Not even in hindsight. A bill to let us in on how we were looked after over throughout 2020 has been defeated in state parliament this week, shielding Chief Medical Officer Jeanette Young and the premier from any transparency on restriction and border decisions, decisions that resulted in the greatest quashing of personal rights in Australian peacetime history. Now the burning question is : why not? The Magpie beaks about in the murk.
The Daily WTF aka the Townsville Bulletin approvingly pimps for part-time prostitutes who are seeking to ‘hawk the fork’ for fun and profit. A new inexplicable low for our shambolic ‘paper of record.’
More sackings and more silence from Mayor Mullet, as the council’s money woes start to come into focus.
Further sad proof that a lack of vision has confirmed Total Tools stadium’s ‘white elephant’ status …
And America’s endless end-game in the Presidential polka nearing full-time … but will it ewnd with a big bang.
But first …
Just What Is The Mayor’s Covid Con Covering Up?
As more and more Christmas events are announced , planned or have been held across Townsville with hardly a covid restriction in sight, more and more the skepticism grows about the Mayor Mullet using ‘covid restrictions’ as the reason for the cancellation of Carols By Candlelight. And Jenny Hill’s notion that a council produced virtual candles streaming video was the alternative made of had some tepid response … if we were in lock down. Which we aren’t. And we’ll be out and about anyway.
The answer to this evasive snivelling swerve by the mayor can only mean there is one word at the heart of all this … money.
But why worry, Bentley reckons he’s got the answer.
Along with the skepticism about the virus excuse, there is a growing concern that the council is in serious financial trouble. Even if deputy doo-dah Mark Molachino’s claim that virus restrictions have put a $10million hole in the council budget (what budget, none has been forthcoming for 2020/21?), an administration as large as Townsville Council should not be in this sort of niggardly, penny pinching mode unless more serious strife is afoot. This bottom line in an excerpt from the audited TCC Annual Report, which can’t be fudged, gives us a clue.
Those performance plunges can in no way be sheeted home to the 2020 pandemic, which only affected the latter half of this report year.That same report gives us a couple of other expenditure glimpses, here simply FYI..
That first facilities item – PPEs – raises the interesting question if the ratepayers are buying the mayor and councillors condoms and morning after pills.
Which maybe an item for #SoWhat, except it’s a dispiriting fact that many experienced middle managers are ending two year contracts … and are being let go. Presumably not to be replaced. At least some dead wood is out the door … Jeff Jimmieson has been turfed out.
From the week’s comments:
Critical
December 4, 2020 at 12:30 pm (Edit)
Reliable source rattled off the names of 9 middle level TCC managers who have not had their contracts renewed since late August 2020 and many other contracted middle managers are busy looking for other jobs in case the same happens to them. Was Jimmieson one of these expired contracts? Is the 2021 North Australian Festival of the Arts going to happen as Jimmieson was the organiser of this festival or has the festival become another victim of financially broke Townsville. Is Jimmiesons wife still employed by council?
Also told that numerous positions across TCC were not funded in 2020/2021budget and that if a person leaves then it’s a hard fight to get the OK to replace that person. Staff are becoming burnout and when they’ve complained about workloads, stress and burnout, some have been bluntly told behind closed doors that if they don’t get the work done then diminished work performance process will start will be taken. Apparently
this process is brutal and most staff either get out or find themselves with the don’t come Monday slip.
Here’s the nub of the mayor’s perception problem. If she had, while shoving the candle up us, been up front and made a prissy little speech about ‘tough times, unprecedented, this and that, need to be fiscally prudent blah blah’, people would have a bit of grumble but find it hard to argue about. But you’d think that even a category 5 idiot like out mayor would realize that such an insulting excuse would attract more, not less, attention to any underlying problem.
Seems The Magpie is not alone in his concerns about this, criticism is coming from one every unexpected source. The Weekend Bulletin had a very well reasoned blast unexpectedly coming from columnist Shari Tagliabue.
Certainly Ms Tagliabue is far better mannered than The Magpie (not hard, really) but she too asked fair questions about the situation, although only making mention by inference to the Candlelight cancellation.
With the shifty Prins ‘The Prince’ Ralston taking over as CEO this month, one can but wonder what further foaming lunacy we can be expected to swallow in 2021. True to say in this Game of Drones, winter is surely coming.
Townsville – Mendicant City
Why muck about? Along with the unofficial council motto ‘Townsville Council Serves You Right’, surely we should adopt a begging bowl as our official emblem.
We have become Begging Bowl City, almost to the point where our only hope is that the Queensland Government makes a buy-out offer for the whole damn place city and run it at a taxpayer-funded discount rate under an administrator. It’s almost that now anyway, only difference is a bunch of vastly over-paid fat butt councillors. We can’t be too far away from toll booths on all entrances roads to the city.
Two stories this week have consolidated Townsville’s recurring cry of ‘Gosh, we didn’t see that coming …HELP!!!
First that tax-payer funded stadium, becoming a more blindingly white elephant with every passing day. The Astonisher was under orders from the town’s Daddy Warbucks element to campaign relentlessly for the totally unnecessary stadium, even trumpeting about world class acts coming to an average small modern facility they insisted on describing as ‘world class’ (oh, purleeese.) Now, they have the air of innocence that ‘world class acts’ cannot regularly perform in Townsville without massive cost.
In this little orchestrated piece of hand-out demand, CEO of private entertainment agents TEG, Geoff Jones is talking through his wallet. First there’s this:
Mr Jones said the company acknowledged there was a very good market in North Queensland for events and that Townsville was the population centre.
“But we do need support as a promoter to bring good stadium shows. It’s a long way to go to bring up to 30 semi-trailers. We need financial support whether it be from the state government or the council,” Mr Jones said.
Now given the business Mr Jones is in, we can’t expect too much in terms of sparkling analysis, it is only about the dollars, but here, in two paragraphs, he shows the nub of the addled thinking around this proposal. No, Mr Jones, while everything you say is true, your conclusion in a free market economy that taxpayers should fork out money to you, to bring some blankets and trinkets of entertainment to Bleak City, then there ISN’T ‘a very good market in north Queensland.
Yet somehow not one of the early spruikers for this stadium who wittered on and on about ‘stadium shows’ considered this aspect.
Shari Tagliabue summed it up neatly when, mentioning that Elton John had been heavily subsidised and needed extensive freebies to ensure a decent crowd in she wrote:
The Magpie reiterates – that to honour the Magoo-like visionaries and political sharpers who foisted this structure on us , it most definitely should be called Total Tools Stadium.
And What’s More
The other matter is this one.
There seems to be some weird argument around that insurance companies don’t operate in a free market economy, and should be forced to cover clients in cyclone and flood-prone regions at a cut price rate. Didn’t see that one coming, either, did you, all you body corporate gougers. Seeking public money to prop up a private enterprise agreement is an interesting argument about privilege, but again, this wailing reinforces the pervading shock/horror ’ Those insurance bastards have dudded us again.’ There’s always going to be a downside to what Steve Price tediously and erroneously calls ‘living in paradise’. Certainly, some of our taxes should go towards civic restoration and personal assistance, but this anger towards insurance companies is wrong-headed.
Hey, The ’Pie’s had an outside-the-envelope inspiration: why doesn’t the LGAQ’s Greg ‘Pizza The Hutt’ Hallam step forward on behalf of the LGAQ’s insurance operations, and offer to peg all such insurance premiums at affordable low levels in all those towns and cities which allow his organisation to live so high on the hog? C’mon Greg, you could easily trim the LGAQ’s budget – and your belt line – to cover this. Put another way, it would only mean you cancelling say maybe five long lunches – every week.
Why Not? She Did.
And what, pray tell, is wrong with such oversight in a democracy?
There is a complete irony here, missed by the Courier Mail, that shoots down the very premise of the story : why is a medical reporter writing about what is an essentially political issue? For some reason, the whitewash is on, big time. In double quick time after the above story appeared, he have been treated to a blizzard of fawning publicity about our CMO. Operation Omo was designed to make is on Dr Young CMO lighter and brighter … we meet hubby, hear about early career traumas and lot of other stuff totally irrelevant to what we need to know. All the articles are by said medical reporter Janelle Miles, who’d be an Olympian if brown-nosing was a medal sport.
But That Is Exactly The Problem – Fake Experts
That is exactly what has been wrong with this faux whipped-up panic that followed the early necessary precautions – lack of transparency and in two famous instances, decisions that defied plain common sense – or even political sense.
Making ‘medical’ decisions based on cultural considerations (limit 10 at a funeral, exception for Mackay indigenous funeral of 80) that reflects a socially discriminatory light, is a decision for those we elected , not a bureaucratic medical person. Then there was Dr Young’s decision that should not have been made by anybody, the banning of a flypast by four single-seater warplanes on Anzac Day (a day which is by any measure deeply cultural to ALL Australians) because ‘it might make people decide to go for a drive.’ WTF!!
The premier hid in the folds of Dr Young’s skirt at these announcements and others about timings.
A spokesman for state leader Dr Jeanette Young makes an announcement.
And Premier Palaszczuk has refused to do what exactly what a defeated Green’s bill reasonably and responsibly asked for … accountability by our elected leadership, not the hired help. The thrust of the bill appeared to be a call for a hindsight review, there didn’t seem to be any suggestion that when straight medical advice is needed quickly and decisively that it should be second guessed by politicians, especially green dingbats.
The short story of this is simple … when you take away basic freedoms, we do not only deserve, we have THE RIGHT to know why. What Dr Young and Anna Palaszczuk indulged in during this situation … as did all states … was martial law masquerading as medical law. That’s what ruling with explanation means.
But One Simple Gesture Summed It Up
It seems one of the ‘signing interpreters’ managed to get the message across to the general public.
Meanwhile South Of The Border, Glad For Gladys.
Perhaps no happy ending in this version. No more to say, really.
You Couldn’t Make Up This Shit … And They Didn’t.
At first glance, the featured letter to the editor on Wednesday in the Bulletin made one wonder why the paper had developed such a bizarre spoofish sense of humour.
A send-up, surely? Well, no.
Turns out this more or less sane looking person really is the writer – Dominique Thiriet was the Burdekin candidate for the Animal Justice Party.
That’s a party that travels under this colourful crest, featuring several prominent party members, one guesses.
Should Ms Thiriet decide to become a full-time writer, there’s surely a spot for on the Beetoota Advocate.
Our Pimping Paper
Usually it is their advertisers getting fucked for money, but The Townsville Bulletin broke new fetid ground this week to follow their ‘Ten Hottest Crims’ debacle of a few weeks ago. From comments:
The Magpie
December 2, 2020 at 9:51 am (Edit)
Yes, the Townsville Bulletin seems to have gone completely off the rails.
Last time, it was ‘ten hottest crims’, now it is ‘sugar babes and sugar daddies’, a thinly disguised prurient story advocating – apparently – amateur prostitution that could lead very young females into an extremely dangerous situations. The story, better headlined ‘Sluts and Trolls’ also does not take into any consideration that giving this approving publicity of an age-old situation – there is nary a word of possible downsides – encourages husbands and fathers to cheat, young, even under age women and girls to seek ‘easy’ money, and tempt family break-ups. Sure that is the way things have always been for some, but now the Bulletin has – unbelievably – given it’s seal of approval. Rupert’s moral code – i.e. none – reaches out across his entire network and again gives the finger to this community.
Like an increasing number of stories -AND Letters To The Editor – this is ‘anonymous’ information, which puts such a rosy glow on a prostitute’s reasoning. And on it’s veracity. So knowing how this paper works, The ‘Pie reckons it is quite possible that reporter Sam Flanagan was assigned to do a local angle on the dating site, and then conjured up a fevered scenario, written at home – alone in the privacy of his stained-sheet bedroom.
This story is published on the very same day that the paper incongruously reported this.
And just while in this grubby area, things could get legally serious if more care is not given to clear separation of two stories and a photo on the same page.
Is The World Now Entering The Most Dangerous Period Of The Trump Lunacy?
It’s the lingering of the lunacy that’s the problem. His hanging around like a stubborn dog poo stain on the Axminster may have launched a thousand jokes, but it is what else he may try to launch himself that is a very real concern, an ultimate fireworks farewell..
Donald Trump’s clearly demonstrated mental instability could still have disastrous consequences for us all. The US has shown that no matter what, he is still the Commander in Chief (ol’ Colonel Jubilation T Cornpone with bone spurs). And as such, makes unilateral decisions about US troops engagements around the world, which are still to be followed under the country’s ratbag constitution.
If only Melania was still letting him do to her what he has been doing to his country and the world.
Anyway, the jokers are still hunting a pack, and getting in their licks while they can.
And Finally …
Oh really.
If only there was a Silly Grammar fish for writers like this to stand on, and share our agony.
…..
Join the comments during the week, be the first with some very interesting information you find anywhere else. And lotsa laughs.
And this weekly blog is just that – weekly – which means the overheads are weekly, too, and are a continual anxiety for The Nest’s shoestring budget. Sincere thanks to those of you who have donated to the cause (the cause being the often fruitless task of keeping the bastards honest), and if anyone else cares to help out, it will be a great help, the donation button is below. Thank you.
Great blog Pie, I am glad to see rents rise across Townsville recently, renters have largely been immune from the Mullets mismanagement of this city and actually benefited from her throttling of the local economy as many had to leave town leaving empty houses that couldn’t be sold and became rentals. I am sure many renters were very happy with how things are going and voted accordingly, why would they want anything to change, they didn’t have to pay the exorbitant rates whilst enjoying cheap rents, but no more, rents are rising sharply and it’s a good thing, about time they shared some of the misery from this council.
Market forces will roller coaster on around here for a while yet, especially in the rental market. But being a renter represents for many an already built-in disadvantage, so The ‘Pie thinks you’re being a tad ungenerous there. It’s not as though renters, no doubt many without jobs or enough hours for security, have been skating along, whistling a happy tune, as you’re post seems to suggest. Sounds like you’re a property investor, and certainly people in your position should not have bear the brunt of a struggling economy, but common sense for an equitable outcome (lower rents v empty property) needs a time frame for the current situation. When you’re chucked out of a job by government fiat, it’s not fair to blame renters, because any rent in those circumstances is a challenge. Rents rising sharply are not necessarily a good thing at all, except for investors, and just at the moment, not a good thing for anybody in the longer term, because they are likely not to be maintained in the current volatility ahead. But by then, the dispossessed will have gone elsewhere. Rates have always been over the odds in Townsville, but caveat emptor, mate. Sorry to twit you, Cankers, but a very mean and unexpected comment from you. NO ONE deserves the misery from this council.
Not blaming renters for anything, but the facts are renters can be disconnected from their actions in regards to local Govt elections, if you don’t have to share the burden of cost to fund the community and services you are far less likely to question decisions or even have an opinion. As rents rise tenants are now being asked to share that burden, instead of only landlords and taxpayers in the case of negatively geared property, it might make a few be a little less ignorant about what’s going on around the place.
I can understand that sort of thinking and I think you’ve got a good point Cankers. I believe they should look into charging the renter for water they use instead of the owner paying for it. That should then be reflected on rent payments as well. Let’s face it, renters have to pay electricity and gas; why not water usage?
Comments have been made about unemployed or underemployed renters but we need to remember that they have been on a nice little number this year with the job seeker and keeper payments. They comparatively have more disposable income than self funded retirees or property owners who have seen their income slide instead.
Being unemployed or under-employed is a nice little earner? That’s an interesting world view, what planet are you from? Let them eat cake, eh? The ‘Pie would countenance this sort of fiscal foppery if this thread had been started by or even contained some renters crowing about how good they have it. But they didn’t. Sure, property owners need to be both protected and supported, but you’re pointing a classist and elitist finger at the wrong culprit. Seek the support of the inept panicked leadership that has caused this angst to both owners and renters (the vast majority of whom are not un- or under-employed in this city, just everyday working stiffs).
As you showed in the blog Pie , T.C.C. missed all three of their key budget benchmarks so what repercussions for 3 x $350-450 k executives ? . The $10 mil revenue drop Mark Molachino declared was from March – June blaming COVID so based on prorata has COVID impacted Councils revenue a further $20 mil July -Dec? . How long will the sycophant Councillors ( excluding Sue Bloom ) be in denial spending there $62,408 printing & advertising , $106, 805 of travel , $28, 268 admin costs . New Ceo Prins commences tomorrow so for transparency , the Astonisher , business , ratepayers should petition for T.C.C.s first 6 mths financial results delivered end of Jan 2021 if Council seeks confidence of the City .
Wife’s contract was not renewed this December by TCC customer service department. No biggie. Staff anxiety levels are high due to practice of providing short term contracts to workers and giving no indication about future prospects up until the final weeks of employment. My wife’s position was not renewed due to budgetary requirements and was invited to reapply through a recruiting agency, providing fewer benefits. At the lowest level, I gained the impression that the organisation is a bit of a f*** fight. Reading this blog gives me the impression that it goes all the way to the top.
Safehands have I got this correct Council is now contracting labour hire companies to provide company contracted staff to fill council staff positions which would normally be occupied by full time permanent council staff members recruited and employed by council. If this is so then it tends to show the contempt that council management has for developing a permanent well trained workforce and is another example of an increasing the casualisation of the Australian workforce. Also shows that the unions representing council workers are piss weak and powerless against the council hierarchy.
Oh, dearie me, Crits, not just ANY old labour hire company, but THE labour hire company.
Yep, that would be LGAQ’s other little gouging earner, which they proudly proclaim is a for-profit operation designed to benefit all the councils (77 of ‘em) this rorting lobby group represents. No offence to the people pictured, they’re just pawns in the LGAQ”s chess game with the government.
It has always interested The ‘Pie, and a couple of other southern media folk, that the LGAQ’s CEO, porky trough-swiller Greg Hallam, so quickly went ‘Eek! They’re onto me!’ when a critic called him Jabba The Hutt, and threatened to sue because Jabba was a criminal Star Wars character. That he lifted the hem of his skirt at the mouse of a comment and so quickly scuttled off to his lawyers seemed to indicate an indecent haste to shut down such connotations that might merit investigation.
Please note the date of this post, readers, because here is yet another fearless Magpie prediction. When David Crisafulli becomes premier in three and half years time, he would do well to look into the LGAQ’s activities – labor hire, local buy and insurance schemes are just the start of it – since it seems Boss Hog Hallam is empire building to put his organisation in a power-wielding position over the government of the day. In the same manner as unions, another unelected self-serving bloc that will be seek to coerce weak-kneed politicians to further fuck up this state.
A good start for The Kid would be to repeal the state-mandated Act that for some reason allows this private lobby group to not have its books examined or be financially audited openly. The LGAQ really is a rort.
LGAQ is also an LNP donor. And its embezzled public funds. Type “local government” and “LGAQ” into http://democracyforsale.net/search-aec/ and tick all years in the period option and into https://disclosures.ecq.qld.gov.au/Map you will also find that in the weeks the belcarra legislation was before the Parliament the LGAQ held off more drastic action through increased bribes to both sides. Check the dates against the Hansard.
P.S. The Townsville Enterprise donations are embezzled public funds in the same way.
Hold on Pat … we all know to take most of your stuff with a Lake Eyre size dose of salts, but seriously, are you saying the TEL has made political donations? And to whom? With out (ratepayer) money gifted to them annually? Let’s have those links and then we’ll really make something of that.
You cant guarantee that what you actually wrote appears in the letters page of the Bully. They do change the words and wont give you a right of reply. They actually put words in your mouth.
What people missed was the letter from Debra Gibson saying what all Townsville right wingers think- she actually said she wouldn’t mind a return to the National Party corruption of the Fitzgerald era. That corruption has now been polished by both sides and has been legalised. Its the new mafia.
We all know that if this country is to evolve into a modern social democracy then the right wingers are going to be pushed into the lunatic corner and be left to die out. They know this too , so they are prepared to back the most corrupt people as long as they announce that base as being normal and protect their interests.
Thats why these people associate themselves with Trump supporters even though its another country. Everybody knows that.
If you associate yourselves with the mafia , you are the mafia and must be treated accordingly.
So Coleman who do you associate yourself with, out of interest? Let’s hear it from the horses mouth!!
I have been unlawfully arrested at the last 2 elections for verbally and in leaflets attempting to disassociate myself from North Qlds fascism and corruption.
Not enough.
ANSWER THE QUESTION PLEASE COLEMAN!
For privacy reasons the QPS Security Intelligence Branch won’t tell me who I associate with . So how am I supposed to know?
Pat is correct re letters to the editor being hacked about to the point of making the letter pointless or the writer ridiculous. In the 1980s there was an editor who had the word ‘Abridged’ or ‘Abr’ (one or the other, too long ago now) placed at the end of a letter that had been edited by the staff.
Having had a letter hacked about by a subsequent editor I asked that he continue the practice of his predecessor in using ‘Abr’. He didn’t and I stopped writing.
Yes, the chickens are starting to come home to roost at the Cowboys stadium, so where are the experts who assured us it would attract international artists and events, despite the fact it was designed almost exclusively for rugby league?
Like Lozza Lancini, who made a timely exit from Townsville before the shit started hitting the fan.
Perhaps the well healed Lozza, who made a fortune doing business in this city, could give something back to the community by sponsoring a few big concerts or events.
After all he was responsible for convincing the powers that be that a curiously named Cowboys Centre of Excellence should be built adjacent to his stadium instead of the originally promised new Entertainment and Convention Centre.
Diehard Cowboys fans would agree that their team needs to strive for excellence, but surely they should aim for average first. Excellence can come later, when the many below-NRL standard players they have signed finally come off contract.
Then there’s Scott “Captain Underpants” Stewart, who gushed that the stadium was going to put Townsville on the must-visit list for all the big names of the international music industry.
So Scott, can you please enlighten us about how much taxpayer’s money was paid to the promoter to get ageing Elton to come to Townsville to open the stadium?
And while you’re at it, how many tickets were (a) given away and (b) heavily discounted to make the concert look like a roaring success?
As for Jenny Hill, I won’t even bother asking. It will all be “commercial-in-confidence”.
Well, if I was planning to come to/ invest in Townsville, and I read this latest Pie column, I’d certainly reconsider. Criticise, winge…. a whole bunch of negativity and the usual misogyny from a passel of bitter old white blokes who clearly hate the place, but can’t or won’t leave. Any constructive ideas, mates? Aren’t there any good people in Townsville you could support?
Must be so easy to just sit there and throw stones.
It says a great deal about you, Contributor, when you feel responsible comment and criticism of various aspects of Townsville’s leadership and decision making is negative and bitter stone throwing. And what the hell has misogyny got to do with it? Or because some of leaders are female, they are off limits?
But of course, if prospective investors read the Astonisher, they’d be queuing back down the Bruce to Bowen, eh? Get a grip sport, get a grip.
He/she has a grip Pie. On what’s in their nether regions and not much else I’d suggest. Happy to be corrected!!
Well Contributor, how about you tell us who is making this village zing? Anyhow lets have a look at what we have got. (1) A mayor that told us that we don’t have a water problem, wins, and then proceeds to build a pipeline to nowhere and runs a business that is bordering on insolvency, if not already there. (2) 3 newly elected state members one now a minister, aka Private Cupcake, thrown into the resources ministry when prior to that does’t like coal mining, really good choice. Harpic of Thuringowa who tells us that we do not have a crime problem. Then the newly minted ex councillor who at this stage looks like he will be earning money in advertising Kleenex tissues. We have a harbour board that from all reports charges exorbitant fees. Then we have Townsville Enterprise, their greatest achievement is keeping a tally of the number of For Lease around the town, soon there will be one outside our new stadium. The only saving light is the Federal monies for nearly 85% of any new projects. And finally I say to people did you read that article in the Townsville Bulletin, the answer I get is “I don’t bother buying it anymore. So please can you give us your positive spin.
Trumps Achievments
“Trump’s poor performance” as alleged by the ignorant.
He’s led the US into no new wars
He’s routed ISIS (remember them?)
He’s rebuilt the US military (you know, the military we depend upon)
He’s stood up against China’s rapacious trade policies
He’s forced NATO countries to front up more for their own defence
He’s relocated the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem (long promised, never delivered until Trump) and recognised the Golan heights as being part of Israel (a must-have for Israel’s defence)
He’s brokered peace deals between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain (Nobel Peace Prize 2021?) and others.
He’s curbed illegal immigration, including with a wall (OK, the Mexicans didn’t pay for it)
He’s replaced NAFTA with an improved trade deal with Mexico and Canada
He reduced regulations and taxes, producing US energy independence and, before COVID hit, the lowest Black and Hispanic unemployment on record; combined with an upsurge in real wage growth
He’s brought back manufacturing jobs when Obama and those in the know said it couldn’t be done
He’s promoted and signed the First Step Act to lessen the over-incarceration of black offenders
He’s established business opportunity zones in the inner cities to help minorities escape despair
He’s supported school choice and charter schools for disadvantaged children
He’s promoted and signed a bill to provide permanent funding for traditionally black colleges.
He’s appointed objective federal judges and Supreme Court justices to defend the constitution, as distinct from politically motivated activists.
It turns my stomach how straight-out ignorant our supposedly educated class actually is.
Any downsides?
Downsides. None that I can see. Trump has his faults but he is not as bad as media morons would have us believe.
I mean you yourself make medical diagnoses of Trump from half a world away.
Hysterical much?
And you don’t?
Nope. I take him as he is. You can agree with him or you not, but I dont get wrapped around the axles about him like you do.
Clearly not, you poor, poor mutt.
An outrageous slur … on dogs.
He’ll be killing his fellow citizens long after he’s out of office. Your reply is not required.
You’re right, The ‘Pie is clearly over-reacting, swayed by all this fake news.
As of 3 Sep 2020 22,510 false or misleading statements.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veracity_of_statements_by_Donald_Trump&ved=2ahUKEwihm4SUzbjtAhUA8HMBHaSCDxgQFjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw1nbudxtQ1nAI3OwzRh4HhH
DOK – you can probably add another 20,000 lies since the 3rd November. Most of them involve the words “fraud”, “stolen”, and “dumps”.
On second thought, T. is not a Trump supporter but an old fashion shit-stirer taking pleasure in winding folks up, and why not? Got to get your jollies where you can.
DoK
Can you have second thoughts in a vacuum?
You tell us. Or just asking for a friend? If you have one that isn’t imaginary.
Looks like ‘tiny radiance’ is still on the training wheels and being kept in the closet. No seminars, no travel expenses. Not getting much of a chance to do anything.
Hey Tropical, you forgot to mention that Trump taught us all that black is actually white (if he says so)
You also forgot to mention the world record he set – for covid-19 cases and deaths.
Messagebank blocked me on Facebook after telling him some home truths and asking some uncomfortable questions,what a fucking loser !
Now that Messagebank has risen in the ranks, joining up with the big girls and boys of Brisbane, he can no longer hide behind Mum Mullet’s skirt.
The Queensland Parliament comms machine is a much better oiled piece of work giving OFFICIAL contact details for each MoP.
Messagebank has a postal and street address courtesy of his office (but no PO Box number). This is on a mail-merge list covering all parliamentarians. He has 07 47668100 as his land-line telephone number (no mobile number or fax number offered) but the email address is email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Any denial of service through these points of entry will open up all sorts of avenues for statutory challenge.
But his office be staffed by anyone who is brave enough to accept the rough with the smooth at face value?
I didn’t read that bullshit article about Premier Young, she makes me want to puke as it is. But I noticed in her older photo she wasn’t wearing that stupid fucking pearl necklace that she normally wears every god-damn photo shoot. She is about as stylish the alpha male Mayor Mullet.
Well the Prince strolls into Depression HQ in the morning. No doubt first task will be coffee, followed by him individually tongue cleansing each Councillors ass. Then maybe a day one photo shoot with the Local newspapers and then lunch for the fair Prince. Afternoon will be reading some financial reports, take a squiz at The Magpie blog followed by him drawing redundancy names out of a hat in his office. Day one finished.
Prince has some early morning BBQ breakfasts masquerading as Christmas functions planned, to meet staff..sounds like a bundle of fun.
Drinkies will be Kool Aid punch.
I’m feeling ill this morning, might work from home. Cough cough.
Do let us know how it goes.
Boy, what a lot of negativity! I absolutely love living here. I know or have had dealings with many of the subjects of your collective ire and have by and large been in awe of their passion and business acumen. Without those movers and shakers Townsville would have been nothing. I do have to admit though that the TCC has left a lot to be desired. So where are the contenders for the throne? There has been but one well qualified articulate woman with a great track record in business management that was given short shrift for an absolutely irrelevant reason. She should have been a shoo-in. We get the politicians we deserve.
You are seriously confusing negativity with constructive criticism of secretive practices and legitimate revelations of poor, inadequate leadership performance. Something in which the Townsville Bulletin is criminally complicit. So just for a moment think much more how those ‘movers and shakers’ you rightly praise could have achieved had we not had so many Category 5 fuck-wits running their own self-interested agendas.
But somehow, your analysis falls down when on the one hand you say the TCC ‘leave a lot to be desired’ (instantly nominated as Understatement of the Decade), and then say we get the politicians we deserve.
So the significant majority of local voters are all negative? Or just idiots? Or just unlucky?
Townsville – the Unlucky City. Sounds about right – and that’s not negative, that is a fact.
I read in today’s Oz that last year taxpayers were slugged $54 thousand bucks to bring a peregrine falcon, brown goshawk and a barking owl up for Melbourne to Canberra for 4 weeks to patrol the courtyard and gardens of Parliament House so that staffers and parliamentarians could eat outside during magpie swooping season.
I’m sure that if they had just asked Bridget McKenzie and her Parliamentary Friends of Shooting group they would have happily rid the area of magpies for a fraction of the cost.
I wonder if Mayor Mullet or Kleenex Walker have ever considered employing a few falcons or barking owls to stop your regular swoops in their direction.
Total waste of money and soooo unimaginative … all they needed to so was have Michaela Cash have a daily midday media conference in the courtyard – the grating and unrelenting scattergun gabble would deter the most determined swooper – of course those enjoying their taxpayer-subsidised caviar sandwiches and Grange hidden in a coke bottle would need earplugs to stop their lunch returning in a most unparliamentary way.
The really scary thing is that someone in the ‘Canberra Bubble’ thought this was a good use of taxpayer dollars, and (I assume) someone else even further up the bureaucratic food chain would have approved it.
They really do live in a different world down there.
And bet it didn’t work anyway.
A “good start” for Mr. Crisafulli would be to grow some balls…not fiddle with those of Newman, Lindsay and Macdonald…and announce that he will introduce, if elected, Daylight Saving, and bring QLD into line with NSW and Victoria.
Now, that’s what a brave “leader” would do…
You and your ilk are the only ones having a dreamily nostalgic bit of ping pong with the family jewels about Newman, Lindsay and MacDonald, who are all yesterday’s men – Crisafulli is, although it gives you a permanent fit of vapours, tomorrow’s man. Well, 2024’s man. And why attack someone as weak and cowardly before you have even heard his policies?
And although it pains The ‘Pie to be seen to agree with the likes of you, the old bird has long decried the ‘faded curtains and cows drying up’ anti-daylight saving inanities of the past that have been costing this pompously ignorant state billions over the years.
The old joke wasn’t that far from wrong: Joh believed the sun shone out of his arse and he wasn’t getting up an hour earlier for anyone.
You stupid twat EB, Have you looked out your window at 6pm and seen where the sun is?
I don’t think you live in NQ at all.
Who knows, maybe The Kid will announce a policy of daylight savings in the lead up to the next election? One thing is for certain – Peter Beat’off, Anna Sligh and the Fat Polak haven’t had the balls to do it yet. Maybe Premier Young will lead the charge?
Problem is, The Kid and the LNP will be the ones leading the charge while in opposition, so you can bet Labor will check the polls and pinch the policy … let’s face it, it is inevitable even in the back blocks of this yokeldom, daylight saving will come pass.
Can’t be bothered changing it, but enough of the Fat Polak shit, Ok?
Oh c’mon you big sook. Everyone has a nickname. It really does suit her. Even you have a nickname – Magpie, Creampie, Apple pie, Hair Pie, Mushroom pie…….
But just for you, as I respect you immensely for being one one of our respected older senior citizens, I will stop using that nickname.
Make that big anti-racist sook. So OK to call The Kid a dago or a wop? Not around here. Don’t quite get it, do you?
I love the daylight savings argument that without being on the same timezone as Syderknee we can’t survive – just like we can’t do business with New Zealand, or West Oz, or any other part of the world.
If people are not smart enough to calculate the time in other places, they have no business trying to communicate across borders – they should just stay in their bedrooms and mutter to their imaginery friends.
You any relation to Joh?
don’t you worry by jingo the dingo about that, young fella me lad
Daylight savings differences between States comes with a financial penalty. The ‘daylight savings fucks up the Cows feeding cycle’ argument is long dead, and so is the Kingaroy peanut farmer. The fucking cows eat and shit whenever they want to and our manipulating some numbers on the sun dial does not affect them. An extra hour of sunlight each day, during summer nationwide is very good for the economy. On that basis alone – economic, business and financial reasons, it makes good sense to adopt daylight savings. TBH, the State Governments do what they want anyway without consulting us lowly shit kickers anyway, so why is daylight savings any different? Just do it Anna. And if you don’t, then I’m sure The Kid will do it. He is young, industrious and smart, unlike the current Labor knobs. But shhhhh, don’t say that to Elusive Butterfly.
Serious question, how was the Prince’s first day on the bogan throne?
Probably smelly.
The Prince had a great first day. Some robust handshakes, some cheesy meet and greets, some assuring words along the lines of I am a people person, not about sacking staff. This was followed up by coffee and then more coffee, licking some Councillor asses, then some hairstyling and staff driving tips from FNQ’s most deplorable Mayor, our Mullet. The afternoon was spent doing his own personal work – board papers, consultancy advice, all the stuff that he doesn’t have time to do elsewhere. Doing it all on Council time is handy. What’s a man to do with all those buckets of income to manage?
I am enjoying the opposition work . The opposition.has made ap confirm she operated a bigpond email account. It must be a stragetic move for sometime in the future. What do they have
The government looks like a cat on a hot tin roof and we are only 4 weeks in
Or perhaps as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs?
The old private email shenanigans. Politicians all do it, they use their personal email accounts, personal phones and out of office coffee shop meetings to conduct activities that are questionable, unethical and potentially corrupt. Otherwise, why would you do it?? All Politicians should be subject to periodic forensic analysis of personal computers and personal mobile phones. How else would people like Elusive Butterfly, NMD, last drinks, ECQ and other dodgy local crooks conduct business with Councillors.
Perhaps what you say is correct (proof would be good) but you missed one essential area, especially higher up the food chain … security of information. Valid information ahead of time can be like getting the Sunday’s paper’s race results on Friday afternoon.
Opposition is continuing with the private email line of questioning today with Dr miles away on the receiving end
I can’t help feeling there are some gotcha moments on the horizon
Yep! George. One of the 93 State parliamentary reps asked Jackie Trad to appoint that principle of the new school. Now why couldn’t the CCC find that info?
Jesus, Magpie, you’ve really got the hots for The Kid (who at least has got his teeth fixed).
Unashamedly (politically only of course).
Thank you Mr. Pie….I rest my case!
Yes EB, you rest your case, your suitcase filled with cash, at the feet of some dodgy politicians and perhaps some local CEO’s.
Crikey, EB – you had not worked out previously that Malcolm is a supporter of The Kid? Full marks for persistence, zero for perception.
Re rental crisis , when the State Government announced new tenancy laws the REIQ January 2020 labelled “ a slap in the face for mum and dad property owners “ many owners said they would sell their properties rather than deal with the new legislation that swayed very much to the tenant . This combined with State COVID tenancy legislation finishes 31 st December means many people still impacted by COVID may see their leases terminated or rents increased . State Government legislation decisions has factored into decisions by landlords and will impact tenants . The normal December transfers delivering vacancies canned due to COVID further escalates the problems .
The Magpie fully endorses this suggestion, to which Young has given a typical adamant and definitive ‘maybe’.
Such an appointment would remove this unelected pest from any decision-making process that has become so politicised. No longer will she be able to make addled decisions like allowing 50,000 baying spectators at a football match while at the same time denying parents, under threat of severe penalty, to kiss their kids goodbye at the school gate.
The pointless position of governor would be her biggest step in making us safe.
Discuss.
Well, the times are a changing. After his News of the World fiasco, the decline in paper readership and the decline in the quality of journalism combined with a lazy society who no longer touch physical paper news, I’m not surprised. The old piece of shit can see the writing on the wall. Two of his kids aren’t interested in leading his empire and his ability to manipulate election outcomes by controlling what is printed is weakening. Rupert, it’s time to piss off you greedy conceited old skinbag.
Think you’re trying to say something, but are a little hesitant to come out with it.
And by the by, the Townsville Bulletin could again become a valuable community asset in the right hands, but it will take mega money, so seems local interests may not get a look in come any sale.
Yes Mr Magpie, I guess I’m stalling on saying what I would like to say. I have always enjoyed news and reading the paper(s). I get it that they have to turn a profit and I don’t have a grievance with that. It’s just sad that the degree of manipulated biased commentary has taken over the world. A decent local paper with decent articles written by actual journalists, with good local and national content and a modest amount of advertising is all we ask for. But none of these greedy corporate fucktards care about that anymore.
Your warbling The Magpie’s song, there, Bones .. and he’s been singing for the last decade.
Whoops, has The ‘Pie missed out?
The Magpie hopes he’s not too late. He would like to pitch in. with some helpful suggestions for suitable candidates to replace Messagebank Walker.
TCC to decide? Is there not State Government legislation to be followed in matters such as these?
Depends on which day you want. The same people that cannot change legislation, seem to be throwing electoral laws around like a monkey flings shit.
A new low for Rupert News. Courier Mail just published a list of State High Schools for the ,most suspensions in the last 4 years. Interestingly, Townsville Schools couldn’t crack the Top 20. Well behaved Students all round our region.
More likely lefty pissweek principals in Townsville like Scott Stewart was who don’t have to balls to suspend or expel the little snots.
“The very essence of democracy “ said Mayor Hill on running a bi election to fill the vacancy in Division 10.
Certainly stinks of something and I didn’t think it was democracy.
Alahazbin…it’s nearly 6pm and I’m gonna look out my window to see where the sun is.
I’m gonna look in the sky… or is it somewhere else in North QLD??
BTW I haven’t found a “twat” yet that’s “stupid.”
Only ignorant bloggers!!
At least most of us have found the reply button, something that you seem to struggle with.
twat
/twat,twɒt/
nounVULGAR SLANG
1.
a stupid or obnoxious person.
2.
a woman’s genitals.
You are definitely No 1. EB.
You talking to me Cantank??
So how many of you pontificators are going to lend a hand to help Fran O’Callaghan win Division 10??
I will assist her if you promise to stop slipping brown paper bags to elected officials and younpromise to stop doing dirty backroom deals at mates rates.
EB. Why should I? I met her some years ago. Didn’t overmuch like her personally at the time, (nor she me, I’m sure). She has strong convictions to the point of being driven and there is no concerns about her honesty and integrity. However, I doubt whether the 70-odd percent of those who didn’t vote for her last time are going to change their mind. There will be other candidates with broader platforms, personalities and party backing (ie $$$$). Labor will throw some resources at this one, I’m sure. I predict Labor-not-Labor win.
Fran has shown that she will be a major thorn in the side of all the independent? (choke! gasp! wheeze! councillors ( except for Sue Blom) who strangely managed to support the Mayor in the decision to hold a by- election. She is against I believe any development at Calcium/ Woodstock like Battery plants, Motor sport complexes, pretty well anything that would change the sedate way of life for the locals- of which she is certainly one! Jenny will move mountains to run the strongest candidate ( certainly a supporter anyway) with promises of all sorts of treats- well, it worked last time for Les didn’t it?
If we ever needed proof that Jenny Hill is the editor-in-chief of the Townsville Bulletin, the case of the disappearing story has provided it in spades.
Yesterday’s online edition broke the predictable news that Hill’s aerobic arm raising team of councilors had voted to conduct a by-election to replace Messagebank Walker.
The comments came thick and fast, the majority in the negative.
But by this morning the story had vanished.
I, for one, will be offering to assist Fran in any way I can during the coming campaign.
From what I’ve seen and heard since the council refused to offer her the vacant position, as was required by law at the time, she would make an excellent councilor – certainly much better than the one she should have replaced.
One legged tap dancer , the Townsville Bulletin story is still up on Facebook and has 18 comments re division 10 . The other hot topic is the shortage of rental properties with landlord and tenants having a crack at each other on the bully’s fb post . Based on supply vs demand expect residential rents to increase . Townsville has 4,118 public housing properties with 18 currently vacant .
There would be more public housing if the “public” would stop destroying them. In the last seven years or so in my part of Kelso two were burnt to the ground and one destroyed by occupants three times. Repaired twice, and after the third time the house was boarded up and left for a number of years before being sold off. It looks quite good now.
AND Kelso………?
And what!.?
The tax payer provides these slumicks with a dwelling and there is no reciprocal expectation that they will take the least bit of responsibility to look after the place.
They bitch and moan about a lack of housing. (Hey everybody, is the tax payer going to give you a house and maintain it from cradle to grave? )
And God help the fair dinkum home owner who finds that the Government has established one of these “public ” houses near by. Their lifestyle and language will be most intrusive. Actually it will be rouinious.
So, Ibp, I say again;
And what!?
Thank you Kelso, I/we now have your ‘full opinion’ on the matter, which was not explicit before.
I’ll try to be clearer in future.
Reading the Craig Warhurst article about the awarding of the dredging contract for the Townsville Port expansion to Queensland firms Hall Contracting and Pacific Marine Group I had to bring to your attention the return of that word:
“Hall Contracting CEO Cameron Hall said they regarded the project as one of the most iconic dredging projects in Australia’s history and an important step in the development of both the Port of Townsville and the city itself.
“Our recently acquired backhoe dredge, Woomera, is the largest Australian-owned dredge of its kind and will arrive in Townsville to commence works next year,” he said.
Did somebody call me? Sorry, I’ve been hiding behind other pseudonyms ever since I was outed. In fact, I’ve been outed several times now. Silly silly Mr Hall using the word iconic to describe wrecking the reef. Tsk tsk tsk. Now, I’m off to have lunch with Jenny and the Prince.
NMD.
Wrecking the reef. Wher the hell did you get that from. White and Tubman.
Extensive EIS were undertaken and the dredging plan was changed several times so minimize next to nothing any damage to the reef.
Tropical, you forgot to include Steve BG in that list.
Alahazbin
Sorry mate. i thought those two eco loons was enough.
Will not happen next time. Cheers.
Hill is advertising for an advisor on seek. Owned by newscorp. Feel safe sending private info through that site ??
Good luck with that.
But advertising for an advisor is just for show. State and Federal pollies don’t hire people for impartiality and like mango cube its a done deal.
The pies source’s on previous appointments have been pretty accurate and that’s a pretty fair indicator the system
And she gets all this gratuitous advice for free too.
The Magpie is sitting by the phone.
Gratuitous advisor , Ceo on $450-550 k, 3 execs on $350-450 k yet the Townsville Mayor needs an advisor ? . Sounds like we have the wrong execs . Adding people at the top whilst not renewing staff contracts , cuts across departments and the Ville looks like a dump .
The link to it is https://www.seek.com.au/job/51106854?type=standard#searchRequestToken=53443da4-6910-41e9-b358-3cb38753a23f
Its going to be a defacto advisor
hahaha, thanks for that … and how typical. If Jenny thinks $80k, a very junior wage in the scheme of the public service, will attract someone who has ‘what it takes to build a city’, The Magpie need say no more. Other than anyone taking the job for that sling probably couldn’t even manage a successful joust with SimCity.
Its a fake ad if it was real they would be using a Brisbane company with links to the ALP????????
Where is this advisor advert. I see only a Level 5 Executive Assistant, which is a glorified secretarial role. Previous Executive Assistants have been paid far more than this. The Impalers many Executive Assistants were at least a Level 8, with one on around $160k
So Mullet will have an Executive Assistant plus a Personal Assistant ( a long term role that has always been there for many Mayors or maybe the current PA is leaving and EA replaces that role) if so how many people are going to be employed to assist her.
Well, let’s face it, she needs all the help she can get. Especially if she’s going to have to run things from the Iron Motel for a while.
That is a very interesting scenario…………
Front page push for the Katter’s NQ State by the Assistant Council Publisher backed by Editor of the Bulletin. Go back a few months and not a mention of closing off any border from the south east for North Queensland during the Covid lockdown . Maybe it is a voting ploy for all the hillbillies in Division 10 for the Team Hill Candidate. Fran O you have my vote.
For goodness sake, we have too many states already.
Why does Australia need six education departments- do the kids in Victoria and South Australia have different educational needs than the Queensland kids, justifying six different curriculums, payroll departments, executives, etc etc. Likewise all the other government functions.
Most countries have a national government for things that affect everyone like defense and highways, and local governments for the rest. Think of the tax money we would save getting rid of state governments.
Touch of overkill there, mate. A national education program of uniformity, yes, that has merit and common sense (which is why it will not happen) and a new NQ state is just much horsefeathers of distraction. But getting rid of state and local government will only INCREASE bureaucracy and the number of politicians, not lessen them. And where are the tax money savings? Do you, you sweet trusting little thing, you, believe that creating a massive monolith as you suggest will make society glide through life on the gentle winds of central control efficiency? Have you had no dealings with Telstra, banks, and even the complaints department of News Ltd or Harvey Norman (probably in India)?
I used to support a seperate Nth Qld state, but the thought of a clusterfuck like Jenny Hill ruining an entire state rather than just a provincial city has swayed me the other way.
Moment, I think you will find its just another Jenny Hill/Dolan Hayes distraction to take people’s minds off the disgraceful by-election decision.
Go Fran!
Could be wrong but don’t think Hayes would be that idiotic, and not sure he’s too Mullet-compatible at the moment – not if she’s advertising for an ‘advisor’ – which advice would be purely political and nothing to with our, rather than her – well-being.
If we ignore where the idea originated (perhaps it is the first foray from the little prinz/pric) it reeks of amateurish disinformation to distract locals from the real issues.
Roberty Bob must be frothing with rage that Hill has stolen one of his hobbyhorses to go galloping around on. Next thing she’ll want to cull the crocs in Fairfield Lake.
The Hive is happening (again)! Watch out for a Dean Brothers style midnight knockdown of The Cri.
Good!!!! Ill be there with my hammer and shovel
Yes, the history of the building doesn’t merit heritage protection, from what The ‘Pie can uncover. And especially not of the residual value of stopping a transforming project on arguably one of the most valuable and influential sites on all the Queensland urban coast.
In the supermarket this morning I briefly saw the front page of the Astonisher. The Mullet promoting a separate Nth Qld State.
Immediately methinks, “What is she trying to distract us from now?”
A separate Nth Qld State is never going to happen. The regions would get a better deal by reinstating the Qld Upper House, made up of a couple of reps from each local government area, BUT that is not going to happen either. So, the Mullet, being as cunning as a shithouse rat, I ask again, “What is the Mullet trying to distract us from? “
Don’t be surprised if, when tomorrow week she appears in court on ‘causing death’ charge, Mayor Mullet jumps up and yells ‘LOOK OUT, BEHIND YOU’ to the magistrate before making a break to flee the courtroom.
Mungo MacCallum dead ‘Pie – another good one gone.
PP, “another good one gone”. He was the epitome of ‘Reds under the bed’
Mungo was a tireless and, although on the extreme left of politics, a principled and skilled journalist. And a man whose talents enlivened those 60s and 70s breakaway publications that were required reading. And Mungo under a bed? He never hid from anyone or any argument, hardly a secret agent as that phrase suggests.
I truly hope you put this comment up.
Do any of you fucking idiots even know Fran O’Callaghan? Who she is…what she stands for, what conflicts she may have? I would encourage you all to become more familiar. There is a reason that less than 1 in 5 people voted for her. The only booth where she got more than 25% was in Woodstock where in the one place most affected by the one issue she ran on and where you’d think her Grazier background might resonate, she was able to ‘muster’ only 5 more votes than Messagebank (114-109). Your veneration of and expectations around Sue Blom are equally misguided. This “anyone but Hill” mentality you all adopt shows you give even less of a fuck about the future of this city than you claim Jenny Hill and the Councillors do. I feel sorry for all you sad fools that think your commentary actually matters or resonates outside this anti-Hill Blog that gives you all a forum to stoke each others pet hates. And even the Magpie thinks a by-election is the fairest way to go!!!!
Dear Comrade, dear oh dear … where to start.
Your spittle-flecked expostulations about our knowledge of Fran O’C would have been far more convincing if you yourself had deigned to enlighten us, instead of asking politically-motivated questions with no hint of any presumably detrimental knowledge yourself.
And being a one-issue candidate, thrust there by a locally disruptive matter worthy of debate, is NEVER going to win an election, or likely to poll all that well. It is about the raising awareness of the issue.
As to the anyone-but-Hill jeer, do you mean you approve and applaud Jenny hill’s performance as our mayor? Qantas ban, Adani airstrip, pushing the LGAQ’s shifty Local Buy to the detriment of local businesses, a white elephant money sinkhole stadium, irresponsible and legally costly slanders that have cost the ratepayer (ultimately), childish lies about no rate rises, etc etc etc … and now posturing frumpily for the cameras as she tries to distract us with an ‘new state’ issue that has ABSOLUTELY ZERO relevance or priority in a city that is sinking under her deadweight? Your claim that commenters here, and The Magpie, ‘give less than a fuck about the future of this city’ is an unsupportable delusion based purely on performance and lack of transparency. Bet you maintain that Donald Trump really did win the election, and is an all round good guy nobbled by the Deep State.
This is not an anti-Hill blog, it is a pro-Townsville blog, but one cannot expect a paid shill like you to say otherwise. And yes, The Magpie believes a by-election is the fairest outcome in Division 10, except the law of succession should NEVER have been on the books in the first place (put there just months ago by a government that now suddenly finds it convenient and politically necessary to alter retrospectively). If you don’t believe that is worth adverse comment by people who only want a public space to disagree, you cannot possibly deny you are not in the pay of Jenny’s corp du disruption.
Pie. OR has a valid point. From what I read on your blog most of the comments are from the like minded – nothing new in that. And that’s ok. You articulate very well what is wrong with Hill, etc. You have a strong following.
But what is missing in your blog is a call to arms. How to motivate your fellow travellers to actually get off their arses and do something positive to make a change. Commenting on this blog will not change a thing in the general electorate. Nothing. Zilch. You may as well yell obscenities from the nearest open window. It’ll make you feel good for a moment or two until you realise how impotent you are just spinning blog comments.
Change will only come if people get behind others who stand up publicly against the likes of Hill and her team of sycophants. And it may take a couple of election cycles. Patience is a virtue in Qld politics. Contact candidates that you support and ask them what you can do to help. Every bit of energy spent at grass roots trying to change the incumbent is time well spent. It rubs off on others. It may even be successful if enough people work in the same direction.
Qld voters are not known for voting logic. Stockholm Syndrome is alive and well north of the Tweed. But change can happen. It just takes the right candidate with the groundswell of support. Convincing the silent majority that have no clue about the Magpie blog is a tough ask. So Magpie bloggers, GET INVOLVED! Directly support candidates. They need money. They need all sorts of assistance. And they will need luck.
Well said … and looking forward to your self-nomination under your own name.
Good luck with that! The “rusted ons” are always going to vote for “the Party” no matter how much they get screwed by them.
Why bother CIH, I have given upon the joint, if the brainless dregs of this town are happy in poverty and misery let them be I say, much easier to pack up and head to somewhere better if needed. Meanwhile we all get entertained watching the cesspool activities from the comfort of our own home, it’s better than any TV show, you couldn’t make this shit up if you tried.
Understand and agree with your basic point, but The ‘Pie has a slightly different analysis of the underlying cause. The majority of people in Townsville … guessing but maybe 95% … do NOT live in poverty or misery, but what they have done is settle for a certain amount of materialistic well-being, a sort of beers’n’boats mind-set. And that mind-set brings with it a fear of change – upsetting applecarts with imaginative, business boosting ideas and truly innovative, progressive leadership (not a new state to be seen) … and thus they vote to hang on to what they’ve got through the ballot box. More than one high flyer including some developers have personally told The Magpie that they don’t care what Mayor Mullet does – even corruption … if it doesn’t affect them too much, and that the populace thinks the same way. But as the blows keep coming and threats to well-being loom closer, The ‘Pie asks a riddle: what’s the difference between the average Townsville voter and a computer? Answer: you only have to punch information into a computer ONCE.
The average local seems to be akin to those black Americans which Texas racist Lyndon Baines Johnson once dismissed with: “All they want is loose shoes, tight pussy and warm place to shit.” Presumably with no pedestal tax.
That’s very true Pie, and it’s actually a good thing if business looks past the defective Mayor, Council etc, as that’s what most business in most places do, just find a way to get it done. The issue I see for Townsville is that it just creates bottom of the barrel type developments, aimed at the low end of the market, and that has a long term effect for the town, a compounding decline over many years that is near impossible to turn around, and that is the point I think we are at, and four more years of the Mullet and Puddleduck, it will only get worse. Nearly all of my kids have left and headed south and I encouraged and assisted them to do so, and the main reason is exactly the point you make, that many in this town are happy with this sort of existence, both the elections this year proved that, this town will never prosper, because many don’t want it to.
The words ‘nail’ and ‘head’ come to mind with that wise observation.
Celeine, is that you?
Anyone but Hill!
Speaking for a friend of course.
Could this be the distraction, the state took the funds allocated for the pipeline away from the federal government, the state is broke and maybe they no longer have the $195m for the water pipeline to nowhere. Then Jenny asks our achieving Federal member Phil Thompson, assisted buy Mr Warhurst, what are you doing with the money, as she wants to be in the limelight, he tells her, well Jenny you didn’t want it so I’m going to do some good things for Townsville like I said I would. The state then tells Jenny you can’t have it now as we need to pay the lease for the aerial water bomber in the hanger at Bundaberg. So the advisor then says well we need to have a separate state. This might sound like a fairy tale, but then again.
I see the extinction rebellion crowd today shutting down the city centre in Brisbane again. These idiots dont realise how much damage to the environment they are doing by having all that traffic standing still blowing out all that exhaust fumes. The cars and trucks work alot harder idling than they do actually running. All of them have mobile phones to tweet and stream to the masses built by Chinese and Japanese brands that all use fossil fuels to manufacture them. I bet they all took a car or bus to the protest. Why arnt these greeny clowns up here protesting in Townsville? We all know its nearly extinct. The place is burning with stolen cars not coal. Thank you Labor thank you ball boy.
Anyone who thinks Jenny Hill is going to jail over her collision causing death should take into account the past, for emample:
Dam floods thousands of homes causing millions of dollars of damage – nothing to do with Jenny’s Disastrous Committee’s decisions, of course.
Cowboys stadium proven to be the white elephant many warned it would be – but Jenny predictably is silent.
Everything is commercial-in-confidence (Jenny’s version of transparency).
Crime and Corruption Commission come down hard on Queensland councils in the south – but strangely TCC is as pure as the driven snow.
State Government does a backflip and reverses legislation that would have seen Fran appointed a councilor and (finally) provide Townsvilleans with an independent voice on council – when only one council in Queensland (TCC) wants such a change to protect its secrets.
There’s a pattern emerging here, so you can bet that Jenny, even if found guilty of dangerous driving causing death, will get just a slap on the wrist.
If that happens, stay tuned for legal action against her from those left to suffer the impact.
Surely karma has to catch up with her eventually.
‘Pie, I didn’t think the Mayor was charged with dangerous driving causing death, I thought it was careless driving causing death – a big difference.
‘Without due care and attention, causing death’ was the charge from memory … and yes, big difference, but both carry the possible of a striped suntan.
Jenny as Premier of North Queensland. About time we had a State up here. If “Middle Age” Chrisafulli wins the next State election, as you lot tell me, we will need to break away. And who better than Jenny to lead that charge. All sorted too. Young Mooney as Deputy Mayor. Life would be great.
Yes, satire is SOOooo hard to do, isn’t it? It takes years of practice, but don’t give up, you’ll get better at it sooner or later.
The dopey dog whistler wrapped in the old doona should have opened her mouth – she just gave a free kick to those advocating for a new “Northern Australia” state being NQ, NT and top of WA where Darwin will be the capital.
Word on the street is that Scott Mcelligiot the son of Labor Stalwart Ken is Jenny’s new man for division 10 replacing Les Walker, ha ha just what the city needs a old car salesman getting on the bandwagon.
A little research woukld suggest that Scott’s previous expressed aspirations for a place at the trough are non-existent and if he is being tapped simply because of his father’s history (politically not much of boast) is Labor and Jenny doing the bottom of the barrel exercise. but then, a used car salesman is about this council’s speed.
NB Just to be clear, The ‘Pie was never a fan of Ken and his shifty politics of convenience, and neither was Ken a Magpie fan, once making an outraged call urging the editor to fire the old bird (we had a good laugh about that, we settled for printing a foaming letter instead). But in later years and some personal misfortune, Ken has been the doer of good deeds in the community. Ironic had had to get of politics before that happened, but there ya go.
This was just on Facebook. I wonder if Walker street knows about it or better still if the Astonisher knows about it…
⛔️WARNING ⛔️
Please DO NOT, under ANY circumstances return turtles that are found wondering around back to the water the lakes in Idalia.
They WILL die. They are moving away because of the water quality and most of them are sick. ( See photos below of deceased turtles from this Arvo ).
I’m a Licensed Reptile Carer, And need to be contacted for any sick turtles so that they can be treated accordingly to their condition that I am aware of.
MAGPIE NOTE TO KENNY KENNETT.
Need further proof that your Idalia post is genuine, otherwise unwarranted panic by locals may occur. Which will probably occur if it is genuine.
Link to relevant FB, pls.
Ring the phone number on it. This was on Annandale aware FB page. The guy is always posting
Thanks for your attention to what The Magpie has been telling you for the past four years – HE CANNOT MAKE OR TAKE PHONE CALLS FFS, HE’S GOT NO VOICE.
It would’ve been sufficient for you to say you’ve rung him and he is genuinely making these (unproven) but serious claims. You will well know that making a claim ion FB doesn’t make it true, no matter how well intentioned.
Again, the whole post (with the phone number). If you ring him I’m sure he’ll share the photos. He goes by the name of Snake fella Jake:
⛔️WARNING ⛔️
Please DO NOT, under ANY circumstances return turtles that are found wondering around back to the water the lakes in Idalia.
They WILL die. They are moving away because of the water quality and most of them are sick. ( See photos below of deceased turtles from this Arvo ).
I’m a Licensed Reptile Carer, And need to be contacted for any sick turtles so that they can be treated accordingly to their condition that I am aware of.
My phone number is 0400339184. Please call me and I will pick these animals up, Spread the message. This lake is bloody toxic and it’s not just killing the turtles
Look Kenny, this isn’t an argument, it is good of you to give the heads-up, but to publish without caution and question a matter like this requires actual proof of what is being said. Even if this bloke is who he says he is (no doubt he is), his claims of toxicity – especially saying things like ‘not just killing turtles’ – really need to be verified. Because this may urn out to be a very serious issue indeed – it has been rumoured for some time – and there will be – or should be, you never around this place – extensive ramifications.
I totally understand and I tried to copy a link which had photos and comments from people who have seen the mess today. Perhaps if anybody here is a member of ‘Annandale staying Aware’ they could link it here. Anyway, I also just realised that the last part of his post didn’t copy. Here it is:
We are working closely with the Department of environment and science, and I have permits that have been granted to me to remove any remaining turtles to preserve their health.
Most have all died, but you will see survivors entering the waterway in a last attempt to get out of the terrible conditions
Thanks guys
And then this…
#BREAKING: Townsville City Council is asking all residents to restrict their water use to emergency use only. This means drinking water and toilet use ONLY.
The main pipeline supplying the Douglas Water Treatment Plant (the city’s primary water treatment facility) was reported leaking around midday.
An inspection will be completed by around 9pm tonight. Council staff will then know the extent of the damage and how long it will take to repair
This update at 10.10pm. Restrictions to continue until advised otherwise.
Nothing at from the Bulletin as of 10.45 pm.
Text message from the council to my mobile phone warning to not take a shower, etc.
All well and good, even though we don’t have town water, but five times?!
Smells panicky.
Second major pipe failure in 6 months. How many more before the council sends cameras down the mains to have a look at them? Lucky this time that it may not flood anyone. GoodonyerJenny yet another upfuck!
Councils are notorious for spending little on pipeworks and sewerage infrastructure. It’s a bit of a ‘if you cannot see it, let it be’ attitude. Problem is, when it all turns pear shaped it does it in a big way!! They’ve probably sliced maintenance costs out of the last budget or two and this is what you end up with! Arseclowns.
First, a pipe blows on Charters Towers Rd, now the main line from treatment plant. To all the anti-Hill people on here that have been warning Townsville for 2 terms now, rest assured your noises are going to be louder soon then the deafening roar of those Jenny-lovers trying to protect her.
THIS IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CUTBACKS WE HAVE HAD DEAL WITH INTERNALLY.
Our overtime has been slashed, which means we can’t inspect anywhere near as much as we used to. Nowadays its all done remotely by computers.
Our infrastructure no matter what these so called council spokespersons say is “FUCKED” We’ve been trying to do our jobs across council now with no money. 5yrs ago a view to put in a second pipeline also committed a second treatment plant to process drinking water. Our lines cant handle a second pipe as it stands. But don’t worry, everyone, after the higher paid advisers read this, they will be spending money trying to find us who speaks out rather then using it on fixing the aged water system. When a system like we have now isn’t looked after it doesn’t take decades to deteriorate, the proof is in the panic to text everyone 6 times in the space of 4hrs not to use any water.
WW
I think the pipe is called th “egg shell” pipe by the council.
Maybe more to come?
It would appear that it doesn’t matter how much water we can get from the Burdekin Dam, if it can’t be treated, it’s useless.
I’m off to have a pommie shower!
Seems the pipe isn’t the only thing to bust. Townsville bulletin main story. Candidate was told he wasn’t fit enough to run after a meeting with hill and deputy mayor at a lunch. Very interesting reading. For a start, the meeting was held the day after state election. Weeks before TCC voted to have a by election. So they knew it was going to happen. So much for local government voting processes. Then hill says that its an internal decision by her team who runs. WTF? Its local government anyone can. So theres 3 questions the bulletin obviously didn’t ask. She must really think next Friday at court she will get off. Hills TCC is a clusterfuck. This can’t go on forever.
And now it seems we’re going down the drain … literally.
See what you’re saying, but just to be clear, it was a week or two before the election that that ninny Hinchliffe buckled under to the LGAQ’s argument that the freshly passed succession legislation could lead to political assassinations or bashings in the interests of personal advancement (they really are deranged) and should be reversed to a by-election rule. He made a song and dance about it, which The Magpie wrote about well before the election, so certainly Mayor Mullet knew what was on the cards once Messagebank was departing Walker Street. Will have some comments of sweet reason about the body shaming in tonight’s blog.
My worry is with the laws regarding the process before a vote in the chambers. I know it happens everywhere but to have a meeting with a possible candidate before a vote is taken says to me that the vote was pre determined by councillors. I I thought it was against the law to know the outcome of a vote beforehand.
Best news today – the Orange ejit’s last hope “big one” Supreme Court case has been thrown out.
The ‘Pie for one is sorry that is game shot and match … he was hoping for embarrassment this murdering mobster.
It was the biggest and best rejection, ever! It was tremendous. Everybody’s saying it. A lot of people don’t know this but no President has ever done this before! Obama couldn’t have done this! More people saw this rejection than any other rejection in history…..
One of the bigglisest comments of the day.
The second Water Treatment Plant for Townsville that the Feds proped up $40mil never eventuated because after amalgamation, the Thuringowa sewage system was so fucked the money was funnelled off to fund that.
Townsville has 2 water treatment plants. Douglas and Northern.
Yes correct that thuringowa sewage needed work but the Cleveland bay treatment plant needed millions spent on concrete cancer issues in the holding ponds. Money was diverted by Mooney go elsewhere. So please don’t let a good truth get in the road of a good lie. Don’t put blinkers on. While your at it about pre amalgamation remember the recent works in CBD that found 2 sink-holes? All deteriorated underground sewage areas. Then you need to also look at the complete overhaul of howitt st nth ward a couple of years ago because council engineers found cracks in the drainage system that meant if not fixed a small truck would collapse it. All this while our current mayor has been elected in Townsville. Over 25yrs now.
Watching TCCs media and comms handling of the water main rupture is like watching a slow moving train wreck. It’s very clear that the maintenance area is not talking to the comms area. The information they are releasing misinformed and does not meet the update deadlines they have set themselves. It has created panic buying in the community and disrupted businesses already struggling. And yet, members of the public are congratulating them on their handling of this. Something, that wouldn’t have happened if maintenance had been done in a timely manner. Exactly what happened to all the asset maintenance engineers and water engineers that council used to have?
A question about the announcement of Scott McElligott’s candidature for Division 10.
Nowhere is it mentioned if he actually lives in the division. I would have thought that if he did it would have been shouted from the rooftops that he was a “local” who understands the needs of the division.
Also, being a used car salesman, I wonder what his response will be if he is elected and faced with a difficult question from a ratepayer: will it be “I’ll just have to go and ask my manager”?
Appears he lives in Kirwan.
With the greatest respect, you all are! That is all.
Yes we should be paranoid. As you may alll have seen and read the latest update where we found further problems after testing the completed works today. There’s no hiding behind a spokesperson now. This problem was waiting to happen now we have to fix multiple ones as we (staff) have been alluding to for some time. Ill let your jenny defenders have there say now magpie im in enough trouble already. Thanks, keep digging.