It seems a too-clever-by-half strategy of ‘testing the waters’ by the mayoral wannabee. He seems to be leaving the door ajar to back track, but whether he nominates or not, it is about to come bite him on the arse if anyone decides to bring the flagrant rule breaking to official notice. There is a precedent for what happens, too.
Greaney is doing the same sort of thing too, but a cynically legal way.
And another blow for Dametto, with his strongest support area being targeted by Clr Paul Jacob, who also wants the top job.
The mayoral race looks like a mayoral mess already, further complicated by the wrong headed decision for only postal voting, one of the biggest such polls in Queensland history. The final field is far from settled, so The Magpie is seeking your input for a questionnaire he will send to all candidates when the nominations close. Details later in The Nest.
That Glencore deal: The ‘Pie has a question no one seems to have asked. It seems our politicians have turned the art of the deal into the art of kneel.
Rockpool redux … we are told our opinions about rejuvenation of our tired old amenity have been collated, considered … and then shunted on to the southern ‘consultants’ who will cobble together a ‘visualisation'; to put in the government begging bowl. But The ‘Pie has a serious suggestion if the council is serious about this project.
A SMALL MILESTONE TO NOTE.
The Nest is today entering it’s 16th year, and has been coming to you every weekend since 2010, except for a slight medical break in 2017 and the occasional week or so off at Christmas. But from the outset, after set up costs were done and dusted, The Nest has always been in need of readers’ support to help meet running costs. And so it remains today, all these years on. So if you can lend any support, the appropriate link is at the bottom of the blog.
Is Nick About To Be Nicked?
The question has to asked: what is Nick Dametto up to? Has he made a bad misjudgement in his bid for Walker Street?
The Katter Party deputy leader said earlier this month he has resigned from the party and today said he intended to resign as a state MP ‘next week’. Why the wait, Nick? Is it the extra three or four weeks pay your stiffing the taxpayer for, because you sure won’t be doing anything of value in the interim? Despite your high flown waffle, of important ‘meetings and talks’, resigning from state parliament requires only one thing and can be instant – you just have to hand a resignation letter to the Speaker, and you’re out.
Or is it, as The Magpie suspects, something too clever by half which could end up a nice little fucktangle for you? Because if you decided to get the jump on other candidates, you have been effectively campaigning for mayor on your well-known and easily accessed Facebook page and other social media sites like Instagram, you’re in the shit, mate.
Because that is a big no-no. Just ask Mike Brunker down in the Whitsundays. in 2022, Brunker used his council FB page for campaigning during his failed bid to become mayor of the Whitsunday Council. He was fined and had to do training, but he soon after sulked off out politics anyway.
Certainly a different matter at a different level of government, but The ‘Pie is advised the same principle applies … publicly funded electronic media cannot beb used for campaigning purposes. There is the added interest here that if this has been the case with Dametto, he is using the much more powerful presence of the state, not just a council.
And concerning the Dametto resignation from the Kattertonics, The ‘Pie has re-confirmed earlier info that it came as a complete, and infuriating, surprise to the Katter hierachy. It’s said Bob went thermonuclear when he was told. But what’s new?
Foodtrucks Greaney Does A Mullet On The Campaign Trail
In the same manner that just about all golfers can hear a ball land within 50 metres of them, it is said Jenny Hill could hear the click of a camera at 100 metres and would head towards at the speed of a ferret on fentanyl. But she had to be cagey when election time rolled around, for the reasons stated above. So with a docile house trained Bulletin, she doubled her regular exposure during campaigns with ‘official’ business pix of all sorts of ridiculous announcements.
Having sat at the feet of her mistress so long, biding her time, Ma Greaney picked up a trick or two, including this bullshit announcement ploy. There have even been several Bulletin nstories where she was in the photo but not mentioned in the story. But the TCC media department was roped in during the week, and we got this. Hilarious embarrassing story.
And the release featured this photograph.
Th gist is Townsville was among the top 100 (yes, 100) ‘Green Destination Stories of 2025′, awarded by EcoTourism Australia. The council assures us that this ‘prestigious honour highlights Townsville’s position as a global leader in sustainability, resilience and nature-based recovery supporting residents and visitors.
Goodo … so what did the council do to be gushed over like this?
They gave out a mould remover after flooding earlier this year.
Nope, not kidding, but just why the word ‘destinations’ is included in the citation is a mystery. The ‘Pie has somehow missed the visitors flocking into town to look at where the mould used to be all over the walls.
But Ma Greaney wasn’t finished for the week yet. On Thursday, we got this one.
The mercifully short version of this dreary madrigal of civic self-praise was that many of the 1500 respondents wanted fresh water, not seawater in any re-scaped project. Which is a good idea, at east you can see the inevitable human Richard the Thirds bobbing about just where you’re about to dive in.
Greaney’s contribution to all this (she should sack her writers, really!) was:
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said going to public consultation on the critical project that had the potential to rejuvenate the northern end of the Strand was vital to future proof the region. Does this silly woman actually think about the words she puts her name to? The ‘Pie doesn’t want to be too blunt about this but that statement is completely and utterly meaningless. And you have to question the grip on reality of someone using – anywhere on the present planet let alone Townsville – the phrase ‘future proof’. And just how a swimming pool is going to do anything for ‘the region’ is another mystery.
But Since Where Here, A Moment Of The Bleedin’ Obvious
Hope the two southern ‘consultancies’ (Gold Coast and Brisbane) don’t bust the budget when they whosupply a Rockpool Redux visualisation for the council to put in the government funding begging bowl read The Magpie.
Because there seems to be something that no one to The ‘Pie’s memory has ever suggested, possibly because of the predictable howls of outrage from the privileged few.
Cairns has one which has proved to be a drawcard.
and so does Airlie Beach, where its success has been nothing short of spectacular.
50,000 people have ridden the Airlie Skyline Wheel since it opened in May this year, and local businesses credit it with increased custom. And just for the record, so does Bondi, where the Vista Ferris Wheel is in great demand. All these installations have proved runaway successes with both locals and visitors, and there is no reason why Townsville wold be any diffderent.
And there are two reasons why such a venture here would be equally successful. The footprint needed for such a wheel would be well accommodated on the area above the northern end of the Rockpool. And that site would give truly spectacular views of Maggie, Palm, Cape Cleveland, the beachside suburbs and Castle Hill. Another advantage to make the venture a financial success is that, like the other wheels, it can offer unique round the clock experiences, from spectacular sunrises, through the day to early and mid-evening panoramas.
Now would be the time for such a fixture to be included with any upgrade of the Rockpool area.
The Magpie will now sit back and await the wiser commentators who will, tersely tell him why it’s unworkable, stupid and disruptive to the amenity of locals. Going on his experience here of the past few years, the emphasis will be on why this wouldn’t work, not how it could be made to work.
Our Mayoral Election
The alert among you may have gathered that The Magpie is a tad miffed with the Astonisher – unusual, that , eh? – for it’s NoBully bullshit, saying they would interrogate mayoral candidates and then just give them all space to just tell us how great they and what their vague, fuzzy visiin is for a city coming out of more than a year of turmoil.
So The ‘Pie is going to compile a list of questions …. at this stage, it will be restricted to just five, no ‘pot holes in the street in front of my house’, more bigger picture stuff. The plan is that when the final list is decided … which will include worthy input from those of you who can pinpoint core needs to get us back on balance … and when noms close on this Thursday, October 16, and the final field is announced, The ‘Pie will email all candidates with the list of questions we have put together. They will be invited to reply by Friday, November 7, for inclusion in the Nest of Sunday 9th, with the guarantee that their answers will be published verbatim and unedited.
Here’s A Sample List For You To Consider
1. Do you perceive an imbalance of powers between the CEO and his executive staff, and the mayor’s office and the elected councillors who represent the voters? If so, will you as mayor lead the chamber to regain and retain the crucial delegation powers that may have been surrendered to the CEO, with special regard to building approvals, disposal of council assets, and the procedure to bring ratepayer complaints to the council?
2. Do you believe there should be a review of Townsville Enterprise as far as the council’s annual support is concerned? Do you think TEL should be subject to KPIs in terms of council subsidies?
3. Will you lead the council in taking definitive steps in to increase transparency and accountability, including strict monitoring of what executives suggest should be commercial in confidence?
4. Will you ever support the installation of parking metres on The Strand?
5. What do you think the council should do to bring the CBD back to life?
6. Your stance on Lansdown?
7. We have heard a lot of vague campaign campaigning about ‘vision’ and ‘mission statements’ but please outline two tangible actual matters you will be putting forward (Examples only: I will propose a ferris wheel at the Rockpool. I will ask council to urge the state government to buy the abandoned Garden Settlement at Pallarenda for low cost housing.)
Nesters, if you feel there is an aspect that is missed, or a more poressing matter that should be included, please let The ‘Pie know through comments. So no one’s idea is missed, It would be appreciated if that potential questions are sent in with the heading: MAYORAL QUESTIONS
All this may turn out to be a thankless task, but it is necessary in the event that political playpen that is the Townsville Bulletin sleepwalks through a crucial election for this city.
And Jill, The Magpie will be delighted if you pre-empt him and do this yourself. Feel free, happy to be scooped … no bull(y).
That Glencore Deal: Political Prostitution, With Money Exchanged For Short Term Love
It would be hard go argue that the Glencore ‘bail out’ is a welcome temporary relief for the Isa and for Townsville, but it looks like all its done is give the workforce time to look elsewhere for work. Sooner or later … sooner is what the smart money is saying – the bitter bullet will have to be bitten, unless the corporate gnomes of Zurich decide that want to milk this cow a little more – after all, the state and federal governments are that cow, and its still in the dairy in hobbles.
But there seems to be a question no one has asked. Given the fact that while things aren’t shit-hot for the copper operation, other sectors of the Glencore conglomerate are very well indeed, generating billions in dividends annually. So the question how our leaders hand over $600m rto a propfitable company and do not get the equivalent amount in shares? We have in fact got nothing but a short sugar hit in the jobs market, which is unlikely to remain the case when the next elections roll around.
The ‘Pie is no whiz in this arena, so he invites sensible replies to the simple question: why didn’t we get a small chunk of shares of the taxpayers $600m? Instead of fuck all? What is the old bird missing? Seriously.
Speaking Of Weird Financial Arrangements ….
At the last council meeting, a small amendment to a standing council issue was waved through, but The ‘Pie was triggered when he saw the matter involved Illich Park. This council amendment took off the market a parcel of land which was proposed to be sold freehold despite being part of the park. It was not noted anywhere, but this move ended one of TwoNames cherished dreams (read ‘scams), which he used as a springboard to eventually wreak his havoc on the city’s finances. it’s fair to say that he was so pissed off that was the reason he ran for mayor.
With all Thompson’s rolling eyed, spittle-flecked ranting on Facebook about council finances, and claimed solution for Walker Street’s fiscal fools (sack the lot if they won’t allow me to sort them out) just thought a little jaunt down memory lane to revisit our financial genius might be appropriate.
You may recall this breathless piece of breathless Bulletin stenography from a few years ago.
But the bit that caught The ‘Pie’s beady eye … even before Thompson had started to reek … was the following from the story (Magpie’s highlight).
The paper’s aversion to asking challenging questions let that idiotic claim go. straight through to the keeper. A brief search (it took The ‘Pie all of three minutes) would reveal that this grandstanding goof was saying that the proposed ‘community hub’ (read pokie palace) would, after just one year’s operation, make 50% more net profit than that of the Cowboys Leagues Club did last year.
Although this absurd bit of throwaway bullshit was highlighted at the time by The ‘Pie, there’s wasn’t the faintest flicker of interest at the Astonisher in exploring the claim further. Nor was there any tinkling alarm bells from Thompson’s claim that this would be ‘net’ profit, indicating there would be some fat management and directors fees and perks deducted before the community got its $12m.
Needless to say, back then, there was nothing in it for Jenny, so nothing happened except a kids playground.
From Comments
Has anyone twigged to the real significance of this? Is Brisbane – this time Labor heavies – up to their usual tricks?
Never mind what he may espouse, or that he was pissed off with Jenny Hill, Paul Jacob is Labor through and through, and has likely been put up to a fruitless run at the mayoralty in an attempt to nobble Dametto. Jacob would personally be keen to get one back on his former Hinchinbrook rival, where he came in third at the state poll won by Dametto.
The reasoning is that Dametto is strongest in the northern beach suburbs where he has lived for some years, and parts of which he has represented as the KAP Hinchinbrook MP. Across the rest of the city, Dametto is a polarising figure because of both his politics and occasional unfiltered redneck statements on Castle Law, posing with Nazis and DV matters.
Jacob still commands a certain following in his northern beaches home area, and his candidacy will do one vital thing … to some extent, he will rob Dametto of some crucial home ground votes.
More than ever, we need a commanding respected figure to step up … none of the currently declared go anywhere near fitting that bill.
Talk About One Picture Being Worth A Thousand Words … Townsville In One Photograph
AMERIKA – Trump Is Peaced Off
Among the many things the Orange Abomination doesn’t understand (tariffs, medical science, dignity, modesty) he can now add that he doesn’t understand why he didn’t get the Nobel Peace prize. His mystifying claim to have ended seven wars – can anyone name them, The ‘Pie can’t? – was topped with his wildly premature claim that he has brought peace between Palestinians and Israel. Gosh, well done, Bonespurs, that’s something no one has been able to for the past 3000 years, and this Gaza deal is no peace … it is a simple ceasefire for a hostage/prisoner exchange before everybody is at it again. But his staunch supporter Rupert Murdoch has had his troops at the Australian going overboard with disgraceful crapola.
That’s simply crass partisanship … and an outright lie.
And Trump’s claims to superior negotiating skills are another confusion for him, he is simply a powerful bully beating down on a people facing daily genocide. Putin’s got this arsesoles measure, so he sure isn’t boasting about ending the war in Ukraine, which he said he’d do on day one of his Presidency. But fair go, he can’t do much there with military threats, he’s got all his uniformed lads too busy attacking fellow Americans. At leas tits all being well documented by the country’s penmen.
Now Here’s Something Heartening For A Change …
Reckon quite a few Catholic blokes are both grateful and a bit jealous of this bonking bishop, whose tastes ran to the unusual … women. Well, not so much as taste, more gluttony. 17 of ‘em !!! He was clearly an equal opportunity bloke, he even slipped a length to a nun. Well, none of the gals can sue and get half the cathedral and custody of the choir boys.
Reckon the ensuing bitch slap must’ve been one for the ages … or for a Carry On movie.
False Alarm
They are still with us and are in good shape.
Very glad, for the woman who said she didn’t care being called a dumb blonde, because she knows she’s not dumb … and knows she’s not blonde.
………..
That’s enough Loony Tunes for the week, plenty more to come. The link to support the Nest with a donation is below.
Re the “illegal campaigning” claim against Dametto: The Brunker precedent was not about “Facebook” per se — it was about using a council resource (his council email address) in a campaign. Cr Mike Brunker was fined after listing his council email address on his mayoral Facebook page, which was ruled an unauthorised use of council resources. That’s the key breach, not the mere use of social media.
On MPs and campaigning: Queensland rules prohibit using taxpayer-funded resources (electorate staff, offices, allowances) for electioneering. That’s a long-standing directive from the Parliament — any such costs must not be met from public funds. If Dametto’s campaign is ring-fenced from his parliamentary resources, the core misuse concern doesn’t arise.
On resignation timing: For local government, a person cannot be a councillor while also a state MP. Practically, that means an MP must resign before nomination/holding office; the ECQ points candidates to the LGEA/Local Government Act for eligibility. Dametto’s stated plan to resign in order to nominate aligns with those requirements. 
Bottom line: Unless there’s evidence of public resources being used for his campaign (like Brunker’s council email situation), the legal basis for the “illegal campaigning” allegation looks weak.
You seem to be a bit at odds with yourself there, SC. Or are you saying it’s OK for Dametto to use his parliamentary resources to (unfairly) campaign for a local government position?
The ‘Pie said, the Brunker matter was different but the same principle. Or are you trying for a deflect because any naughtiness by Dametto might reflect on Crisafulli, because there is no denying Nick is The Kid’s skin in this gamne.
Not at odds at all, Magpie — just separating what’s illegal from what you find annoying.
The Brunker fine came from listing a council email address on a Facebook campaign page — a clear “use of council resources.” No one disputes that.
Nick hasn’t done that. His Facebook and Instagram pages are free platforms, and unless you’ve found evidence that they’re maintained by parliamentary staff on public time, the law doesn’t bite.
Of course, if you’re suggesting that an MP can’t even speak about running before resigning — that’s a much broader claim. Maybe quote the exact section of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 (Qld) that makes that an offence? I’ve looked, and I can’t find one.
So far, it sounds like your issue is moral, not legal — which is fine, but let’s call it what it is.
So just how involved are you with the Dametto for mayor campaign, SC?
Tugging a few strings yourself, are you? You seem very partisan and slightly spooked that your boy might have been naughty, and you’re strutting some moral high ground yourself in an effort to deflect. Please point out where The ‘Pie has even remotely suggested that Dametto cannot and should not campaign for mayor (your coy ‘about running’) and espouse solutions to problems he perceives. The only question The ‘Pie has posed is what platform is he using and is it legal. And yes, is it moral that if his sites are part of his parliamentary package, is it fair he uses taxpayer money for a political campaign?
As to whether his SM pages are part of his parliamentary resources is a matter of fact, to be confirmed or refuted with evidence. You offer none, just a bland statement that it is not so. And while it is a rare legal point, it is up to Dametto to prove they aren’t publicly funded, he is the one campaigning, it is not for us to find out what we see before our eyes is one or the other. Whereas, The ‘Pie refers you to the comment from Duck Nuts at 10.40 this morning. One of you is correct, and since the matter has headlined The Nest, happy to have the record sorted. better get von to your boy and work something out, eh?
BTW Greaney is doing it too, but mainly to diss Thompson with the underlying dog whistle to vote for her. And now, another sitting councillor, Jacob, is under close watch.
Fair question, Magpie, and if Duck’s info checks out, that’s a legitimate point to raise.
But so far, no one’s shown that Nick’s campaign content or posts are using those addresses. Having a parliamentary email visible on a static website, which every sitting MP is required to maintain under parliamentary contact protocols, is not the same as using it for campaigning.
Brunker’s breach came from actively linking his council email on his mayoral campaign page, which made it part of the campaign infrastructure. If Nick’s parliamentary site is simply still live while he transitions to resignation, that’s just timing, not intent or misuse.
If the concern is genuine, the fair approach is to verify whether those addresses were ever used in campaign materials, not assume guilt because they exist. Otherwise, we’re just calling the presence of a contact page “illegal campaigning,” which isn’t how the law reads under the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 (Qld).
Happy to be proven wrong if you’ve got screenshots of campaign posts using that address, until then, this looks more like conjecture than corruption.
Crikey, you do give yourself away so easily. But one supposes an apologist is supposed to offer co\mfort, even it does come from the south.
If the concern is genuine, the fair approach is to verify whether those addresses were ever used in campaign materials, not assume guilt because they exist.
OK, off you go, you’ve apparently got some sort of vested interest in this. Until corrected, The ‘Pie stands by his words.
Oh SC, Dametto’s stickers might all have the address of X-Treme Motorsport (I’m genuinely surprised its not Pagan Firearms) but all other contact details are for his parliamentary office, add to that he’s posted on his MP Facebook page during business hours, and clearly had some assistance creating fancy reels. Let’s hope all costs are coming out of his personal guns n ammo and hot car budget.
So true. Most of the councillors are corrupt and money hungry. Dickhead Damentto should never be considered.
So if Nick has listed his parliamentary email address such as email hidden; JavaScript is required on his Facebook page that he is using to campaign for Mayor where does that leave him?
Oh.. and the address for the Hinchinbrook Office.
And if you’re unsure here’s his website which has it all as well
https://nickdametto.com/?
But I’m sure David will make it all ok.
You condemn every candidate rightly or wrongly. Do you have any suggestions as to who may be an appropriate candidate?
It’s not condemnation, it is laying bare facts and/or possibilities you won’t hear anywhere else around this town from MSM.
RM, facts and proven information are extremely rare out there these days. The media appear to always want to talk up the promoting and claims from candidates out there for government roles at all levels across the country.
No one in the media is focussed on asking the tough questions about reality but seem to keen to promote the wonderful rainbows and silver linings of the candidates promises.
Frankly, I’m over todays politicians, they bullshit their way through the elected roles all the time feeding from the public swill trough and being on the lookout for future roles on boards of companies seeking to circumspect the rules of engagement.
It’s about time someone has the balls to stand up and ask the real questions of most of these wannabes and ignore their cries that sound like the ATO claiming “I’m from the ATO and I’m here to help you” !
Seriously, you need to ask the question yourself…’If Magpie/Nest doesn’t ask the hard questions, who will ?
Otherwise, you may well be part of the problem that’s developed in todays ‘woke’ age.
How much tax does Glencore pay – Not Much
https://www.pwyp.org.au/news/29102021australias-largest-coal-miner-avoiding-hundreds-of-millions-in-tax-payments-short-changing-australian-communities
TEL’s latest dribble from LinkedIn;
“As proud partners of this week’s Townsville Summit, CEO Claudia Brumme joined industry leaders, investors and Government representatives from all levels, to shape Townsville North Queensland’s future”.
Really, Claudia Bumme-no more Smith is shaping Townsville’s future? What, by getting consultants to write reports and by piggybacking off other organisations hard work? TEL does nothing off its own back. It hijacks the work of others and then palms that work off as being their own work. These fools like posting photos of Claudia and Gill the dill, smiling, looking happy, pretending to be instrumental in Townsville’s development when nothing is further from the truth. TEL is a waste of money. Time to start afresh with a restructure, new leadership, new focus.
The ‘Pie knows he shouldn’t enter this territory but he can’t help himself in suggesting that Claudia has given Mr Smith the Brumme’s rush.
Sorry, sorry, sorry.
You may be right Pie, but she might be replacing it with another ‘S’, a local state has been…???
Well, how about we leave that to her, shall we? None of our business.
Ferris wheel
One word : cyclones
In Cairns, The ‘Pie understands the wheel only operates in the north Queensland holiday (winter) season but are dismantled in the cyclone season, don’t know about Airlie. And you haven’t asked why other places put them up as attractions when facing the same annual threat. And have you gone into the technology?
Another benefit – a wheel would take a large amount of the civic embarrassment out of the cruise ship stop-overs.
Guy, you are archetypal of the problem facing Townsville … one of the many so ready with a knee jerk a reaction as to why something CAN’T work, rather than see how it CAN work, to everyone’s benefit.
I love your Ferris wheel suggestion, Pie. It’s the most joyful thing I’ve heard for a long time.
Insurance
Maintenance
Considering the ongoing debt, the wedgewood debacle that lost what 500,000 or more, the rock pool development (leave it alone and reduce costs), the sewerage problem when theres heavy rain, industrial action by unions, continual taking of loans, money being funnelled to questionable projects, failed projects, propping up TEL, parking meters so mates and family can make lots of money etc …. we need to focus on core services, cut unnecessary funding , stop taking anymore debt and control spending.
Look this is all sane and reasonable stuff but the electoral margins that count dont care about this , we no longer have a functional electorate and are paying the price; we no longer have a functional political body. This is all the stuff i bang on about on a regular basis. The problem with the mayoral candidate line up is some of them have CAUSED these problems – others have remained SILENT on these problems, now suddenly they are concerned about them.
I would say choose wisely this election but this is unlikely
What about a cable car to the top of Castle Hill? Include a fully licenced restaurant at the top with a Panoramic view. What could go wrong?
This has been proposed several times over the past two or three decades. It’s a great idea. Not sure what obstacles stopped it in the past. There used to be a restaurant up there. Long gone for a shelter shed.
Dear Mr Magpie
Would you update me regarding the progress of the City Heart committee (you know who I mean) chaired by Craig Stack.
A quick search using words such as Cairns ferris wheel cyclone management quicky provides a very good summary of the cyclone management plan
This information aligns with other web based information.
Ok GReece, a Ferris Wheel that morphs into a Wind Turbine. Labor’s Bozo Bowen will fund the whole thing. See Guy, turn your negative thoughts clockwise to positives.
Wouldn’t it be easier to breed giant genetically altered hamsters to run on this Ferris wheel of a night to provide power when the wind falls flat ?
By rights we could have a whole swag of them dotted across the city to provide power 24/7 , we could grow vast fields of lettuce to feed these hamsters out by the dam.
The only problems I could see is if they run away, start fighting during mating periods or leaving giant car sized shits in the suburbs; given the enormity of the project, risk of failure and questionable objectives in the light of existing fossil fuel, solar, coal and other sources of the power since the industrial revolution i could only presume Townsville council would be fully on board with this proposal ?
Christ don’t mention this to Chris Bowen, he’ll be all over it.
Finally Guy has a policy that makes sense.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/backyardstudies/videos/3245912198809456/&ved=2ahUKEwie6_rTsaCQAxVTcvUHHUUJLHkQo7QBegQIDBAE&usg=AOvVaw2GUO6pWEXdOwU5rdfP7N4c
G,
Have you considered the yet to be realised of the clockwork motor. Henry Hoke did some early research but it died with him. A clockwork ferris wheel?
Dunno WTF that’s all about but looks to be right up Guy’s alley.
https://youtu.be/-OyT0ZIphhM?si=bFgjwIe24UFvnEG-
More of Henry Hoke’s inventions that Guy, and all Nesters, may find interesting and potentially useful.
FFS Guy ! Ferris wheels operate all over the world, some in harsher conditions than NQ ! Ever felt the might of the North Sea off the UK’s coast where they boast some massive ferris wheels ? It blows the seagulls inside out !
Todays cyclone warnings are days out from hitting the coast usually with fairly accurate coastal crossing points.
Your Henny Penny ‘the sky is falling’ is typical of someone pissed off for not think of this brilliant idea first. Give a break mate !
As long as it doesn’t cost the council a cent and makes some PROFIT from a temporary ferris wheel – sure.
Put it in strand park
That will never happen.A small footprint on the Jezzine headland is all, that is needed, without compromising the amenity of local residents. (Yes, believe it or not, they have some rights, believe it or not.)
Pie, Are there any heritage issues with the Jezzine headland as it has the old forts installations up there. Good spot to put it though.
Ah, was waiting for that, which will most certainly be brought up by others.
And that is a classic example of certain progressive moves being held captive to the past. Jezzine Barracks must rightly be preserved, but the ‘fort installations’ (really, whose kidding who?) are of bugger all value in terms of our history. We repelled no one from there, and played fuckall role in matters in the Coral Sea. (But by gum, we was ready, Mr Mannering!!) The ‘fort’ is just an unattractive bit of concrete bunkering. The ‘Pie hasn’t been up there for years, but when he was last there, it was a graffiti-covered, noisome mess redolent with odours of piss and excrement. Might be different now, but so what?
Not sure it would even be affected by the proposed wheel, but if it was, just who would be ‘dishonouring’ by encroaching on it. Dad’s Army still around, if it was ever there? Or come to that, include the ‘fort’ into the ferris wheel attraction as a mini-precinct for visitors.
Those holding views – particularly those heritage extremists in Brisbane – that the ‘fort installation’ and its reminder we were willing to face off with the yellow peril – but never need – is sacred to the city’s history are exactly the same people who have forced us to endure the ramshackle shame of the North Rail Yards.
Some mayoral candidates should consider the benefits of keeping their image OUT of the Advertiser (formerly Townsville Bulletin).
I am asking all Mayoral candidates to commit to stop funding TEL, if they want my vote. But, I won’t hold my breath.
It will ddefinitely be a question. However, a restructured, properly monitored and accountable TEL is a good idea.
Who actually audits Townsville Enterprise I’ve never any Documentation .I would have thought it would have been a requirement that they be made accountable…>
Google it. Its at the end of their Annual Financial Report in accordance with the Australian Audit Standards,like all Audit Reports.
Fuck sakes, do you people all just assume every organisation is corrupt because you can’t find the publicly available information?
Questions to Mayoral candidates should be where possible Yes/No.
Example
Fluoride in the water Yes/No
KPI’s for TEL Yes/No
Parking meters on The Strand ever Yes/No
Full Transparency on cost to ratepayers on all sponsored events Yes/No
Yep, valid point. Might end up being a mix. It is still worthwhile asking about naming to tangible, actual actions/projects they would like to promote, in an effort to avoid the usual shining insincerity and ensure we are not left with the usual woolly, vague virtue-signalling waffle some beloved of politicians.
Perhaps
YES/NO
REASON………..
Yep, also worth strong consideration. The easier it is to answer, the more likely candidates will be tempted to respond. But yes/no answers alone, without any opportunity for nuance rather than deflection, has always been a fruitless ask of politicians the world over. It is seen as a form of media bullying in most cases, a reporters ‘when did you stop beating your wife?’ question. (Hmmm, that would be an interesting one for at least one mayoral candidate.)
The history of David Kippin economic successes revealed
Where? What?
“David Kippin economic successes” Now there’s an oxymoron if ever I’ve seen one.
MAYORAL QUESTION
Hi Magpie
Please reword my questions as you see fit.
Bring back free dump vouchers as part of rates.
Reopen the trash shops at the dumps.
Kerbside clean up before the cyclone season.
Have street sweepers and council crews clean up the road debris, weeds and other rubbish around the cities traffic light intersections.
Make TSV Enterprise accountable via KPI’s.
Malcolm & Nesters,
The page to watch is TCC Facebook page, who ever writes this surely has already had big slap across the knuckles?
On Friday there was this heading; ‘Townsville The Best Is Yet To Come’, – a short article about the Rockpool redevelopment and photo of Greaney standing in front of the Rockpool.
It was a shameful self promotion of our Acting Madame Mayor, the comments were not favourable and coming thick and fast.
I then went on the hunt for the actual media release, by the time I went back to council’s FB page the article had been removed. Usually I am a quick thinker and take screen shots – but this time sadly no, from the comments I am sure there will some complaints lodged.
FFS Townsville City Council media, can you please just let the the voters decide on this important mayoral by- election, without your bias?
Haven’t seen that page but perhaps this was the photograph? And if so, very interesting for one single word.
This photograph was not used in TCC media release featured in The Nest about the Rockpool, BUT it was featured in a Bulletin story flagging the Rockpool ‘public consultation’ on June 7.
But here’s the thing: note the caption says the photograph was ‘supplied’, in other words taken and provided by the Townsville Council – or by Ma Greaney herself but not even she would be that brazen. So as far back as June, she was self-promoting, on the chance a mayoral by-election was in the wind. And to be fair, that’s to be expected and no big deal.
Nothing illegal, or even intrinsically wrong with this, because no campaign had been declared. It was just the mayoral tactic down the ages … Mooney, Tyrell (a bit), and particularly Hill, all used council resources in this way to keep their personal publicity ticking over.
Thank Christ Mike Capt Snooze Reynolds wasn’t mayor when all this blew up … if he was, Mike ‘I’ve never met a mirror I didn’t like’ Reynolds would give Harvey Norman a run for his money in terms of space in the paper.
Malcolm,
here is TCC FB page – the heading has been changed, some comments removed, but the pic still there.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1254881250015924&set=a.149162093921184
Moggie, the FB post has not been edited. So unless the original was deleted and reposted (unlikely as this was posted at 13:04 on Friday) you’re imaginating things
DN,
I have a couple of business FB pages, you can edit the Title and sometimes articles dissappear then suddenly emerge.
I have no screen shot, I know what I saw, it was way too early for any vodka gatorades.
There are so many AI images being generated on FB.
My advice is Screen Shot, TCC media know they are being watched.
What? There is a period in the daily cycle that is ‘too early’ for vodka gatorades? Gedouttahere!!!
For the top 5 question list;
What is Councils total accumulated debt, and what measures/processes/plans/KPI’s will TCC put in place to reduce this debt and then also provide annual figures to the public that show the level of debt, the amount reduced, plans to reduce it further?
Thanks
PR
Is this Rollmops Mum?
Yeah, good point … The ‘Pie was wondering if it actually our old mate Mopsy, but decided to leave it in case it wasn’t.
Is Rollmom a MILF ? Asking for a friend !
The name sounds vaguely Tasmanian.
Rollmom? Is that you Mopsy???
Yes it’s me. I made a typo. Good thing I didn’t call myself Elusive Butterflog.
RM, Thick fingers ?
Thickhead!
Yes, Glencore had both government’s over the proverbial barrel, but!
From my understanding there are several copper deposits in close proximity to Mount Isa held by junior miners. (Close in Queensland terms).
If these are to proceed they need a smelter and refinery or we’re just shipping dirt. I believe the deal makes access to Glencore’s existing smelter and refinery possible for 3rd parties like junior miners.
This allows us (Queensland and Australia) to supply refined copper and even the Greenest Net Zero projects need copper.
Offtake from the refinery is also critical to the production of fertiliser for agriculture.
The ‘Pie hasn’t seen this mentioned anywhere? Where is the info coming from?
Local knowledge plus this
https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/timayres/media-releases/landmark-deal-protect-regional-queensland-jobs-and-strengthen-australias-copper-capability
Well, it may be true, let’s hope it is, but that link does mention any such arrangement that The ‘Pie could see.
Sure, but us in the public are not going to know what goes into a confidential agreement like this. Whether it’s a good deal for us, who knows, but there will be at least something in there that’s in the public interest.
RUOK? THaty doesn’t make one bit of sense.
Just to let you know i haven’t lost my edge. Who knows, maybe I’ll stand next time ?
Lo ! Say the word and it shall be done !
By heart – by eye – by hand – by mind
As true as the rising sun and falling star
glory be to the 23 to think to dream – to make – to keep and go on forever more
Take care lest the tears of Prometheus quell that sacred fire
And in that time we shall inspire
A search of wonder in mitochondrial bent
Of Hi – Tech wonders not heaven sent
Now let us gaze into the abyss
Then – from whence we came
By The eyes of the shepherdess
We will return and and look down on the earth like gods
This man wants to be our mayor. And will forever wonder why he wasn’t elected.
Me, I’m going to vote for Aeschylus instead.
Seems fitting.
It is an easy thing for one whose foot is on the outside of calamity to give advice and to rebuke the sufferer.
Aeschylus
What a tragedy!
I would have thought that Sun Tzu would fit your character much better!
Yes, probably. Hopefully, The ‘Pie will sit on the riverbank long enough to watch the bodies of my enemies float by.
And yet the selected elites have grown fat on our indifference and wrecked the finances.
Guy, if elected you’d only hire your cooker mates for the senior positions.
Fucking hell Guy, you dribble more shit than Twonames does. Seriously mate.
Imagine fucking living with him and waking up to that each day ?
With regard to the City’s beautification and the downscaling of the Parks Dept by previous administrations. My question is:
Will the Parks & Recreation Dept. be re-staffed and re-resourced to former levels instead of council spending millions of dollars on private contractors who fail to meet expectations.
Threenames campaign is weak, like his spine. Silly Facebook posts in which he always call for councils demise. No real meat and potatoes in his campaign. No real solutions, just word salads and the same old complaints. He is a fucktard of the highest order. Can’t wait for this embarrassment of a person to get his ass handed to him come election day.
The sad thing is that he thinks that he is going to win.
Yes. Although Thompson is mostly saying all the right things, he cannot rule by fiat and he is not under any circumstances going to bring the current councillors along with any agenda of his. Also, he has already demonstrated that once in office, he happily goes back on pledges when reality bites.
Just copied this from Twonames page, enjoy ????
TROY THOMPSON RESPONDS TO THE TOWNSVILLE MAGPIE’S QUESTIONS
“Townsville Deserves Better – Democracy Over Bureaucracy.”
1️⃣ CEO & COUNCILLOR POWERS
Yes — there is a serious imbalance of power between the CEO, the executive, and elected representatives. Over the years, vague legislation and legal overreach have shifted authority away from councillors and ratepayers. Councillors have surrendered key decision-making powers — building approvals, asset sales, even complaint handling — to the CEO’s office.
This isn’t democracy. It’s bureaucracy.
If elected, I will recommend to the Minister and Premier a full review of these delegations, and a restructure of TCC’s executive to restore accountability and local control.
Townsville needs a big broom — and I’m prepared to use it.
2️⃣ TOWNSVILLE ENTERPRISE (TEL)
TEL’s KPIs exist — but they’re weak and meaningless. TEL receives $2.1 million a year from ratepayers yet delivers inflated figures and minimal outcomes. Tourism and advocacy can and should return to Council’s communications team — or better yet, to the independent Townsville Chamber of Commerce, which already has the experience, independence, and local credibility. Ratepayers deserve measurable value, not glossy brochures.
3️⃣ TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
There will be zero secrecy under my leadership. Ratepayers contribute over $500 million a year — they have the right to know where every dollar goes. The “commercial in confidence” excuse has become a hiding place for bad decisions.
My plan is simple:
???? Transparency – End secrecy. Every dollar accounted for.
???? Accountability – Independent audit of the last 10 years.
???? Local Democracy – Decisions made by Townsville people.
???? No More Politicians – End backroom deals.
???? Ratepayers First – Spend on services, not vanity projects.
Time to pull back the curtain of secrecy — once and for all.
4️⃣ PARKING METERS ON THE STRAND
Absolutely not. The Strand is one of our most-loved community spaces. We can manage turnover and all-day parking without meters. Instead, we need proper car parks at each end of The Strand to meet growing demand.
5️⃣ REVIVING THE CBD
We need to incentivise development, not over-regulate it.
That means:
Temporary rates relief and planning concessions for CBD building upgrades.
Removing parking meters.
Better signage, safety, and event promotion. We have cameras everywhere — let’s use them to make the city safe and inviting again.
6️⃣ LANSDOWN PROJECT
Sell the assets to the proponents and let them have skin in the game. TCC shouldn’t carry the debt or act as a developer. Fence it, hold it, and hand the project back to the State and Federal Governments where it belongs. Council’s role is to collect rates and maintain services — not bankroll industrial land deals.
7️⃣ TANGIBLE PROJECTS
I’ll focus on real projects with real outcomes.
The Strand Precinct: Boardwalks, pools, and coastal attractions (these are already drawn for the SeaLink end of the strand)— including a Ferris wheel or landmark feature (Rockpool) to give Townsville a “Brisbane South Bank” feel, supported by better parking and stronger promotion for local businesses. First, we must investigate why we have the enormous debt, and sell off what we do not need, drop 150 staff (executive management layer) would be good
Pallarenda Garden Settlement: Redevelop into short- to medium-term accommodation to help people get back on their feet, funded by State and Federal support.
Authorised by:
Troy Thompson
128 Greenwood Drive, Kirwan QLD 4817
Not sure where the $2.1m for TEL comes from, unless he is including the Major Events kitty. Also no more politicians in mystifying, coming as it does from a politician. And the loss of revenue from CBD parking meters will need some creative thinking. Also the ‘Pie notes there is not a mention of council dissolution and the appointment of an administrator.
Anyway, he’s expected to be a candidate, so is entitled to his say, even if he has jumped the gun a bit.
$1.8M for V8’s, $333 service agreement and shared advertising and promotion, my ex works in communications at council, they do a lot of the shared TEL spin. Any chance Walker is running? He’ll split Jacob, Dametto votes too. Thompsons wounded, can’t see him getting up. Kippin may get up by default
GOSH, pie, maybe all the candidates will now have to champion your Ferris wheel to compete?
It’s not going to influence how I vote, but you know how it goes: who’s that bloke who’s going to get us the Ferris wheel?
The best part about this, is that Brian Venten is venting his spleen on social media with his own personal Facebook page and his My Town Media Facebook page. Apparently, Troy boy is on the money and his answers well argued and no other candidate comes close.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EEqvXPCwg/
As is always the case with partisan praise, Venten is missing the the baseline truth here … Troy Thompson is a proven liar and is not to be trusted. And will take on the populist often ignorant and unworkable issues in a campaign, but once in office, backtrack like the roadrunner in reverse (rate freeze for four years anyone, a promise that everyone knew was fairy dust from the start). He has no negotiating skills that are evident and his high-flown but deeply dishonest and simplistic ideas will inevitably end in a devastating crash landing on the airstrip of reality.
And for very obvious reasons, Venten doesn’t mention that cohort of sovereign citizens and MyPlace crackpots gathered around Thompson, and Venten doesn’t mention the damage these fruitcakes have done elsewhere.(Wonder why, Mr Venten?) And if Thompson thinks he can ditch them once in office, that just simply proves he is an egotistical fool unfit for office.
He will say anything to get to a position where he can create further ignorant, self-centred mayhem. And when the councillors refuse to allow him to run rampant, he will try to have the council put into administration, simply out of pique.
Threenames is obviously a big fan of the Magpie. That’s a lovely compliment.
Never been any doubt he reads The Nest. He even tried to recruit a techo to nobble the site during the last election campaign, saying The Magpie was hurting him.
I wish there was someone running who was saying all this and was actually credible.
Haha, Magpie add to your list of questions,
Have you ever gone by another name, been bankrupt, been charged for fraud, domestic-violence or convicted of a criminal offence?
It is an affront to society to have Postal Votes for Mayor.
Where do I get my Democracy Sausage now?
Boo Crisafulli, Boo.
Robbo scratched himself.
Clr Andrew Robinsonhas told the Bulletin he won’t be running.
Smart move, time to further impress before 2028.
So who else?
Les Walker, Michael Pugh, Clynton Hawks, Tony Mooney, Harry Patel, Wesley Newman, Wayde Chiesa, Peter Rogers, Daniel Ryder, Miranda Meares and Kate Annets.
And for the record, Suzy Batkovic has informed The Magpie she will not be a candidate.
He probably realised he needs wait for the stench of Strand Parking to disaspate
Hopefully some more at the starting gate either a brain, common sense , integrity and an ability to not be malicious
And in breaking news the word going around is that 2 prominent TEL Board Directors – Peter Wheeler and Jamie Fitzpatrick are backing and supporting the Gun Touting, Neo Nazi, Domestic Violence Advocate “No thanks Nick” Dametto!!!!
Did they get the late-night phone call from the Premier “advising” them that it was in their best interest????
How can 2 businessmen of some esteem and character (ahem) whose job as Board Members of TEL think this is a good idea!!!!!
They and other TEL board members will back whoever is least likely to rock the TEL boat.
No surprises there. It’s all about getting things like developments approved and planning regulations bypassed.
While Over the Hill was Mayor, no one credible was keen to give it a go. Then 2 names did a Steve Bradbury and swooped in for an unlikely victory, and in short time made it clear that lying cheating people are bad for the role. The landing of the CCC investigation just before the election will be the final nail in a disappointing moment in Townsville history.
Now the void has been created and Necked Damental leads the charge and most candidates have backed down, much like the State election in Hinchinbrook. He is probably sick of travelling to Brisbane every second week and talking to an empty parliament without getting anywhere anyway.
But alas Ma Grainy, and the Phantom are willing to have a free swing – and miss with no fucks given. They are both gone next election anyway so why not have an each way bet.
Kippers history and time in the sun has left a bitter smell amongst readers, and Hairy Pastel is sure to make the election ballot, although that square is in the mainly untouched section.
2 names is hopefully in jail by the time the election roles around and still in jail by the time the next local elections roll around in just over 2 short years.
Some great nicknames in that lot. But be careful as the chief sook Elusive Butterflog will be offended.
Blue Bells – speaking of J Hill, she was seen tonight at the info session for the upcoming production of Rocky Horror.
A trip down memory lane for her, no doubt.
As long as she remembers “it’s just a jump to the Left”
Love it, clever comment of the day.
Jeezus, Mullet in black suspenders could burn stuff into your eyes that can never be unseen !
White Mouse, coming out from the time warp no doubt.
Magpie, looks like you and three-names are both misinformed on building approvals. They couldn’t be delegated to the CEO because Councils don’t do them, building certifiers do. Have done for many years now.
On the Illich Park story, are you just using that to sink the boots into the Bully for some bad reporting from 5 1/2 years ago? Not that I have a problem with a crack at the local rag and its underwhelming journalistic standards, but it’s a bit old news isn’t it?
You haven’t been paying attention, have you?
The signs that Thompson was a dodgy con man and fiscal try-on artist were evident long before he ran for mayor. And if the Bulletin had had the wit to see the utter bullshit before its very eyes and ask the glaringly obvious question that The Magpie did, well, who knows, that might have been enough to put the brakes on this charlatan who has cost this city tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.
And calling it old news? Mate, you are right in the Thompson school of ethics, the very man who thought his bogus background was old news, not relevant to the time he ran for mayor.
I can see that I have pressed a button. My impression from reading what you said about Illich Park was you were using Thompson to have a go at the Bulletin, not the other way round. If what I thought was the case, then it is old news. The Bulletin has been doing a shit job for a long time now. If instead it was just a reminder of the way Thompson operates, well fair enough, but it didn’t come across as the focus to me. My mistake.
The phrase “like a ferret on fentanyl” doesn’t really make sense in this context. Here’s why:
• Fentanyl is a powerful opioid depressant, not a stimulant. It slows the body down, numbs pain, and can cause drowsiness or unconsciousness — the opposite of what you’re describing.
• The sentence is meant to convey speed, alertness, and hyper-activity, so fentanyl works against the intended image.
Better alternatives
If you want something with the same sharp humour but accurate energy, you could use:
• “like a ferret on caffeine”
• “like a ferret on Red Bull”
• “like a ferret on amphetamines” (if you want to keep the edgy tone)
• “like a ferret on fire” (clean, funny, and vivid)
So, fentanyl isn’t the right drug metaphor here — it slows things down, not speeds them up.
The Magpie stands corrected and perhaps should’ve reserved the metaphor for Clr Price’s snoozy performances in council meetings.
Cr Price has, unfortunately, someone who has the iq of a ferret.
CONCERNS NOTICE:
For the immediate attention of Black Dahlia.
We maintain, and will do so in court if necessary, that Clr Price does NOT have the brains of a ferret. To say he has is a degrading smear on all ferretdom. We demand you withdraw that allegation immediately, apologise and pay punitive damages of $150,000 for emotional hurt, distress and tissue costs.
Signed
Ima Snot for solicitors Knee, Crutch, Armpit & Elbow, acting for the Ferret Collective Against Defamation
Deepest apologies to all ferrets. You’re right Pie… no one deserves that comparison…. Not even a ferret.
The latest round of mayoral jostling’s just show the state of politics in this state and country , some 45 years ago when I first started voting the candidate was a local who stood by his candidates and what they stood for , he was a bloke at the pub downing a few before going home and fighting for what my family , my friends , my district wanted. This upcoming Mayoral election has shown one thing that the modern day politician has none of that but only self interests. Just look at Frothy Molochino Labor to the core but when a supposedly easy win in state politics pops up dumps all loyalties to party and constituents who have backed him , then look at Nick would turn up to a opening of a envelope to get social media likes and views . Nick achieved zero for Hinchinbrook but showed his true colours by dumping the party and constituents who have supported him all for self gain.
Its sad that politicians these days care more about themselves than the people they are supposed to be representing. I was never a fan of Hawke , Keating , Howard but history shows they were there for the people and not themselves.
Interesting comment, and one I mostly agree with. There used to be a time when some politicians took office for genuine reasons, particularly within local government. But that’s long gone. They would, as you say, drink a beer with you, listen to the issue and then go and do some actual work and fix the problem. Now they are mostly only interested in the paycheck. Nowadays councillors are warned against chatting directly to the ratepayer and are advised to put everything in writing and make sure that any discussion points are raised with the CEO, all the while making sure that they don’t fraternise with other council staff. The old days are gone and the current system is rooted.
You’re right about Molachino but in reverse. He’s Katter to the core and switched to Labor for a tilt at local politics.
Mr Magpie
I believe it is my civic duty to give my numbered preferences last on the ballot to Foodtrucks and Phantom.
There is no political reason behind this decision, it is purely economics.
I am merely trying to save the ratepayers of Townsville the expense of another by election.
They both will be gone by 2028!
DOLAN HAYES TO THE RESCUE. CLASSIC!!!!
Hahahaha, you can take the boy out of Townsville, but you can’t the boy out of Townsville affairs.
This story has all the hallmarks, the classic stamp of Dolan Hayes canny professionalism all over it …. The uncertainty of an mayoral election, unrest about jobs and progress, and even a welcome swipe at council bureaucracy. And anything to help a pissed-off mate and former business partner. Focus Pacific’s director Michael Graham is a long standing chum and former business associate to the now Brisbane-based lobbyist and backroom boy Hayes.
Mr Hayes … sorry, Mr Graham argues that the last minute pin-pull of the on the on again- off again, constantly down-sized project was all because of some faceless bastards at the council cooked up a story that he’d missed too many paperwork deadlines.
Which is as it may be , but Mr Hay … Graham unwisely says in the story “I remember Troy Thompson and Ann-Maree Greaney accepted our invitation to attend a soil turning ceremony, but two days before they cancelled,” Mr Graham said.
So two of the most unfancied – make that least desirable – candidates get a tick from Mr Graham?
And the Astonisher follows that up with this later in the story:
‘On Friday, October 10, Troy Thompson posted on his Facebook page about the lost Hilton hotel.
“When opportunity knocked, our own council fumbled it,” Mr Thompson said.
“Council refused to negotiate or grant extensions, despite the developer’s readiness to proceed.”
Maybe five years of chopping, changing and dicking the community around had something to do with it, but that’s not how dog whistling lobbying works.
Nowadays, Mr Hayes is deep into state matters, and remains a Crisafulli friend despite being a solid Labor man, so we await the premier’s boy in the mayoral race, Nick Dametto, to suddenly find this a worthy project suitable for rejuvenation.
Gotta love this town.
Same day different backroom deal. Developers and councillors are intertwined like 16 year old teenagers. No doubt Colon Hayes smells changes in the air and wants to leverage off Townsville’s political landscape.
Precisely. But why not, lobbying isn’t illegal and politics IS a popularity contest.
Why would Ma Greeny have been invited to this? Paul Jacobs was the deputy mayor at the time.
Old mate Dametto is overrated, but with the backing of his buddy Crisafulli, amongst a field of complete deadshits, he has a very strong chance of becoming our next possum fur wearer. That’s ok, a far better choice than a sociopath like Thompson. And speaking of Thompson, I genuinely believe that he is absolutely mental. There is definitely some psychological issues with old mate. Completely cuckoo.
De mal en peor
The idea that Jacob will put a dent in Dametto’s support in the Northern Beaches as per Mr Pie’s initial suggestion is fanciful. Dametto is royalty in this area. He only get back to Council by being on a “I’m Not Mullet” ticket! If he draws more than 5% of the vote city wide I’ll eat my hat.
Mr Kippin is now registered for the by election. And if there was any doubt, he is an LNP blue blood, just look at his nominators; Ross McClennon (Chamber of Commerce), Jane Cairns (AFCM), Michael Kopittke (Sentinel Property), David White (Supported Sam Cox), Wayne Bye (Corrections Queensland), and his wife – Meeghan Gibney. https://event.elections.qld.gov.au/Candidate/CandidateDetail?EventID=643&EventType=8&ContestID=0&BoundaryID=0&LGAID=128&ID=51092
What, no Max Tomlinson? Don’t worry, he’ll be lurking, urging for an advisor’s spot of The Kippetr gets up. Then we’ll really be fucked all over again.
Max has to keep his powder clean, the council advisor role is in his sights
With the Ingham mafia so far we’ve got Crisafulli, Dametto, Malachino and Wayde Chiesia. Is there anyone else we should know about who might be on the reserve bench?
The mafia gets things done
That’s just stupid.
C,
You use the words “Ingham mafia.”
Do you use those words with the full meaning they have for North Queensland communities from Mackay to Innisfail, or is it a throw away line made in ignorance.
Years ago I met a lady at a regular arts rehearsal. We got talking about childhood. She mentioned that for her and her siblings there were things never to be talked about. This was confusing at the time. As she grew up she was aware that her parents had, as she put it, great sadness, again not understanding why. Only as a young adult, having left Innisfail did she realise her family was being extorted by the mafia.
Years later this ABC Investigation hits the airwaves confirming everything my friend had confided.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-27/the-black-hand-terror-cane-fields-far-north-queensland/102329810&ved=2ahUKEwjIjezc26CQAxU8jq8BHfHVDiQQFnoECCcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2wefn5SGzse0LDLHaU-j5t
So Clarabelle, that it is reasonable to assume the lingering fear, or power, of the mafia remains for these affected communities/families did you choose your words carefully and deliberately in these politically charged times, or did you make an innocent blunder through ignorance, no fault of your own?
Lol, Rumson lecturing like hes only recently heard of the Mafia in nth Queensland. Maaate…. itsa binaround foreva
Clarabelle is correct though, these blokes are the right demographic, so who else is going to pop up?
All this is a bit overblown, Ben made an interesting if somewhat overwrought, point but it falls to The Magpie, since he was the publisher of the comment, to explain that the word ‘mafia’ is now in everyday language as a catchall for any group that restricts access to its ranks and becomes a ‘closed shop’ to outsiders. The Masons have been called the Protestant mafia (catholics are now accepted), the ‘Pie has referred to th Walker street Mafia run by the Godmother Hill, and it is even used in a hunorous way cf Yes Minister where a local basket eaving. collective was referred o as the Raffia Mafia.
But what would be wrong would be to suggest that that mentioned grouping in Ingham is actually a real Mafia cell, prone to violence and extortion. That is not the case in Cow Bell’s comment, and The ‘Pie is sure it is not the case in fact.
Ahh.. Magpie, Ing-gah-num may not operate on the same level of extortion and violence that the Black Hand once weilded. But dont think for a minute that some families dont have a little more influence over others. Like how a certain families cane business operates.
Are you under the impression that the accurate picture you paint of ALL business enterprises everywhere deserves to be called a ‘mafia’ because of Ingham’s rich Italian heritage?
What about the biggest criminal enterprise of all in Australia called the Public Service Mafia?
No magpie. I’m not under the impression that all business enterprises everywhere should be classified as Mafia. However there are some that float a little closer to the definition than others.
And if you had a clue about the public service, you’d know that most public servants aren’t there to be corrupt. Sure there are dodgy ones, just like there are dodgy journalists. But the majority are trying to do a good job.
Like the Mafia, there are bosses (executives) and there are footsoldiers (the rest), the latter doing the bidding of the former … inadvertently incorrectly or otherwise. But much of the fault lies with those who frame the labyrinthian laws and LG regulations in the first place.
Ah yes, the politicians. I suspect that was the point of this entire thread
No offence intended, Ben. It’s an expression in common use, as Magpie suggests. These blokes just all happen to be of Italian extraction.
What have crows ever done to be described as a murder of crows?
Clarabelle,
I understand.
Early on in my adventures into folk music I was warned to know and understand the history and aspirations of the original owners of the tunes I wanted to play lest considerable offence may be caused.
Music is more than a simple tune. It inspires, and it can remind of past hurts.
Anyway, enough of this. Words, like music is best enjoyed with wine and nibbles, er, unless your fiddle player has had too much wine and nibbles.
All the global top heads of State are gathering in Egypt; just down the road from Gaza.
More than a bit like the movie London is Down!
(Via email)
Questions for mayoral candidates.
1. Can we please consider dismantling TEL and bringing it in its original concept back to Council?
2. Would Council make a better fist of enforcing the State Animal Act legislation (particularly dogs and cats) and be prepared to employ more people to make this a reality, as all over Australia, dogs and cats particularly are a huge problem.
3. Would you look closely at the number and size of grants Council hands out, and the events Council subsidises?
4. Would you do something about culling the over-supplied Middle Management situation in the Council’s public serpents’ workforce?
5. Would you be prepared to go back to basics ASAP, using lots of commonsense, with a view to re-establishing Townsville as the most influential and important city in northern Australia?
6. Would you consider bringing back some of the Advisory Committees (Seniors, Youth, and the like) made up of grass-roots, local community people? They were most successful, but deemed irrelevant and not needed once Jenny Hill became top dog.
I doubt Paul Jacob’s standing for Mayor will have much effect on Nick’s result. Paul is hardly ever seen in the hustings, and north of Rollingstone, he is barely known; he is far from favoured in the Rollingstone/Bluewater area where Nick is KING; no, Paul isn’t really a threat and it’d be only his ego that convinced him to do this – I doubt the Labor party would have had anything to do with it, knowing how popular Nick is in the Hinchinbrook electorate, where the Labor Party hasn’t even (so far) fielded a candidate, nor have they done so for several elections now.
Maybe some of you spruiking for Dametto need a reality check. He might be the big cheese up north, but further south, he’ll be judged by his public profile; which ain’t too pretty.
Gun enthusiast and chief proponent of Katter’s “Castle Law.”
We don’t need that kind of talk in Townsville.
This city has a massive youth social problem translating into criminal high jinks. Reserving the right to shoot the kid who creeps into your house to steal your luxury car is no solution.
For every voter who finds Slick Nick appealing, there may be ( should be) five who find him absolutely appalling.
Paul Jacob doesn’t have a polished presence up north? That may just be to his advantage. He asks sensible questions and votes independently in Council meetings. And he’s been publicly shafted by both Herr Hill and Greedy Greaney. Awesome references, there.
Still, battling the class wars, Cow Bell? And taking an ingenuous, simplistic stand – “Reserving the right to shoot the kid who creeps into your house to steal your luxury car is no solution.” Yeah, dem rich bastards and their luxury cars, mon, now they wanna shoot for just havin’ fun. Like yo say, lady, it’s all just a bit of hijinks.
You’re amazing Cow Bell, the way you can oscillate between intelligent, informed comment one moment, to low base callous fuckwittery like this, introducing an element of class into your argument to justify the shattering terror of home invasion and theft.
Cow Bell, stop and think … what about the tradie who has his rig with tools aboard taken to be later burnt out? Or the mother who needs to take her kids to school, or her elderly parent to hospital? The complete devastation and emotional fear and rage to victims. This is a debilitating criminal tsumami which helping kill this city, with residents helpless to defend themselves. Castle Law as proposed at the moment is an extreme solution that, in its present form, would cause more problems that it would solve. But there has to be some action to make defence of home, life and property more in favour of the law abiding, not in favour of these mindless, vicious little cunts. it is beneath you surely to use the word dismissive ‘hijinks’, a word one expect only be used in this context only by an utter disgusting fuckwit.
More than happy to be the utter disgusting fuckwit who joins the dots between Nick Dametto and Castle Law.
He resigns from the Katters, resigns from his seat in state parliament where he has twice championed this aberration; and rides into our town all shiny and new? Let’s put a badge on the new sheriff, and none of it ever happened.
At least he doesn’t regard our debilitating juvenile crime wave as just hi-jinx by the young ‘uns (insert indulgent chuckle here).
You’ve damaged your credibility greatly around here, Cow Bell, and you won’t even admit your error. One imagines there’s a secret agenda going on here, and you’re really pissed of with Dametto for some ignorant redneck remarks he made about DV, but you think you’ll get more mileage out of Castle Law. Possibly because you might be tempted to call domestic violence ‘just some hi-jinx’ by the blokes.
Besides, you ignore two factors as you decry Castle Law without offering some sort of no doubt mimsy alternative – at LG level, Dametto is out of the Castle Law game even if he talks it up, no position of influence or voice … AND many Townsville residents, one suspects way above 50%, agree that there should be an overhaul of citizens rights in their own homes, and in the absence of an acceptable version offered by the government, they will support any talk of a Castle Law.
Back to mooing at your selective clouds, Cow Bell.
What is it with you, Pie?
You accused me of having some secret agenda against McCabe when I said he mumbles in Council meetings. Now I’ve got some new secret agenda with Dametto? It’s all in your head.
Well, since you have decided to try to paint The ‘Pie into a dishonest corner, let me remind you that in private emails, you have raved against McCabe in no uncertain terms including the line ‘he could have settled with us long ago’ or similar, a line you refused to explain when asked, just saying it was not my concern. It clearly was my concern when you used that line in your private email attack on McCabe. You cannot live a double life, one of private email rants and a different one in comments, where you lie in an effort to disparage The Magpie.
Your Dametto comments speak for themselves.
It is not advised to try to be cute with The Magpie, Cow Bell.
Headknocks has been posting cryptic bullshit on his Facebook page. He is claiming that he will expose some big secretive information over the coming weeks. He is mentally deranged unit. With over 100 concussions and epilepsy, is it safe to say that this psychopath is in dire need of a mental health assessment? Should he be driving a car? Fool.
He is still looking for that corruption he talks about. Yet he signed millions in exit fees to 3 executives and with all the talk of the evidence he supposedly has, he is yet to show 1 bit.
When Hairy Pastel, Ma Graney and Phantom all get more votes than him, he might realize who is the biggest fool.
Blue Bells, the democratically removed Mayor co-signed the big exit payments because he wanted the then CEO, his highness Prince Ralston, gone so that he could get a mate into the CEO chair and other executive roles. That backfired on Twonames when he was put in the sin bin and had no input into the new CEO’s appointment (Joe McCabe). Twonames thinks he is smart, but in reality he is as dumb as dog shit and gets outplayed over and over again.
He has been trying ever since to sink McKool and just looks dumber everytime.
Just returned from two nights on Magnetic Island.
Having followed the Nest conversation about the Island I was curious about what I would find.
With the exception of the yet to be opened dunny at Picnic Bay, and the Sooning St bridge, that ain’t there, the place was pretty much the same as last visit about five years ago.
Public grounds maintainance is ok, like The Strand, Riverway and other major parks here.
The back roads are tired and neglected, much the same as many suburban back roads in the rest of the city, although formed guttering is frequently non existent on the Island.
Most of the tourists on Magnetic Island will have spent bugger all time in Townsville so they will take the Island as it is with, from my observations, most enjoying themselves.
I am mindful however this is the observations of a visitor, not a Magnetic Island resident. That said, island life has it’s own disadvantages to be willingly accepted by voluntary residents. Been to Norfolk Island anyone?
That Magnetic Island residents have the MIRRA is a good thing and all power to it for the betterment of the resident’s. I expect if every suburb had a RRA Townsville would be a better place.
Wife and I willingly spent a shed load of money and had an excellent time. We are now selling a grandchild to recover costs.
Thanks for visiting, Motorist.
All those backroads have just been substantially up-graded because they’re now the high traffic by-pass since the Sooning St bridge was destroyed. You should have seen the “before” version…
A gym friend of my wife who lives on M I believes that given the resurfacing of the detour, and the sense of urgency given to the Paluma road, the Sooning Street bridge will not be replaced in a long, long time, if ever, such is the sense of resignation.
Motorist,
Happy that you and your wife enjoyed your stay on the island.
As for your comments re bridge & back roads.
The Island has been a hive a activity re: road works over the past few months, which occurred in every bay on the island. This was due to disaster relief funding from State & Federal Govts, so you were experiencing the island at a good time. Did this not occur in suburbs of Townsville???
For the bridge, as part of the Crisafulli govt – ‘Build Back Better’ policy, the new bridge will also include a predestrian bridge on the same side as the state school, which makes sense, it will also be a two span bridge rather than a culvert.
Time frame for completion, depending on if the region experiences another big wet season, I would estimate is mid next year.
Some new residents, who have been here 5 minutes, expected the Army to be called in and erect a temporary bridge, as they did on the Bruce Highway north of here.
Long time locals will still have a whinge – but they are more adapted to wet seasons and where they live.
Further to the conversation if I may,
In conversation with a resort wear dress shop proprietor while my wife was in the fitting booth with numerous garments, it was pointed out to me that, like Norfolk Island, Magnetic Island has no juvenile crime to speak of. A good reason to emegrate overseas to Magnetic Island don’t you think?
Thats because only wealthy, retired or tourists can live/visit the island. The island is now unaffordable for us great unwashed. Even a ferry ticket is quite expensive.
That has more to do with geography than social ideology.
DN, you are probably correct. Some of the characters I saw, particularly at Horseshoe Bay, the ones with dirty feet, overgrown toenails, baggy arsed jeans and nicotine stained whiskers were doing a very good job of hiding their wealth. One was even pushing around a clapped out push-bike just for effect, I expect.
DN,
The price of visiting the island will increase if TEL and Zero Waste have their way. There is talk of a Tourism Tax and also a Visitors Waste Tax.
Next thing they will want people to pay for visa to be allowed to step foot on the island.
They seem to have forgotten – who the fuck is supposed to collect the tax on their behalf, how the money will be spent and who will be accountable?
More overpaid consultants, for these new beaut schemes, who don’t even live in area, they haven’t got a clue.
Just love the deeply demented way you make up stuff that isn’t going to happen, then get all in a lather because the mythical scheme hasn’t been thought through by the mythical bastards who apparently came up with it.
Cuppa, a Bex and good lie down, dearie.
Ducks
See Motorist’s perfect description below of grotty yachties.
Honestly Moggie there should be an “Miserable old coot that lives on the island” tax. You lot have been whinging about everything for as long as I can remember.
Hi Magpie,
Question of potential Mayor.
If elected, will you ask for the $100m in planned Federal funding for a concert hall to be returned from the Federal Government?
To date on the government contract register, 10+ contracts worth over $3.5m awarded, with not one advertised locally! Shows contempt for openness and suggests only favoured suppliers being awarded.
Maybe rumours of incompetence within are true.
Hopefully the new Mayor demands funds be returned and put to good use on true local projects.
Seems everyone … well, a lot of people … have got the role of mayor a little out of kilter. The person isn’t meant to be a dictator, but someone who sits warring factions down and arbitrates among councillor, TCC staff and with residents. The office doesn’t come with a magic wand, but does need to come with respect, intelligence, a quick strategic mind and an ability to persuade rather than bully, or try to rule by fiat, as Thompson made it clear he intended to do. All our mayor needs is leadership ability. Anyone fit the bill yet?
So we are looking for a politician right? But one who is not ‘political’? Good luck with that.
We’re looking for a person of decency and principle to be the city’s leader, an intelligent person whose respected leadership is sorely needed. Local government is a lot less complicated than the machinations at state and federal level, and only becomes so when ambition gets the better of people. So good luck to us with that.
Magpie, Ben Rumson’s comment which follows below, raises an exceptional challenge for any mayor, city or country: how to coerce state and federal governments into supporting an aspirational project that has come and gone before for all sorts of political and other reasons. A concert hall is not ‘roads, rates and rubbish’ (or whatever today’s slogan is). Lining up local government arts ducks, just like sports (stadium) and tourism (ferris wheel) ducks, requires deft political footwork and often undercover shenanigans. In other words it takes something else besides ‘decency’, ‘principle’ and ‘intelligence’. If none of the mayoral candidates appears to have what it takes then we’ll have to take what we get and suck it up. Bummer eh?
Last qualified bloke who tried that appointment just before he enabled it said to his close and trusted best mate “Et Tu Bruta”.
QUESTION FOR MAYROL CANDIDATES
The sporting fans have their Total Tools stadium, used 11 or 12 times a year. Piss poor value for money.
The civic theatre is used just about every day and most nights as would the Townsville Performing Arts Centre (TPAC) if ever realised.
The question:
Will you work with the State and Federal Governments to deliver the TPAC within five years?
tpac.net.au
https://tpac.net.au
TPAC Townsville Performing Arts Centre – TPAC
Stuff the concert hall, only used by a small percentage of the city’s population.
Use the $100m on higher priorities such as fixing our roads, the sewerage problems at Wulguru, the Cross Street traffic problems plus numerous other problems which the majority of the city’s residents will agree are of higher priorities.
Classic and incorrect misread of the situation.The ‘Pie will bet if you add up the bums on seats (BOS)at the various arts events around town that go 7 days a week, with the number of BOS at the Total Tools stadium, it would be. a brave political aspirant who would adopt your ‘stuff the concert hall’ call. And you incorrectly paint an either/or situation, a concert hall at the expense of rates, roads and rubbish. Which a deeply ignorant suggestion.
Just fucking silly, lift your game.
Magpie, what’s got up your nose today. Cranky cranky.
Today? What’s so special about today?
Critical is a Ratepayer ,he is concerned with where his money goes. Believe it or not having a functional sewer system is more important than vanity projects.
What vanity project?
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/Master/They/Them (pick one) Critical,
I did not mention anything about a concert hall. That idea came from the performing arts desert that is the Mullet. A flawed concept from the start as articulated by the entire Townsville performing arts community.
I was refering to the Townsville Performing Arts Centre plan. It is clear to me that you are not familiar with it so I will pause here while you inform your self by using the link in my original comment…………..
………..time passes……….?.
…..more time passes…………….
And your back, good……… So you see the TPAC is a multi venue complex with, yes, a concert hall, and a theatre and other facilities most, but not all of which, can operate concurrently, and all on one level. More functional than the Brisbane Performing Arts Centre. How about that! It can also function as a convention centre. But wait, there is more. The transport plan/car parking, by day and night has been fully developed too.
So now MMMMMTT (pick one) Critical, what do you think of that? Pretty damn good hey!
Sincerely,
Mr. Benjamin Rumson
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-15/qld-fluoride-water-tooth-decay-study-rates-plummet/105888306?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web
To the Tinfoil Hat Flat Earth Sovereign Citizen rabble.
If you can read, read this, you muppets!
Right
No more money for non essential projects
Who decides what’s essential?
Guy, Shit I’m glad your are no longer on council. Don’t even think of running again. BTW, do you still have that property that you wanted to lease to council for a workshop. Conflict of interests come to mind at the time.
If any commenter wants to know about the movements of finance within the TCC, cash on hand, the debt etc, just open the Agenda for Wednesday’s Ordinary Meeting and go to Item 10. It’s all there.
Yeah, that’ll get the conspiracy theorists into overdrive.
Here’s the agenda. If you go to the TCC meeting site, you can click on the complete water park plan. That project is going to be interesting, and certainly worth a few questions.
Sure – if you want to hear lies
Council accounts are purely works of fiction
I actually agree with Guy on his comment. Council does a lot of shifty things when it comes to displaying a true picture of its finances, however all 3 levels of government do the same thing. Creative accounting isn’t a new practise in local government especially when two-thirds of Queenslands councils are in the shit financially with massive debts. Only an external audit by a reputable accounting firm followed by transparency from said council that shows us the final report, can be trusted.
Perhaps that is a question to add to Magpie’s list of questions; will council undertake an in-depth audit, utilising a third party to do it, and then show the ratepayer the final report?
The Catch-22 of that is that any audit would require a mob like chiselers KPMG, and would cost in the hundreds of thousands. Council knows that the public knows this, so its a non-starter.
Naughty Nick officially resigned his role this morning. Hinchinbrook is up for grabs. Perhaps Twonames will considerate that as an option if he doesn’t become Townsville mayor again?
Episode 2 of the Muppet show
The real cost is adding up.
Now that Necked Damental has resigned, you can add that to the total cost that 2 names has incurred on the ratepayers/taxpayers either directly or indirectly. Between Bi-elections, legal fees, suspension pay, payouts to executives and now a Bi-Election in Hinchinbrook it will be millions with more to come. If the taxpayer/ratepayer comes out under $3 million, we have done well, and we can trial a Mayor/State member for 2 years before we do it all again.
On a different note, in an ironic sledge, Actor Ma Greaney hacked on Necked Damental saying he did nothing during his time. Whilst MIRRA would be questioning Ma Greaneys choice of words a truck crashed into the water on Nelly Bay. Looks like it was a Food Truck and the brakes failed.
I think you’ll find that it is a by election rather than a bi election. There’s no pooftas in Hinchinbrook, just ask Bob.
She raises a good point. What did Neckbeard Dametto do during his time as a state member?
Just for you Nutty Ducks, it hasn’t all been dancing with Nazi’s and upsetting Greens.
Millions of dollars of road infrastructure throughout the district including Federal and State.
Millions of dollars in school infrastructure – air conditioning, safety fences etc.
Resolutions for Port Hinchinbrook including a sewerage treatment plant with investment from Federal, State and local government support.
Saved Lucinda service jetty.
Improved Dungeness wash bay and car park
Lighting for the Suns AFL team in Northern beaches.
Fought for commercial and recreational fishing industry and shooters.
Fought for the Ethanol and sugar industry.
Worked with many groups from Mayors, SES and others for flood affected areas.
First floated the removal of detention as a last resort with youth crime and called for adult crime, adult time which was later adopted by the LNP. Also pushed for relocation sentencing which is being adopted in a similar method and is out for consultation for circuit breaker sentencing.
Sponsored Castle Law petition which is the largest parliamentary petition in Qld history.
Delivered funding for the cleanup of Cape Richard resort on Hinchinbrook Island and development of Thornsburn trail.
Above all, he was able to negotiate with relevant departments and Governments at every level for best outcomes for his people. In his spare time he attended most events in his electorate.
What has the Actor Mayor done?
You offer a good excuse for The ‘Pie to offer a parable in support of your reasonable observation that all the good things that Damnetto has achideved.
It is the story of the craftsman known as the best window fitter in the entire region. He is driving around the area with his son and says’ You see all the beautiful windows, the big bay ones, the dormer windows, all those French doors leading to the pools of the rich, they are all my work, my son. My work is known to be the best in all the state, if not the whole country. So am I called Giuseppe, the unequalled master window maker? No, no one considers the thousands of finely crafted windows which I have created. to deserve to be called Giuseppe the window master. No. But if you fuck one little pig ….’
The good things are so often overlooked in political campaigns.
Question for the aspiring mayoral candidates.: Are you prepared to get back to basics helping to improve the morale of the city’s residents. One way to do this is by cleaning up this scruffy place.
Get rid of weeds growing on traffic islands and gutters;
Clean up the parks and get the irrigation working again;
Encourage businesses to tidy around their buildings, such getting rid of long, dead weeds;
Repaint dirty road islands surrounds; and
Engage and cooperate with TMR in removing rubbish on city approaches and the Ring Road.
Such works should also include back streets where vacant lots are overgrown.
Again, cooperate with TMR to sensibly coordinate the traffic light system with a view to moving traffic smoothly, rather than controlling it by stopping it.
It should be a pleasure to move around the city so if it could be improved, a sense of pride will be returned.
Other regional cities with lower rates can do it. So should Townsville.
What’s wrong with the traffic light system Jeff? It cant always be green lights mate.
“cooperate with TMR to sensibly coordinate the traffic light system with a view to moving traffic smoothly, rather than controlling it by stopping it.”
DN, I was referring to the way TMR believe controlling traffic is not allowing it to flow smoothly on major arteries. They have it firmly fixed that “control” means stopping it at every block. If you get through one without having to stop, it’s worth buying a lottery ticket while your luck’s on a roll.
Most other cities program their lights to promote smooth movement in the direction of the majority of traffic at specific times of the day.
But, thank you for the tacit support for the rest of my suggested questions.
This is just confirmation bias from Jeff. Not surprising coming from him.
Jeff maybe it’s your timing that’s bad. Not to mention your understanding of network traffic flow.
Everyone should consider voting for Harry Patel for mayor — he seems to be the only genuinely honest candidates.
But it would be a time waster … Harry is to be admired for his honestly held views, but they are somewhat naive and one suspects when Harry met the overwhelming personal change required when appointed mayor – and the public glare – he would go the same as Chris ‘Pineapple’ Hooper down in Rockhampton and be forced out. Which would mean ….
Great to see the Dametto and Greaney at it, and Harry is entering again, how many donkey votes will he get this time, 10,000 last hit out… Reading all the comments we have Kippin, failed at TEL, failed at Westgate, and Oasis lost funding from feds, so what is his financial management capacity? because every one keeps talking him up. Anyone?
In the case of The Kipper, when he was turfed out of TEL in 2014, the Bulletin reported Some of the city’s most prominent businesspeople have pushed for new leadership at Townsville Enterprise Ltd (TEL) with accusations the organisation had underperformed during the local economy’s recent slump.
The ‘Pie wonders if any of those prominent businessmen are among those now supporting him, and if so, exactly what has he done to changhe their mind … except sweet talking them, a David Kippin speciality. Walking the walk is apparently beyond him.
Being or aspiring to be a “prominent businessperson” is hardly a selection criterion for a mayoral nominator. As a species they are asking someone to do something they aren’t prepared to do themselves. Furthermore, look at their voting patterns. Last time around, most, or even all of them, voted for Hill or Thompson – if they bothered to vote at all. They are no better at picking a mayor than the average punter.
Groundhog Day. Here we are in 2025 and we have been stuck with Gill the dill as TEL chair for almost 10 years and Claudia Bumme as CEO for the past 5 years. No chair or CEO should serve longer than 3 years. The impotent TEL may not be as palpable as during the Kippers era, but it’s not too far off. There should be a changing of the guard and a restructure immediately.
It’s a disappointing mounting gate, the Cup field thus far:
Dametto
Greaney
Jacobs
Kippin
Patel
Thompson
Nominations close tomorrow at noon, be interesting to see who else comes forward, at the moment it’s not looking great.
I have to ask, why do they locals love Dametto, he has done very little for us, underperformed in state parliament, though he’s probably the only one to make weight for the race, he’s built for a horse race. (pun intended). Surely, he is not the best we have, vote splitting and no preferences is how I see this happening.
In view of your partisan comments which raise the question why you are so against dametto, you might like to refute – with evidence please – Blue Bells comment.
Just read Blue Bells comment, did not read that before. My only concern with Dametto is I just can’t find the reason to believe him, I feel like its all words put into his mouth, I worry what will fall out if put on the spot, as I have seen him stutter his way through other areas previously. With regards to Castle law, I signed that, I do think the LNP will put there own spin on it so it concerns me how it will come out the other end, because it can be approved, and motions raised against it to change its intent. He’s still in front of the other candidates, my thoughts are Dametto 34%, Kippin 26%, Thompson 21%, Patel 9%, Jacob 6% and Greaney 4% on first past the post.
Dopn’t agree with your prediction, but not making book until the final field is announced. But whatever happens, we are – fuck it – heading for preferences.
Brewster’s prediction is food for thought, but leaves out a few variables. His voting percentages add up to exactly 100% but don’t include Informals which could be considerable. There’s also no consideration apparent for how many enrolled voters will not actually vote – will it be higher or lower than the 26% who did not vote last time? And finally, though he retains full anonymity, Brewster did not go the potentially most important credibility question – who will he vote for? Just one pick or will he go full preferential?
Bit boofheaded, Bob, to suggest that someone’s credibility is associated with for whom they vote. A very subjective bit of horsefeathers, wholly dependant on who YOU vote for.
The real test of credibility is if someone votes, or does not.
Yes well, Brewster is unlikely to vote for Dametto because he:
” . . . . can’t find the reason to believe him, I feel like its all words put into his mouth, I worry what will fall out if put on the spot, as I have seen him stutter his way through other areas previously.”
And he’s unlikely to vote for Greaney, Jacob or Patel because he’s got them down as losers. So that leaves Kippin or Thompson as Brewster’s first choice. I just thought I’d ask.
Mr Magpie,
After the election is over and we have a new Mayor, do the councillors have another ballot to select a new Deputy Mayor?
If Greaney wins, one supposes so, there always has to be a deputy, but otherwise, unless councillors decide to throw it open, probably not. A Greaney win also offers an unpalatable, second class situation for Townsville … a by election to fill her councillor spot on the council OR the government allows the TCC to operate one councillor down until the next election, further distancing residents and ratepayers from proper democratic representation. The latter is the likely outcome, given the CEO and Governments’ tender concerns for voter fatigue.
I think the main race will be between the frumpy Foodtrucks (that’s for you Butterflog) and Nick Demented. As mentioned, they are already trading blows so the entertainment will continue for another month. Foodtrucks will miss out on the Magnetic Island vote as she is toxic over there. She will also lose votes from Wulguru. The financially munted Twonames will fair poorly as much of Townsville have realised what a shonk he is. Hairy Pastel, nursing maestro, will only command a few votes. Nice guy but lacks the balls to steer council and make the hard decisions. Robbo in his 1970’s clothing will pick up a few votes but not enough to get him over the line. We still have a month to go so anything is possible. Fun times.
Mopsy you are clearNOT paying attention … Clr Robinson announced two day ago that he WILL NOT BE RUNNING.
We’re already one Councillor down in real terms, Pie. At this morning’s Council meeting it was Cr Batkovic who spoke on behalf of a resident in Picnic Bay . Had this resident already taken the problem to Greaney and been dudded, or just decided to by-pass her completely?
And it was Robbo who brought up the issue of the Picnic Bay Mall.
The whole time Greaney has been Division 3 representative, I can’t think of a single thing she has done to advocate for her constituents on Magnetic Island. So I agree, the Division 3 position might just as well be left vacant until the next election.
Yes, Greaney showed herself as inept and dishonest in that matter.
And as to Greaney’s suggestion she take Paul whateverhisname is across the water to a special MI meeting explain their refusal to make certain matters impact assessable which would let islanders have a say (instead leave as code assessable, in the sole hands of the TCC administrative mafia), well, full points for courage even if you are taking a bodyguard/fall guy. But although it goes against The Magpie’s usual modest demeanour, he will give both Greaney and Paul Needham who’s department waffled on incomprehensibly about this matter – you had both better take a quick course in plain speaking in public. The stumbling, mumbling effort today showed Needham’s department is captive to often incomprehensible buzz word LG shorthand for what things mean instead of plain language.
But we all know straight talk from those bent out of shape by LG puzzle talk will never give a straight answer.
And we can thank the powers of good sense that neither Batkovic or Robinson are running for mayor, they can concentrate on their sterling efforts to keep the bastards honest, including whatever bastard it is our melancholy duty to elect next month.
Magpie, sorry but you have the town planning in the TCC ‘green’ zones on Maggie Island arse about. All this time development proposals there have been impact assessable which means public notification and third party appeal rights. The changes sought under this council (potentially started years ago under a Hill council) and argued by Paul Needham in front of a timid, submissive and seemingly ill-informed chamber yesterday, seek to remove oversight from impact to code assessment – which specifically removes public consultation and any appeal rights. In fact Needham pointed out that an upcoming development application for an ‘eco-tourism’ project in say, Radical Bay or the ex-Defence land on Bremner Point, could see all public engagement sidelined and a DA heard and decided entirely internally within council via ‘code’ assessment. The Deputy Premier (and Minister for State Development) Jarrod Bleijie stuck his nose in last July and ‘conditioned’ (ie. ordered) the council to make the necessary changes to make it happen – specifically and exclusively on Maggie Island. At the meeting, the councillors were either ignorant, or all-too-aware, of their impotence. Only one peep of resistance. They have actually sidelined the whole of Townsville in decision making about green zones on Maggie Island by a 9-1 vote.
And in case you hadn’t worked it out, the fact that no councillor has ever spoken in the chamber about this Maggie Island-specific change to the town planning rules (apart from a couple of, let’s face it, irrelevant side issues, thanks Crs Robinson & Dirou) suggests it might not have evolved from any councillor initiative at all. The supporting documents attached to the TCC meeting Agenda talk about “economic activation”, improving “development feasibility” and making it “easier and simpler to deliver the right development in the right location”. That’s bureaucrat talk, the kind of waffle you have identified on numerous occasions as coming from the depths of the delegation zone. None of the councillors, possibly apart from silent assassin A-M Greaney (conveniently representing Div3 which includes the Island) appears to have a clue about the origins of this feasibility improvement scheme. They don’t know what it is, who thought of it or why it is on their plate, but they’ve nearly all just waved it through, no questions asked. Perhaps there is a mayoral candidate who is prepared to make town planning an election issue?
AMG the smiling snake is unable to do what most functioning adults learnt by year 7, that is to use her words, listen , reflect and have two way conversation understanding that sometimes you don’t share opinions but you can still be respectful.
She epitomises the mean girl arrogant pack mentality – let’s back stab , complain to everyone and not have the guts to talk directly to people on on one face to face .
And there is the other big sticker – she is just not that bright , engaging or empathetic – candidates that could be helpful in a mayor in advocating for our region.
Clarabelle.. I missed most of the council meeting. What issue did Councillor Robinson raise about the Picnic Bay Mall?
Is it getting a makeover?
It was a curiously pedantic point: the Picnic Bay Mall hasn’t been included in the new planning Amendment as a pedestrian mall. He wanted it added to the document before it was passed by Council. Planning boss Paul Needham told him it could not be added, the Amendment had already been approved by the state government and could not be altered. Anyway, he said, the Picnic Bay mall was obviously a pedestrian mall.
(There is a resident next to Mama Roma who has permission to drive their car onto their property via the pedestrian mall as it is their only access. This is the resident who contacted Suzy. Apparently they regularly cop abuse from the public. Some additional signage was suggested, but it went nowhere. )
Duck Nuts,
Your the one who was having a whinge about the cost of a Ferry ticket, as a Public Servant you are being well paid.
But make no mistake out of town consultants have been well paid, regarding a Tourism Levy and Tourist Waste levy for Maggie. Have documentation, also voice recordings, TEL & TTC Environmental Department are behind this.
have you indeed, MM? Obtained legally? Wanna share?
Moggie I’m not a public servant.
Phew, thank Christ for that.
Questions for mayoral candidates: Given several media stories/statements – Phil Thompson: “Documents reveal major Haughton pipeline cost blowout” July ’24; ABC: Half TCC major projects significantly over budget Sept ’25 – indicating the cost of the Haughton Pipeline stage 2 has blown out from $195m to $420m, why does the council, in its latest Haughton Pipeline stage 2 project update, published on its website in August ’24, still refer to a previous cost estimation of $274m with no estimate provided on when this project will be completed?
How much will Haughton Pipeline stage 2 cost and how will it be funded?
I feel for Harry. His experience probably doesn’t quite align with the responsibilities of the Mayors office – although I did read read this morning he has worked in a secure mental facility – that could be considered an advantage when working with councillors.
After resigning as Member for Hinchinbrook yesterday, why did Dametto, a Katter Party representative, walk over to LNP Premier Crisafulli and give him a hug?
Strange days indeed, adding credence to claims that Dametto will be in Crisafulli’s pocket if he wins the mayoral election.
Meanwhile, Cr Greaney shot herself in the foot again in refusing to stand down from her role as Acting Mayor during the election campaign.
The Townsville City Council circus continues.
This is the grey area The ‘Pie has referred often in the case of Mayor Mullet, and more recently in Greaney case. Greaney is not required to stand down under the present circumstances, and will, no doubt continue to go the back door route of using what are ostensibly council issues and items of interest as photo ops and veiled ‘gee, I’m good’ campaigning references, opportunities not open to her opponents. Legal but deeply unethical, especially since she herself has done absolutely fuck all worthy of note. Disgraceful behaviour, no principles.
Judging by his performance in Council this morning I’d say Paul Jacob has an equal opportunity to differentiate himself from Greaney in the mayoral election campaign – if only he would present himself as actual leadership material. Jacob has an issue with the new amendments to the City Plan (he alone voted against it). Why not take up the cause and win over a willing portion of the electorate who otherwise have no place to go?
Pie, Same principals as Two names. The information he gained while being mayor was mostly confidential under the LG Act. Now he is happily tossing it out there as corruption and financial mismanagement.
And we won’t mention his hypocritical sign-off for The Prince’s million or so, or whatever it was, parting package .
If AMG was the Mayor, and was running for reelection she would not need to stand down.
Since she’s been the Acting Mayor since numbnuts was removed, it shouldn’t make a difference. Why should she step down? Theres no legal requirement. And there’s no ethical dilemma.
However if we are claiming that AMG has used the back door route of council issues as photo ops then we need to hold ol Neckbeard to the same standards. Who was campaigning while still a state representative and using his state government website for that.
Crisafulli has formerly chosen Wayde Chiesa as the LNP candidate for Hinchinbrook. Let the games commence and let’s watch for the response from the poof hating Katter’s. Beer and popcorn please.
One supposes it is not really relevant but are you suggesting Chiesa is gay? Unless something that is equally none of our business has happened in past couple of years, this revelation will come as one hell of a surprise to his partner Sam Pascoe current or former boss of the Townsville Fire (sorry not an area with which The Magpie remains current.)
The ‘Pie is of the view that Sam is an attractive female … if she isn’t, then he is a very ordinary looking bloke.
Christ really, trying to keep some of you commenters in line is like herding cats.
I lost the live stream of the council meeting today after the outdoor dining part, but after seeing Council Batkovivc speak up for those residents at Picnic Bay to ensure they weren’t going to be disadvantaged by the new policy shows she is a class act, and exactly the type of person you want in office!
She has told The ‘Pie she will NOT be running, family responsibilities (2 six year olds) take precedence.
The astonisher has announced “The CCC has revealed its probe into Troy Thompson is complete”
As predicted, just in time for the upcoming election.
And another commenter has just sent this email to Natalie Marr:
I learn from the ABC news that the CCC Investigation into the shonk Troy Thompson is complete. I assume it has been presented to the Local Government Minister, who has the power to release it to the voting public.
It is unthinkable that, after all this, Townsville is denied the facts, especially when Thompson is again a candidate. To keep the CCC investigation confidential aids T.Thompson to hide his past this time around, as he did the first time arround.
I look forward to learning from you which Government website the investigation report is to be published in full and when.
We don’t really need to have access to the report. Simply throw the challenge to Thompson to have the report released?
If he refuses then voters will surely suspect it contains negative info.
Of course if he agrees then we have all behaved disrespectfully toward him and he can crank up the defamation lawyers…………………. not holding my breath!
And the investigation process and subsequent report is if anything, proof of a democratic system. Surely Headknocks must appreciate that fact?
Only the CCC will release the report if it is a legal option. They are playing this one by the book to make charges stick.
If the Govt. releases the findings it would interfere with the pending court case.
I agree the voters should know the findings before the election, but I am not sure we will get that choice.
BB,
“make charges stick”
“pending court case”
How exciting. Be still my beating heart.
The CCC rules have not helped the matter, they have to allow 4 weeks for a response to the allegations, and then it will be a heavily redacted copy, assumed to be out after the election is finalised. Just saw Power100 gave him full chop at the radio too, so hes burning everything in his path, and isn’t gagged. The concern now is if they do remove him, or put it out in the middle of the response timeline, he has got them, this should have been dealt with, and now he’ll look like a friggin marter to the masses. In other news, theres now 7 candidates, and Harrys not there yet. Dametto, Jacob, Kippin, Gleenson, Poulsen, Thompson and Greaney. It really will be a horse race, I’m now backing Dametto in.
And just who pray tell is Gleedson. And Poulsen? Jill Poulsen, the editor of the Astonisher? Obviously your search abilities appear to be inferior to even The Magpie, sounds like crap to this old bird.
The 4 week window coincides with the show cause notice which was coincidentally 4 weeks ago.
Next step is charges to be laid and they will be made public, just in time for the election.
Maybe. There’s a tricky game going on here, none of which is good news for TwoNames.
I tend to agree. Even if charges are laid, it would be a problem with the validity of the election. This rubbish should have been sorted long ago. Thompson is not smart enough to make these moves, and it is not Lame advising him, at least anymore. He has representation in a firm called Guest Lawyers in Brisbane, that part was confirmed on one of the many anti head knocks pages. He also gets his legals paid for by the O&C insurance, for anything arising from his time in office, remembering the election date was March 16th, so from there until he stepped off. Even if he is charged, this will be long and drawn out, it no longer matters if he is voted in or not, this will play a part in council for a period of time, and the current attention during this by election has just added to that now.. FFS we need a proper minister of local government
While The ‘Pie has been saying the same about that useless minister, the old bird now reluctantly surrenders and now doesn’t give a toss what happens to Thompson, once a new mayor is installed (and it won’t be, him). If Crisafulli has to use taxpayer money for some protracted legal stoush, that’s on him and his electoral prospects which will have taken a considerable hit locally over this matter.
Has anyone looked into the background of this legal outfit? They obviously know an easy quid when they see it, but one wonders if they don’t other interesting connections.
Captain Democracy, Twonames Thompson was on the radio today claiming to have 100 whistleblowers to TCC corruption. You just can’t make this shit up! He is also calling on the public to come forward with information regarding corruption. If he is democratically elected again as Mayor he reckons he is going to do an audit of the past 20 years. Yeah, sure he will. Fucking fruitcake.
Oh, that’ll be good for the place … looking back and never forward.
It stands to reason that if the government have got something on the former Mayor, the CCC would release this information now to try and damage his reputation further.
I think everyone should move on from the CCC and focus on the future.
In my opinion I believe Dametto will be the new Mayor.
There was a very good point made elsewhere that if he damning information is released now, it could cause a complication or even compromise any court action because he is a political candidate.
Charges will be released publicly in due course. Then he knows he is screwed and the electorate will be informed.
Everyone knows he is screwed, but the people privy to the report knows why including 2 names and his legal team if he still has one, the minister, the CCC and the prosecution.
At least he will get his day in court like he wanted from the outset, but it will be short lived because of his budget.
he mightn’t need a budget … Legal Aid is always available.
I don’t believe Legal Aid will represent anyone in a matter of this type.
Look under your bed, Barfly, seems your lost sense of irony has rolled under there.
BB, the CCC cannot prefer charges, they can only say whether their is sufficient evidence to prefer charges that, without evidence to rebutt them would result in a conviction.
That means QPS have to go through the whole nauseating thing again and that includes interviewing Barry in whatever format he choose to manifest so that he understands the charges and has an opportunity to defend them.
The CCC report is not the end of the affair, nor is it the beginning of end. It is merely the end of the beginning. W.C.
I actually think Acting Mayor Greaney has done a brilliant job holding Townsville together. She’s professional, positive and finally giving us a break from all the negativity. I’d be proud to see her keep the top job. Imagine how much worse it’d be if we listened to a cranky old blogger instead of someone actually doing the work.
Or not doing the work as the case may be. Now remove your proboscis from the Greaney nether regions and have a look around you.
Laugh of the week!
Very entertaining post. Thanks for the piss-take, we needed a good laugh, especially when you look at the field of muppets who want to wear the royal furs of Mayorville.
Its true, she helped the 100 million extra debt through !
We are so lucky
Just watched Nic’s resignation speech…..gee….a hard watch thinking he might be our next mayor…..way too much its all about me.
You sound surprised.
He is a career politician, of course it’s all about him! These people only think about themselves and what they can get. Nick is no different to the rest.
“Mr Speaker, Mr Speaker, Mr Speaker…”
Dare I say it? He seems to have modelled himself on Peter Dutton. Why would ANYONE want to do that?
Clarabelle. Thanks for the heads up about the Picnic Bay Mall.
I don’t understand why it isn’t already included in the planning scheme. It was established in the eighties, a few years after the Flinders St Mall was established as you probably know.
I just checked the planning scheme and that mall in Stokes St is included.
I am confused!
9 choices for a new Mayor.
2 names
David Kippin
Ma Greaney
Christopher Poulsen
Phantom
Nicked Demental
Joanne Keune
Hairy Pastel
Sean Gleeson
Interestingly enough Keune and Phantom both have David Sydney Cassells as a nominator. Is that even legal?
Browsing through profiles of some of these candidates, there is one stand-out who is clearly the most qualified for the job in Walker Street … at least according to student Sean Gleeson’s Linked In bio.
Is this Gleeson related to the idiot Peter Gleeson? Be funny if he is related.
yeah, funny like an orphanage on fire.
More likely a descendant of Dan.
Not fuckin’ Joanne Keune again. Now there’s a strange one. Definitely not for my liking.
Well, since you’ve put up such a well argued, broadly backgrounded case against her, how could even think of voting for her? The ‘Pie thinks he will wait to hear what she has to say before deciding anything, but thanks for your invaluable help.
Cassells is a long time active red-ragger from way back, which obviously is consistent with Jacob’s…. I feel that a preference option will exist between these two…
That is if they can get How To Vote cards to the voters voting in the privacy of their own homes.
Every vote for Nick is a vote that Twonames and Foodtrucks won’t get. Townsvillians, vote for somebody (Nick) who will get this town rolling with State backing.
I am at a bit of a loss here.
There are some candidates who I know nothing about, and that is a worry.
There are some candidates who I have heard of, and that is more of a worry.
Many of us put our faith in Crisafulli at the last State election (actually it was a bit of a hobson’s choice really) so if Dametto has been anointed by Crisafulli I supose that is a bit of a recommendation. It would be good for Townsville to have a mayor that is on good terms with the State government, at least for a while.
Then again I could be wrong.
Another career highlight for Light-On Leighton on the Astonisher website today.
“A technical fault has impacted on Townsville’s power grid, plunging hundreds of suburban homes into darkness on Thursday morning.
“As of 12pm, Ergon’s outage finder had 968 customers without a power supply since 9.50am in Currajong, Pimlico, Hyde Park, and Gulliver.”
The sun didn’t rise this morning, apparently.
Sorry, don’t get your point.
I suspect CG is referring to the dramatic line “plunged into darkness” yeh right, at 09.50am?
an interesting meeting of the pccc and ccc this morning. 35mins of public info before going into private. outlined a range of things including a few interesting points of troys investigation which included 29 witness statements, 21 digital devices, 9 cloud data downloads, 6,800,000 electronic documents, over 8,700 what’s app messsages, over 2,480 pages medical records, over 300 media/social media videos
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-the-assembly/live-and-archived-broadcasts/search?t=Committee&nf=committee
The Bulletin were asked not to release details of the soldier killed at high range or at least let the family have some grieving time. But they are so desperate for attention and online views that 1 hour after the family were notified by police they published details.
1 hour!!
Townsville Bulletin, hang your head in shame!
Don’t see why. That’s the way these things work, informing the community of a matter about which they are entitled to know.
With photos from social media of the girlfriend who found out an hour before.
It’s predatory. Releasing the name is one thing. But using photos from social media and releasing her name as well is disgusting. The 2 journalists involved should be ashamed.
Releasing the name of the victims of these incidents is legitimately in the interest of the community – including families who need to be reassured that their soldiers are unharmed.
Yeah because it’s NEWS. Waiting until the family is informed is all that’s needed.
David Crisafulli has had to eat a shit sandwich over the revelation that his crime numbers that he presented to the public and the parliament, were incorrect. Quite an embarrassment to both himself and the QPS. Let’s just hope that his government gets the Troy Thompson situation correct.
Well I did warn people.
But Magpie has a long standing bromance with “The Kid”
Wait until the full costings on the Olympic stadium come out. Bleerkkie was crapping on about how they were “breaking ground” with a cringeworthy “Drill Baby Drill” speech. (Actual words used) But they haven’t broken ground at all. They are doing geotechnical assessments before they plan the foundations. That’s when you’ll find out the costs.
“But Magpie has a long standing bromance with “The Kid”?”
You haven’t been reading the Nest very closely of late have you, Nibbly Bits? You infer that The ‘Pie will ignore any real or perceived shortcomings of Crisafulli and his ministers. Which means you have missed things like the ‘Pie’s criticism of dropping the immobiliser trial, the all round failure of Crisafulli and his minister to better handle the Thompson affair, his failure to meet his grandiose boasts about lowering crime rates and failure to publish any proof that his ‘adult crime, adult time’ is having any of the claimed effects. And more currently, The ‘Pie’s questioning of his role in putting up Dametto as Brisbane’s man in Townsville.There have been other Magpie views made with an equally raised eyebrow, but we’ll let you have the pleasure of seeking them out with some back reading.
And to the inevitable whine that ‘gosh, I must’ve hit a nerve’, The ‘Pie will accept that coming from a regular and mostly sensible long-term commenter, The ‘Pie is unwilling to let go unchallenged a snide slur on the integrity and professionalism of five decades of journalism. Sure, mistakes sometime (that’s the human, not avian, side coming out). Your confusion comes from the pride The ‘Pie is takes that 20 years ago he publicly predicted that Crisafulli would one day be premier and was pleased to be on friendly terms with him as he climbed through the ranks with a minimum of the usual bloodshed. But he knows as well as anyone else except you, once he’s got the footy, he’s open to legitimate tackling. (Not that he’d give a stuff, or even know, about what I have to say, which is fine, free(ish) country.)
But look at the old Magpie, going on like this, when all he meant to say was, Ducky, go fuck yourself.
That’s a lot of words to say “I had high expectations for Crisafulli, but he’s been disappointing”
Anyway, nice to be one of the more sensible commentors, although I do feel that might not be a hard category to get into.
Have a great day Magpie!
The ‘Pie will admit to that, why wouldn’t anyone want a talented friend to do well, but be disappointed when the game gets to the stage where some are going to be disappointed in order to please others. That’s not just politics, that’s life.
Dead right.
Adult Crime Adult Time, and yet no proof a single youth offender has been given the same time for the same crime – Lie
Crime numbers are 10.5%, backflipped, Crime figures are 6.5%. – Lie
As far as Thompson goes, Miles and Labor dropped the ball, then Crisafulli failed to act. Thompson will have his day in court, the complete stuff up in the local government will give him lots of points to argue, it’s been a mess. Whatever comes out will be smeared by the complete balls up of this government, he’ll get his time in court, albeit littered with government stuff ups.
You all got suckered in with the adult crime-adult time bullshit because the only thing that changed was maximum sentencing not minimum. The courts are doing their jobs by the book, and the legislators have tried to do a smoke and mirrors trick with the public.
Anyway, even if they were sentencing them to the full extent of the law, where are you going to house all these criminals Brewski? And who’s going to pay for it?
We don’t have prison room. Currently serious adult drug offenders are being given a slap on the wrist and a report to the police twice a week charges because the adult prisons are full.
And the youth prison is full to dollys wax with kids on a continuous in-out roundabout.
So now we have a requirement for more prisons. So who’s going to build them and just how much will they cost? Or do we just ship them all off to an island far far away?
As a life-long autodidact, The ‘Pie thought he’d pretty well covered the Australian slang area, but the education goes on, today with ‘dolly’s wax’. had never come across it, and initially wondered if it was some sort of weird typo.
But no, that nice Mr A. I Overview tells us:
“Dolly’s wax” is an Australian phrase that means being “full up to the limit,” typically referring to having eaten too much. The phrase comes from a time before modern dolls were common, when children’s dolls often had wax heads sewn onto cloth bodies. Therefore, “full up to dolly’s wax” means one has eaten so much that their stomach is full, extending to the height of the doll’s wax head.
Perhaps a bit of an age giveaway, Ducky, but thanks for adding to The ‘Pie’s lexicon.
More than happy to teach an old bird some new vernacular. Or old.
Interesting you should say that … The ‘Pie has been working privately on a side project collecting the uniquely humorous Aussie slang sayings that we are in danger of losing, many of which give a clue to our changing social history. This is something I’ve had in mind and have been collecting for more than 40 years. The idea came to me back in my Channel Ten days, when I heard my colleague and friend Ray Warren say during football commentary ‘That was closer than a scrape of boarding house butter’. While many will need that explained to them, it is vivid imagery of how many workers lived back just after WW11. There’s also many such sayings in the turf world ‘There’s only a tallyHo in it’ … a margin as thin as one of the popular roll-your-own cigarette papers. Also ‘ The leader into the straight is going faster than last week’s pay.’ That’s one that won’t need explaining to anybody, except maybe Clive and Gina.
The mayoral job is the most important job in Townsville and residents need to be thinking of it as such and we are the interview panel. As a panel member, one question I would like to ask of the candidates is to demonstrate (truthfully would be preferable) their experiences and ability in leading such a large organisation successfully to make change. What would they do to bring people together (such as Councillors and staff) along on a journey of change where outcomes for either community or business have been successful.
It’s all well and good to talk about transparency, accountability and political issues, however if the winning candidate is unable to influence a group of people to work together to achieve positive outcomes and change, are they the right person for the job? If they can’t demonstrate this, I wouldn’t be employing them in my business, would you?
Reasonable question that will be included in one form or another.
However, as it stands, the mayor is the not the most important job in Townsville, at this time, that would be the TCC CEO, and it vital that the mayor and the CEO build a mutually respectful relationship, based on the latter being the facilitator of and subservient to the wishes of the former which represent the collective wish of the councillors ergo the residents.
The’Pie will take your last paragraph as inter alia an anti-Thompson summary.
OMG. The Chief Planning and Development Officer is RIGHT!
We don’t have 1 Mall, not 2 Malls, but 3 Malls in the Townsville region.
The “GAZETTED” Stokes St Mall
The “GAZETTED” Picnic Bay Mall
and wait for it
The “GAZETTED” Flinders St Mall
Looks like Western Australian’s BUSSELTON PAUL will now have to make two TRIVIAL amendments to the “newsletter” section of the the “Townsville City Plan”
Well thats of course if the CEO or the Chief Legal Officer send him to training first, so he can familiarise himself with Qld legislation in particular section 58(3) of the Local Government Regulation.
Of interest – looks like the CCC are going to be kept busy. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-16/qld-containers-for-change-referred-to-ccc/105899540
Wikipedia has published a handy list of candidates:
Sean Gleeson Former detention centre worker
Troy Thompson Mayor of Townsville from 2024 until 2025
Harry Patel Candidate for mayor in 2012, 2016 and 2024
Nick Dametto Former member for Hinchinbrook
Chris Poulsen Former Queensland Nickel worker
Ann-Maree Greaney Acting mayor since 2024
Paul Jacob Councillor for Divison 1 since 2024
Joanne Keune Founder of SpeakEze Communication Coaching
David Kippin Former CEO of Townsville Enterprise
Can anyone find an official figure for the number of registered voters? At the last election the number was 130,000+ of which about 112,000 voted.
So many comments this week..must be a record in the nest? Scrolling quickly through I notice some mocking of some of the lesser known mayoral candidates. I find this unfair as several appear to truely care about Townsville and are seeking positive change. Gleeson in particular seems like a young man with a good work ethic and potentially valuable insight from his work in youth justice. Why belittle him because he previously worked in a restaurant ? So what? Many young people work these types of jobs…is the field only open to company directors and dick swinging old boys? At least Gleeson provides an honest acct of his work history. I think its great that a younger candidate has had the guts to step forward. Joanne Kuene also from what I know, is community minded and cares about this town. They may not prevail but fair play to them. I love how there are so many candidates and as such may have fluffed up certain plans ..maybe Thompson, Dametto & Crissafulli had banked on it being a three horse race again. If anything, Two Names has unintentionally inspired a field consisting of some genuine everyday citizens who have true concerns about the future of this place.
Your last line could be a recipe for a political disaster. Split votes, especially where preferential voting is not compulsory (The ‘Pie is right about that, isn’t he?) can lead to unpleasant and far from democratic outcomes.
Mr Gleeson, in a nutshell, is an unemployed ex-bouncer who does good works (we are told) with kids. That cv does not meet any of The ‘Pie’s criteria for a potentially good mayor.
Ms Keune is a doer of good deeds and a strong community figure in several fields, especially education and the arts, but her background lurking political affiliations won’t help her. The very fact that she has put herself forward in a race which she knows she has little hope of winning – and having the smarts to know the dangers of a split vote – does not speak well of her sincerity in wanting Townsville to do well out of the mayoral chaos.
And here is a frank endorsement of The Magpie’s loudly voiced fears before the mode of the election was decided. This is from the Astonisher story today.
That’s getting the forms out in good time, then getting them back before the deadline.
Sleep well on that, Townsville.
Magpie, why shouldn’t a candidate attempt to “split the vote”? If the leading contenders are say, Dametto, Greaney, Kippin and Thompson, each of whom has been condemned by you and many here, one way or another, as being unfit for the role of mayor, don’t we need a disruption? To shake us out of the mayoral chaos?
Only if it is by candidates with any ability to be mayor, which is equal to lets say COO of a major company, plus democratic ideals. One or two of these, well make that three or four, are joke nuisance candidates, which one doubts will get their deposits back. And if that resuklts in a haywire outcome again, it will not be funny. This isn’t a fucking sideshow, this is the main event in the main ring.
BTW, where have I condemned Dametto? Pointing out the likely backing and reasons he is running doesn’t amount to ‘condemning’, nor does it amount to ‘endorsing’? Any evidence for either attitude is about to unfold. And with the exception of Thompson, who doesn’t deserve one, all other candidates will be given a fair hearing.
Where have you condemned Dametto? This week’s headline for a start. You say he should be in big trouble for (actual, not alleged) “illegal campaigning”. Which places him in the dubious company of Thompson 1.0
BTW, where did you get the idea that “Mr Gleeson, in a nutshell, is an unemployed ex-bouncer”? Is that your idea of a fair hearing?
1. Fact and reasonable extension. The rules are the rules.
2. In The Astonisher bio. And your developmentally delayed command of English is hampering you again, Bob. reporting facts about someone is just that, a ‘fair hearing’ is letting a person say what they want about themselves with interruption or editing.
Trying to a deflective smartarse isn’t helpful at this time in our history.
Twonames has received all of his advertising pamphlets and starts his door knocking campaign this weekend. I wonder if the pamphlets contain information about his CCC investigation? Will he slide a copy of the Watchtower in with his pamphlets?
Let me be clear, a vote for Twonames is a vote for a sociopath who clearly isn’t fit for office. An obsessive compulsive scorned individual who is not only mentally unwell, he is as thick as two planks of wood. Let’s just hope that Townsville is now a wake up to this dodgy charlatan and Townsville sends him packing.
The ‘Pie will bet a penny to a pinch of shit that he takes a couple of large individuals with him on his door knock.
My sprinklers will be triggered if he attempts to cross my lawn, otherwise I will be and the dogs will be happy ????
Also, I am hearing from good sources that Thompson is very much short on campaign funds and he is scratching around looking for donations. That is meant to be a solid rumour. A not confirmed rumour is that he approached Clive Palmer, looking for donations.
The word on the street is that there is a unproven rumour going around that a ‘not confirmed rumour’ is an oxymoron.
Tautology.
Yes, also. Both words fit.
He has asked for donations, but I just saw him at Bunnings, doesn’t look like he’s lacking any coin. He was buying the full kit of makita gear including ladders etc, maybe he’s on the tools. Paid cash too, I was behind him in line at Fairfield, they had to get more change.
The Magpie has the disheartening feeling where going to get a lot more of this stuff, Thompson will get more ‘sightings’ than Lord Lucan.
repeating yourself, twice
Known as Baked Beab Syndrome.
They can’t both fit, they have contradictory meanings.
“A not confirmed rumour” is an oxymoron because it places two contradictory terms—”not confirmed” and “rumour”—together, as a rumour, by its very nature, is unconfirmed information. It is not a tautology, which is a statement that is true by definition and says the same thing twice (e.g., “It is what it is”).
“as a rumour, by its very nature, is unconfirmed information“
Yes, so it’s a tautology not an oxymoron.
Take it up with IA.
Hardly a rumour. Hes asking for donations on his fb page. Mustve blown all his ill-gotten gains at Bunnings, buying new trucks and copious quantities of Grecian 2000
Love that comment about Grecian 2000. Our democratically removed former mayor is definitely a user of such a product. TBH, he looks a bit like Chucky from Childs Play. A very creepy individual who would scare little children in a dark night.
While it may be a drop of 6% and not 10% of crime victims, it s still a drop in less than 12 months. I can’t recall a single time during the Palaszcuk/SMiles rabble’s regime that this ever occurred.
Perhaps some our contributors can advise when any member of current state govt promised during the 2024 election that all crime would be abolished in 12 months.
That’s eristic is the extreme, Jeff, very mischievous. You well know that no one of any party made any such claim, but Crisafulli played a percentage game guaranteeing to bring the rate down.
To er (istic) is human, to forgive is ‘DePien
What? You sodtimes sound like your downwind from a burning poppy field.
anyone who dared question puddleduck was instantly labelled rent a crowd
I was relying on the data published by QPS over a longitudinal timeline. I never imputed the rabble had ever claimed to achieving any success. As SMiles admitted, they never took it seriously.
The wailing, gnashing of teeth and rending of robes over the issue that crime hasn’t been totally abolished from QLD, instantly, was the issue I was criticising .
And yes (like you Mr ‘Pie) I admit to being eristic, otherwise we wouldn’t be here. So long as we can do it in good humour.
Dametto had a spread in the Bulletin today. Literally, his arms spread out embracing the background view of the Strand he is determined to resuscitate although it is yet to be pronounced dead. As one commentator pointed out: The Strand is just fine as it is, thanks.
Dametto said he had all the contacts in both state and federal government to get the money. For HIS pet project of upgrading our Strand that has nothing wrong with it.
However much Crisafulli wants his old mate as Mayor of Townsville, maybe the people just don’t need or want what these guys are selling?
Agree. Might as well promise a full rail network. It’ll never happen. The feds will laugh at him, and the state is going to be scrambling to pay for the Olympics.
Watch him sell hopes and dreams to the gullible.
One breath we are told council has no money, then they do. State has been giving them a leg up at every turn, it’s David’s home so you expect a lot would come this way, but is that masking the real issues? So many things to fix, housing, infrastructure, council itself, I wonder who can really lead us out of this mess, it’s been building for a very long time, so who can steer the ship, or is it just front facing photo opportunities to improve councils image?
I’m undecided on who I’ll vote for, Dametto has connections in state, so we will see funding, or is David setting him up to fail? A double trigger perhaps, Thompson, then Dametto.
Oh FFS can we give that sort of conspiracy bullshit a rest. There are more immediate issues to discuss, not wild-eyed fevered theories.
Not sure whether gullibility comes into it, Ducky.
Dametto will get votes from people who see him as the ultimate North Queensland beaut bloke.
Jet skis, guns, spear fishing. And close to a decade with the Katter party. But to other people, he’s a prize meathead.
Seems Dametto has cooker form and was previously a guest of the esteemed Mr Batty of the North Queensland Freedom Network.
https://youtu.be/odsiVjs3upg?si=3nqkA5jEF_GsjF5Q
Oh, dear.
Pie, you have got some hard and direct questions for this bloke. I hope you get some honest answers. Good luck.