to worse all while CEO Joe McCabe pockets a kings ransom alomg with the overpaid Councillors ” .
I wonder if Greg Dowling will be the Trumpet of Patriots candidate for Herbert.
Maybe a bloke named Birnbauer might pop up to get Clive’s gig.
Actually, wouldn’t that be wonderful mayhem … a ballot with P Thompson and T Thompson.
Thankfully the Federal election is due before the end of May (I think) and Twonames will still be receiving his mayoral salary.
Can he run in the Federal election while still the ‘Mayor of Townsville’?
Hope so. Might give him a clue to his real poopularity. The ‘Pie noted that typo, but has decided to leave it as apt.
Sorry to burst this thought bubble but twonames is a dual national with a UK passport. So section 44 excludes him. Pity, it would be fun to see him running in an election again.
If that is the case, then he will never run for higher office by relinquishing his British citizenship … that would mean he will have nowhere to try to run to when all really does go tits up.
The council capital works plan remains the biggest rort in town.
From the 24-25 budget, the council capital works was $328 million (they’ve never gone close to completing this much work in a year). So we mug ratepayers get charged for this rort.
The mid year budget review, the capital works reduces to $289.6 million. What happens to this $40 million? The council have already charged us for it. We are still charged for the $328 million, so we pay the same for less.
Now consider the budget variance report. This is 7 months into the fin year.
The Council was supposed to have spent $173.3 million. But have only managed $115.1 million.
Herein lies the rort. The council charged us $328 million, they will be lucky to deliver $200 million in this capital works plan.
That’s $128 million the council is stealing from us for their planning and budgeting incompetence.
And while the council might defend this and say they just roll the projects into future capital works plans, those works will increase in cost, so we are paying for the same project twice at least.
Twonames has posted a Facebook update on the progression of his legal action against Joe McCabe and David Sewell. Gotta hand it to this grub, he is in it for the money. Takes $240k from TCC for a years holiday, sues his employer for discrimination (will probably end up with a big payment), then spends the rest of his time (day and night) writing vindictive comments about TCC staff in public forums.. A nasty nasty piece of work. When the timing is right, Crisafulli needs to really drop the hammer on this clown and drop it hard.
So far, that hammer is proving too heavy.
Sadly Crisafulli is proving to be akin to Kim Beazley, both are/were too nice for the job.
As Sir Humphy put it, “you have to have the ‘killer instinct”.
Magpie, agreed. Crisafulli has been slapping Thompson with cotton wool. Softly softly. Maybe we are just impatient and the wheels are slowly turning behind the scenes. We can only hope that they aren’t sweeping Twonames under the carpet.
Or that they are – permanently.
Wasn’t there a story that it was cancelled in December in the Bulletin, is this the same matter? While I think he and this council needs to be dissolved, it won’t be. The Premier could step in, but one has to ask, what is in the show cause documents that stopped Miles, and then the crown prosecutor’s from terminating him. There must be something in the documents submitted by Thompson, there is no other logical reasoning.
Another question for the Magpie, what has happened to Van Ta Placidi, the Director of Communities, Environment and Lifestyle, it’s a major problem for the executive, it is around mental health, that’s all that’s come out so far….
If the matter revolves around mental health, that is all we need, and are entitled to know. Morbid curiosity is not a healthy habit …. except when watching Thompson’s latest lunacy.
According to Mr Thompson, TCC are using a Brisbane law firm for his case against the council.
I wonder who is representing him ? Just curious if he has got someone out of town too?
If so, is there too much conflict of interest in this town?
No idea what you mean.
TCC engages out of town law firms
Did Thompson engage an out of town law firm?
If so why do they engage law firms outside Townsville given that the Townsville CBD is cluttered with them. Aren’t they any good or is there conflict of interest through memberships in organisations like Townsville Enterprise.
First The ‘Pie would be mightily surprised if many if any legal firms belonged belonged to TEL, it’s a bit out of their remit.
And one possible reason for outside representation removes the possibility of previous clients entanglements with council, and also put a brake on any actions brought against the council. Maybe.
I believe that the lawyers for council are as appointed by the insurer. In a previous life, I greatly benefited from being on the odd panel. So far as Thompson is concerned , there would not be a lawyer in town who did not consider him to a laughingstock who would cause nothing but trouble. The old saying was that 95% of your problems are caused by 5% of your clients.
Guest Lawyers in Brisbane for his matters.
We assume that is their business name and not their status.
Criminal lawyers? Third tier ones at that? Doing it on the cheap, Troy?
But Guest Lawyers have good reviews on Google. They must be great!
I am associated with the maritime industry.
The Crisafulli government has just rolled 4 of the Gladstone Ports Corporation board directors. 4 new Liberal affiliates have been hired. Crisafulli’s culling of Labor minions on government boards continues unabated. It’s just a shame that these roles are always filled with rusted on party members, gifted positions. Rewards.. Heaven forebid ithat they actually hire some real talent who are good directors and who excel in their fields. If they did that, we would have better run businesses with less union issues and the businesses would be more profitable.
These board positions aren’t advertised and they don’t recruit through a transparent and unbiased process. So it’s a bit hypocritical for the new government to dish the dirt on Labor when the LNP are guilty of giving jobs to their mates. Same shit/different party.
So let’s see now, you want those displaced appointees, who by your own admission, were put in place by the same corrupt process you are accusing the LNP of, rather than taking the balanced point of view – outside the ‘politics as usual’ trope – that the new appointees by LNP, the party that clearly understands business operations better than the union dominated Labor Party, might just improve the boardroom IQ of vital operations? Is that it?
It sounds like Submariner wants a transparent board appointment process based on skills and abilities not the current appointment process where rusted on cronies are appointed. Seems like a fair and reasonable request.
And you both dogs to play trumpets.
Fair point, Magpie. Political appointments are the norm, and expecting a purely merit based system might be idealistic. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t call it out when it happens. Submariner’s not defending the old Labor appointees, just pointing out the hypocrisy of the LNP doing the same thing they criticised. If both sides keep playing this game, we’ll never get boards filled with the best people, just the best connected.
Usually, you’ll that in any case, the best people are earning much and are too busy to be available.
I’m not sure I follow your wobbly wheelbarrow of thought.
The’Pie is not surprised.
Ducks Nuts, that’s exactly what I’m saying. For too long it has been accepted practise that government board positions can be just handed to a mate. That lacks governance and transparency. A board position should be advertised and then recruited by an independent third party at arms length from the government. In reality I know this is just wishful thinking, a fantasy. But I would like to see my taxpayer money being used to hire the best of the best to have oversight of OUR infrastructure.
Long experience has satisfied The ‘Pie that in this area of featherbedding, there is no such thing as a ‘independent third party’.
As Submariner states, there needs to be a mandatory need for transparency. A realistic way forward would be mandating public advertising of board positions, independent selection panels, and parliamentary oversight to prevent blatant cronyism. If industry bodies and the public push for these changes consistently, we might see some real governance reform rather than just the same political game every cycle.
It seems the USA has a new Russian ambassador. His name is Donald Trump.
The word traitor is coming more and more to mind.
Wonder how soon we’ll see Americans ingrained hatred and distrust of Russians being demonstrated. And old Bonespurs calling out a courageous, up-front man as a dictator is hypocrisy in extremis (and based on a clear lie) and blaming him for not stopping the war by giving away a big chunk of his country.
All those happy imbeciles who want write comments in praise of Trump, please be advised, you won’t be published here. The Magpie intends to remain on the right side of history until the bitter end.
Up for some light reading anyone?
Links to the CCC Reports into matters relating to Jackie Trad and Peter Carne.
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102054
Critical, do you work for the Bulletin? You seem to follow their time lines.
The Magpie published those links and a story exactly 24hours 11 minutes ago.
Contained within the linked article is a cringe worthy photo of Palmer and his Trumpet of Patriots logo.
Why the lion? Why not a really serious looking kangaroo?
Even better a bilby! Clive really needs to get out and make new friends.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-21/dutton-trump-albanese/104963122
Come the polls, that lion is going be blowing that trumpet at the other end. (The Magpie just wanted to get in with the first of many assured jokes of that nature.)
Sorry to be pedantic Pie, but that’s horn (like a cutout from HMV) or at best just a bugle, the trumpet is the corpulent blowhard at front.
Fatty Palmer should use the Hindenburg or the Goodyear Blimp as his mascot logo. I do see a big swing toward the Independents at the federal election, the two party system is failing the nation. That said, I reckon the Liberals have this one in the bag. Is that a good outcome? Not sure. But at least we will get Phil (the real) Thompson in power locally and that will be a good outcome.
Palmer prefers Australian-made, puts in a bid for Canberra’s infamous Sky Whale o front his new party’s campaign.
Drop bear?
I reckon an elephant would be more assignable to both Palmer and Trump, fat and ‘trump’eting blowhards all rolled into one.
Asawa
ABC News, scroll along to 16:34 and look at the top of the Ukrainian Ambassador’s book case, looks like he’s ready for a visit by Trump and/or Putin.
https://iview.abc.net.au/video/NS1413V001S00
Bet you don’t know who Władysław Raczkiewicz was Mr. Pie?
He was that pesky Polish “dictator” who attacked Hitler’s Germany in 1939.
Apparently, according to the lunatic in the White House, he’s Volodymyr Zelensky’s role model!
Where’s Neville Chamberlain when you need him??
Neville Chamberlain nis exactly where we need him … and one hopoes will soon be joined by others equally worthy of his current status … i.e. Monty Python’s parrot.
Pie, I see your mate ‘typo’ Gleeson has handed in his resignation as CEO Qld Greyhound after only 6 months. Ah well!
Have the auditors been called in? Seems from this authoritative report he was unceremoniously booted, with more than one hint of incompetence and the damning with faint praise. Love the line about ‘Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses’ from one supporter. When a supporter says something like that, you know something gone wrong. Had he been quoting as his own long passages out of Lassie?
https://www.thegreyhoundrecorder.com.au/news/gleesons-brief-stint-as-dogs-boss-over/
And Christ, it looks like he’s been using his master key to the Shmackos storeroom after hours …. and also has the same fashion advisor as Paul Jacob.
Typo was out of his league in that role from day one. For somebody who is used to plagiarism and copying others work, he was never going to succeed in coming up with something original with the melding together of both entities under one new banner. Maybe they will hire Lighton Smith to be the new CEO as he writes articles too! Or lightweight replaces another lightweight….oh the humanity.
Gleeso is lucky he doesn’t suffer the same fate as his beloved dogs who under perform
‘Pie, given that, when he was in Europe last week, VP J.D. Vance personally visited the leader of the German far right neo-nazi party, what is the likelihood of Clive Palmer receiving support, in cash or kind, from Trump elements in the USA for his new political party?
Interesting thought, although what kind of ‘in kind’ could Trump offer? And anyway, ‘Ol Bonespurs would find Dutton a more viable donee.