That was the quote in the Bulletin after this week’s downpour caused a reoccurtence of the Wulguru shit storm, and weirdly suggests surprise. The embarrassing poonami tag has spread around the country but if Greaney isn’t a serious person, how many in Townsville are? There doesn’t seem to be any widespread outrage at this third world situation, which is further dragging down our city’s image. But the best response has come from a surprising source.
Are Maggie Islanders about to take to the streets over the Kelly street sludge dump? An ambiguous report from an angry community meeting during the week suggests they might.
More academic buffoonery, with one university telling law students they must humbly acknowledge indigenous welcome to country palaver, whether they agree with the issue or not – or they will fail the course.
And an informed analysis of Townsville Council finances shows why it is on the brink of insolvency. No joke, and just the facts.
Plus a few laughs along the way for some much needed light relief, as well as the grim humour of our regular Amerikan cartoon gallery.
The Nest keeps coming to you every week, and the costs keep coming to The Magpie. If you can assist by hitting the centre with a few bob to defray the on-going slug to Nest’s pocket, the donate button is at the end of the blog.
Has This Whole Town Become Desensitised To This On-Going Scandalous Walker Street Behaviour?
You’d have to think so, given that justified outrage about – yet again – the reflux of sewage during the week’s second round of serious rain sems to have been restricted to Wulguru and three other small areas in other suburbs. This is a strangely docile reaction because this goes well beyond the inexcusable wrongheaded priorities of this council, it is a major health risk to the whole community. In fact, the evidence is there that our whole sewerage system is at risk of failure. And imagine if there is just one death or serious illness that can be sheeted home to this inexcusable lapse in public health safety , the result will be a very messy, expensive and embarrassing court action – and not just possible civil action but actual criminal prosecution. And with it, all the attendant unwelcome publicity the city will get, to add to the already tattered reputation.
But the import was even lost on the Bulletin, which ignored what would be a certain front page anywhere else – they favoured yet another irrelevant ‘brave sick toddler’ story – but did let fly inside the paper.
They gave federal MP Phillip Thompson his head in a blistering exposure of incompetence and ineffective in action.
And in a surprising departure from its usual docility, the paper backed up the federal MP with a blistering takedown of the council, which closed with this:
A telling, eloquent indictment from an unexpected sector.
But it was the let-them-eat-cake reaction from our acting mayor that said volumes. Waking in her no doubt voile draped four-poster in unaffected South Townsville, Madam acting mayor was struck by curiosity.
WE? Fucking we, Ann-Maree? And fucking ‘Oh, gosh’? What planet are you on, madam?
If you and your council under your beloved mentor Mayor Mullet had thought of the issue as ‘we’ in past years, the answer might would have been “Gosh, no shit in Wulguru’.
The Question Of ‘What Now’ Is Sensibly Answered By The Most Unexpected Person
Clr Brady Ellis took the unusual step of using plain, straightforward language to tell us where things were going now - we’ll forgive his little bit of self-promotion. But The’Pie says unexpected because recently, Ellis had posted a stupefying fb post earlier this year, suggesting that Wulguru should stop whinging and install, at their own expense, outlet screens to stop any backwash. He wisely deleted the post before anyone – including The Magpie – could get it.
Looks like Brady has taken time off from being a fun dad to mature up a bit.
And A Big Magpie Shout Out To fb Site Everything Townsville
The ‘Pie has nothing but admiration for community site Everything Townsville. This widely embraced citizen-based platform proved to be an unmatchable go-to site during the recent downpour, with real time videos and photos being posted from across the entire city and beyond, warning people off certain spots and advising of prangs and other hold-ups. It was heartening to see the engagement with this site, and hearty congratulations to the moderators who ensured valuable information was passed along in the best time possible. All other sites palled in comparison. Give it a go. at https://www.facebook.com/groups/899656876764631/
You just have to promise not to be nasty, ream people out, or use naughty words … which isn probably why you don’t see The ‘Pie there much heh heh heh.
Foodtrucks Greaney Might Have To Call On Her Store Of Surprised Goshes When She Reads This Little Item
Seems the spirit of public disobedience has sudden appeal for some Maggie Island residents. The Magpie takes the following email received yesterday (Saturday) at face value … which means yeah – maybe.
Pie,
Magnetic Island is planning a civil disobedience campaign to prevent the Kelly St dredging dump in Nelly Bay.
On Friday, the founding group met to establish first principles for DAMIT: Direct Action Magnetic Island Team. It was attended not only by locals, but by long-term repeat visitors who’ve been expressing shock at the current state of the island. It’s to be based on principles non-violent intervention.
The general sentiment is that Townsville Council is not fit to govern the island and needs to be placed under Administration. With the state government refusing to act, the island’s fighting back. Sample comments: the dump’s the final straw. This council treats us all as idiots. The only positive thing is that it’s brought the residents together. We haven’t seen this much anger since the Bright Point days.
Yes, indeed, Malcolm, grandmothers intend to lie down in front of the trucks.
Hmmm, never a dull moment over on Yunbenun. Wonder if the local indigenous crowd will join in, doing their bit for reconciliation.
“Excuse me, officer, what’s that squishy stuff on those truck tyres?”
“Napping grannies”.
One Of Life’s Little Mysteries – Who Could This Reader Be Talking About?
Received this email during the week from a person whose information has always been spot on..
Hi, ‘Pie,
A bit of gossip about a mutual friend. I will give you a clue. He is a real estate agent, cyclist, lawyer, runs a bike parts website and is a photographer amongst other numerous talents. ????
Heard from a impeccable source that our friend was involved in an incident at Juliette’s, on the Strand a Thursday or two ago, which was witnessed by number of people, including a group of cyclists..
Our mutual friend was confronted by a bloke asking for his bike handlebars back, which he had loaned to said friend. The person who asked for the return of the bike handlebars knew that said friend had actually sold them online, as the owner had seen them on the website. This man kept demanding them back from our friend, who found all this a bit tiresome, so he pushed the demanding bloke into the garden bed near Juliette’s. There was a bit of a scuffle/fight which entertained the many witnesses to this business transaction. (Not sure if any complaints have been made to the police but the council have cameras down there, I believe. Will be interesting to see if goes any further.
Being cyclists, it was probably more of a bitch-slapping session. But it’s obvious ‘our mutual friend’ whoever that may be, has taken a lesson out of the Les Walker Negotiating Manual.
What Better Job For A Rabid MyPlace Supporter Than Real Estate.
Sort of follows a theme, doesn’t it?
Leaving Coles the other day, The ‘Pie had the distinct feeling that someone had their beady eye on him as he crossed the road …then The’Pie spotted this next to the crossing to the carpark.
The ‘Pie was so surprised, you could’ve knocked him down with a feather … or some stolen bicycle handlebars.
March 16, 2025 at 11:08 am (Edit)
If ever one pic was worth a thousand words. The photographic pecking order itself is interesting. And make no mistake, as all journalists and politicians know, placement in these pics is all important and is supposed to tell its own story.
How come Ms Bull-Shit gets to stand next to the premier when this was meant to be a mayor’s holiday break in the Big Smoke? It almost looked like Brumme-Smith elbowed Greaney out of the way. But the arrangement is also insulting to Townsville, when, for better or worse, the person who is our ELECTED representative is ‘demoted’ by an unelected grifting incompetent. Even the mayor of Charlie’s Trousers, the ELECTED Liz Schmidt is looking at the Premier’s back.
And that headline is a bit of a stretch … The ‘Pie counts just three mayors. Surely there’s more than that in the area described as north Queensland? Given recent events, you’d think Ingham and Ayr would also get a guernsey to rattle the begging bowl.
And an aside, did Foodtrucks take Alf Lacey aside and tell him off for not wearing a tie? ‘Who do you think you are Alf, Paul Jacob?”
How Close Is Townsville Council To Trading Insolvent?
It’s a question that’s been asked quite a bit lately, but The ‘Pie hasn’t been able to trust a lot of commentary, which was more axe grinding than analysis. But this week, there was an interesting and well informed exchange in comments that makes interesting – and believable – reading. But up to you as to what you make of it. From comments.
KP
March 20, 2025 at 9:48 pm (Edit)
Wednesday’s council meeting showed a few things; rate revenue brought the cash balance to $42.7M, though the QTC facility was $46M, so it’s a deficit. At the close of meeting the council said there was 80% rates revenue collect, which after the loans paid leaves about $135M and interest on the loan still to pay. With payroll costing council $88.5M for 6 months, it leaves $47M, with council spending $28M per month, we are insolvent! We cannot meet our outgoing commitments, it’s time for state to step in now.
Prince Rollmop
March 20, 2025 at 2:50 pm (Edit)
A few punters on the Nest comments hav been mentioning Councils debt and its loans from QTC. So why does QTC keep lending money to a council that should potentially be in administration?
I will tell you why. QTC is a loan shark. It’s happy to lend money under outrageous conditions, but is still cheaper than a bank. A bank wouldn’t go near a clusterfuck like TCC, hence the willing QTC loan shark stepping in. They know council will just keep paying interest for the next 40 years! Money for jam.
KP
March 20, 2025 at 9:36 pm (Edit)
There is 13 QTC loans in total, all with an average interest of 4.17%, the first loan is due to be paid out in 2027, the last in 2044, though it needs an extension of 20 years to 2064, as that’s how long it’ll take to pay down the Lansdown leases (40 years) for ROI, QTC loans are only for 20 years.
Add that to the recent disclosure that $174k was written off by TCC on NQ Spark, who’s director is no less than one Tony Mooney, he picks up $16,500 per annum on the board. The company also is in deficit $167k this financial year. Questions will need to be asked why council wrote of $174k, when the federal government is giving them $32M in grants. TCC also gave 50% of the company shares to the hospital, while fronting $300k. The ex directors Caligari and Riley were paid $37k and $104k respectively, not much has been completed… serious look at this needs to happen, now Joe McCabe on the board too.
Slow motion car crash, anybody.
Anybody Going To This Rot For A Rollicking Saturdee Arvo ?
Wonder if our suspended mayor will be there. Actually, wonder if anyone at all will be, all, after the council on Wednesday gave this drivel a kick in the cods and accurately labelled it tin foil nonsense.
Speaking Of Drivel And Nonsense …
Forget The Hokey Welcome To Country – Now It’s Whitey’s Turn –
It has long been apparent that Australian universities are populated by manipulative, socially disruptive staff and students, where learning and intelligent debate come a distant second to conforming to fashionable ideology. Free thought and speech, and any intelligent inquiry into issues, has been assigned to the academic garbage bin, and opinions reached through the traditional process died a slow brutal death long ago on most Australian campuses. Central to this process is the bullying tactic of compelled speech, expanded from the initial PC rules that morphed into the extremism of wokedom.
So cop this little pearler.
Macquarie University in Sydney has strayed further into totalitarian dystopia with it’s latest edict … to gain a pass in Macquarie’s Age And The Law course, students must write an ‘Acknowledgment Of Country’, welcoming the welcome ceremonies, so as to speak. Fail to do so sincerely enough in the eyes of the markers, and students will automatically fail, because this edict – totally unrelated to the course signed up for – will count for a whopping 30% of available marks. And 70% is a fail.
There is no question that some one might disagree with the idea, they are not allowed even to suggest a discussion, it is mandated group-think.
The requirement has been swiftly labelled indoctrination by many appalled academics and commentators, while the equally predictable defenders of the indefensible are offering their crowing support. But The Australian didn’t miss these grandstanders.
But the hubris of acadils and boofademics knows no bounds or back down mechanism, so as for the university itself, we were regaled with a typical weasely word slurry, as quoted in The Australian.
The fact that it should not be a requirement anywhere, in a university or elsewhere, seems to have escaped the attention of these pathetic social pariahs.
Welcome To A New Nest Section – The Magpie’s Daily Harumph!!
The Harumph!! Will feature items that, while perhaps trivial, are annoying to the casual reader, viewer or listener, and will let the perpetrators who should know better that they are not getting away with sloppy . Minor ignorance like this in an editorial in the Astonisher.
FYI, iditor, you HIT the panic BUTTON, but you MAN panic STATIONS. How the fuck can you hit a station, whatever that may happen to be? Mistakes are doubly annoying in editorials, because we’d like to think they are written by experienced writers.
And here’s one from Coles – just one of many harumph!! instances for The ‘Pie found in supermarket aisles.
The Magpie has covered all possible permutations, using the price of two bottles, using the 100 pill price as the metric and so on, and none make any sense. This week Coles was named one of the two most profitable supermarket chains in the world (Woolies is the other, natch). Given the maths here, maybe their books need to be checked again.
So if you too are fed up with crook maths, or the sloppy grammar and slipshod constructions in professional media, you can send in anything you spot to comments. The ‘Pie will include suitable ones in what will likely become his daily Harumph!! section. Please begin your finds with For The Harumph!! File.
Radio and TV cock-ups welcome … the subtitling on the ABC TV news is an hilarious minute by minute stab in the dark guesswork which is often worth a mention – recently, not once but at each mention, Nick Kyrios was ‘Nick Curious’. The ‘Pie knows it is no easy job to transcribe live a changeable news bulletin, and slip ups are bound to occur but understandable given current lagging technology. So, in the case of ABC News, let’s sympathise and laugh with them rather than at them.
Words We Don’t – But Should – Know
English is perhaps the biggest adopter of foreign words and phrases, to fill gaps where nuance is lacking in standard speech. The French gave us ‘agent provocateur’ for which there was and is no suitable English to convey the idea – provocative agent doesn’t quite cover the sneaky social aspect of the precise French meaning. Another well known import is juggernaut, a corrupted translation of the Hindi word for the massive wheeled festival wagon dedicated to the god Vishnu, so huge that it is rumoured some devotees let themselves be crushed under its wheels as their sacrifice to their god. In English it has come to mean a rolling, unstoppable force.
But there are some sorely needed additions our language needs which have been rejected, either because of the unavoidable necessity to spit while saying them, or because of the challenge of pronunciation. German is known for it’s jaw-breakers, so there are few adoptions from that lingo, most imports to do with the unpleasantness 80 years ago which so greatly exercised Basil Fawlty. But one sad German exclusion we so desperately need, whether it be globally – Donald Trump, Elon Musk- nationally – Pauline Hanson – generally – Jehovah Witness door knockers – or locally, -Troy Thompson – is backpfeifengesicht.
This in a single word expresses a desire too wordy for English … it means ‘a face that is begging to be slapped’.
Feel free to master pronunciation if it will help you to scream at the TV news (or Tom Gleeson on Hard Quiz when he pathetically tries to be funny).
But there is another little known word which already exists in English (American English anyway) which is sorely needed in this political day and age. It is a specific word which describes what everyone with half a brain already knows but finds hard to sensibly describe.
The word is kayfabe, invented by carnival folks in the US more than 100 years ago using a sort of ‘pig latin’ transposition of letters in the phrase, ‘be fake’. And talk about a narrow specific meaning … it means that pro-wrestling is not a real sport, but choreographed bullshit – and that everybody, participants and spectators, all know it but pretend they don’t. This beautiful, mutually agreed collusion of delusion is perfectly described by writer Michael Brick, in Harper’s:
Putting over a pro-wrestling persona is not easy. The task requires a thorough mastery of “kayfabe,” a carny-derived term for the extreme strain of method acting peculiar to the sport. American pro wrestlers treat kayfabe with a devotion that requires denying the obvious. It’s a head game. When you know you’re faking and the audience knows you’re faking and you know the audience knows you know you’re faking because the fact that pro wrestling is fake has been documented, verified, and repeated to the point of cliché.
But isn’t this the perfect word for polite people who refuse to say bullshit! or stronger to sum up politics in the modern era. Indeed, parliamentary speakers would have trouble banning it in debates, and it is easier and quicker to yell out ‘kayfabe’ instead of ‘the honourable member is being economical with the truth.’
Actually, come to think of it, ‘kayfabe’ would be handy in domestic situations … but perhaps unwise to use it in the bedroom.
A Sign For The Times In. Amerika
No business is exempt from damage from the Orange Oaf in the Oval Office, it seems. We start this week’s US gallery with a ‘nailed it’ truth from the New Yorker.
And Finally, The Understatement Of The Year Goes To My Beloved Rowes Bay Golf Club.
Ya reckin!?
………
A busy week, but a vote of sincere thanks to those citizen journalists who trusted The Magpie with information you won’t see anywhere else ..or at least not for some time. The donate button to help with Nest costs in below. See youse all next week.
Whoops, was so excited. Thanks, Bagwhan, suitably amended.
Disaster relief payments or as we know it, the state governments way of filtering funds to keep TCC afloat. $16,255M in payments this FY, with more to come. Maintenance, potholes, parks & gardens are all funded for the time being, taking pressure off councils financial position.
Sneaky sneaky TCC gilding the lily, polishing the turd. Trying to cover up operational expenses by using disaster monies. It seems that CEO McCabe is continuing on with the long line of financial coverups within TCC. They should just place this complete clusterfuck into administration. Ratepayers should be outraged at what the former team Hill have done. A fucking disgrace.
Having flown in and out of multiple countries recently, Australia is the only place where upon landing, the spiel is given for welcome to whichever tribal lands and respecting elders blah, blah, blah. No one cares!
2093 outstanding unfunded capital works projects from a June 2024 report, with a cost estimate of $1.45B. This list consists of every project pushed back by Jenny Hills Team over 12 years.
The projects are made up of sewerage, drainage, water, roads, and Maggie Island has $51M of these projects outstanding. Townsville is trading insolvent, no loan will catch this council up, it has $2B in debt and unmet commitments. If David Crisafulli does not step in and take control, he will have to answer to negligence, some projects date back to his time in office.
The legal team have exceeded their budget of $1.8M every year for 5 years. In tenders awarded, the many law firms who are being paid over the years, not in the budget, Gadens for Lansdown $589k, Clayton UTZ and Kings $784k specifically engaged to take on employees through HR, these amounts are not in the budget or disclosed, they are through insurance. Then there’s the missing Director Van ta Placidi, $480k per annum on paid leave.
Who the hell is Van ta (should that be da) Placidi? On leave to sing opera?
Van Ta Placidi, Director of Community, Environment, and Lifestyle, like all Directors (4) is on $480k base salary, has not been seen since late October. Peter Cannizarro, Director of Business ($480k) is leaving with a payout, he ran against Joe for the permanent CEO role, but pulled out when Joe announced he’d be running when the position was reopened. Van’s stand in, Melissa McKeown GM HSE ($290k) is a 17 year veteran, connect to Jenny, much like Matt Richardson, Director of Infrastructure ($480k).
TCC councillor salaries in the link below. It is well under the directors, general managers and the CEO salaries.
https://www.localgovernment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/97532/local-government-remuneration-commission-annual-report-2024.pdf
KP why is Melissa McKewan in this list? She’s a GM and has worked her way up to her position from a council officer. Unlike the others who have all been parachuted in.
I’ve known Mel for years, she’s a good egg, left leaning, but a good egg. After nearly 2 decades there, she can do a better job than Van has. I hope like many others, she forgets all the bad habits of the people in the executive office, and does things her way, it’ll be an improvement.
Perhaps you can help with a bit of Public Service metaphor translation, KP. The latest recruit to the Walker Street Follies rejoices in a totally baffling title that hints of ‘jobs for the gals’ placement rort. Or does an Executive Delivery position means she gets the takeaways for Matt Richardson and David Sewell when they can’t make it over to Ardo for lunch
What pray tell does Ms Wilkie’s work involve? We’re entitled to know since we are paying her. Anyone know how much? Five years at TEL is a courageous thing to put on your cv unless you are being parachuted in.
Wonder if any our gal is any relation to Dawson Wilke, former TCC city engineer under Mooney, and now head of the company handling the Haughton pipeline imbroglio. Anyway, no matter what, Ms Wilkie seems to stack up for the job, she’ll no doubt rack up a lot of visitors to her office, eager to get acquainted.
TEL, the gift that keeps on giving. Executive delivery is to coordinate all projects, departments and directors to the CEO, basically an extra set of hands for the workload, overpaid, under qualified, all for the bargain price of $160k. Related to the Wilkies, and to Reece the GM of Construction, Maintenance and Operation’s, he’s under Matt Richardson. With $171m FTE income for TCC per annum, we should be cutting not adding more to the top deck.
Mind you, NZ gives you a sanctimonious lecture about preserving their unique environment. Which is a bugger as I was intent on littering as many trout streams as I could find.
TCC are recruiting for the following positions;
General Manager Property, Fleet and Emergency Management.
General Manager People and Culture.
Director Business Services
I’m sure Twonames would have loved to have manipulated the system to get one or two of his cooker mates into those roles. Remember he was very upset that he couldn’t influence or manipulate the CEO appointment when Joe McCool was successful. I wonder if the successful candidates will be locals or if they will hire some externals like with Joe McCool? Either way, Twonames the sniper will be sitting behind his Facebook grassy knoll firing off potshots at the new employees, and of course the existing ones at TCC.
Anyway, fuck Twonames, he misses out on being an influence while he sits banished on the sideline. Read it and weep, Nimrod.
And just what the fuck is a general manager ‘people and culture’.
More left-over woke wankery, or is it a fancy rename of an existing and valid position?
Keep up Magpie
Woke now stands for
Whatever
Offends
Klansmen
Easily
Bet you stayed up all night trying for that.
No. I didn’t have to, I found it in the wild.
It would be HR .. but heaven forbid dont use that descriptor any longer
Used to be referred to as payroll clerks. Greatest con job since Austria convinced the world that Hitler was German and Beethoven was Austrian.
i’d fire them all if i had my way
Magpie, regarding the “friend” and the stolen handlebars issue, I believe the real issue is the stolen bike seats. These road pests love to ride around town minus their seats. I guess each to their own.
Sounds like they are a gay bike club.
Should. That not be “about whom you are are talking’? Hardly one for the Hurumph File, but still…
Indeed, you’re right, Grumps, noted that but at the time, thought it wasn’t worth harumphhing about and detracting from the basic truism.
Pie , thanks to KP and the other providers of Council financial advice reflecting exactly the extent of financial damage Team Hill did to this City and the cloud that hangs over the surviving 4 Team Hill Councillors and their reputations . Did they really ” i know nothing , nothing ” ? . Here is some payments. Townsville Council awarded contracts 2024-25 .November 2024 $2 mil North Rail Yards . November 2024 $6.6 mil Technology One ERP Solutions . December 2024 $6.6 mil Insight enterprises supply microsoft products . January 2025 $1,323 mil Townsville Enterprise major events acquisition . Council meeting last Wednesday was it only 80 % of rates were paid on time ? . Haven’t heard any Councillor acknowledge ” cost of living pressures ” .
Mike Douglas is surely one for ‘The Harumph!! File’: Even with the creative accounting at TCC they could not fund TEL to $1,323 million. Or just the random and casual use of a European numerical separating comma.
Ian M . Have you been following the Magpie nest . Council handed over events to TEL decided by Team Hill prior to Council election . As usual disclosure / transparency sketchy .
@Mike
Chris Watts, GM Finance stated 80% of rates revenue had been collected. 10% is usually late, it would indicate that has doubled, due to cost of living.
Council need to also provide information on the Northern Rail Yards, BM Webb got a sweetheart deal, $20M on no rates / water (30 years). With 2 high rise accommodations, 1 office tower and the museum / open spaces, Brad has got the deal of the year. TEL had the $20M request in the Brisbane trip last year, while the mayor sat on the benches outside. Mr Webb simply said he’d cover the $20M, more ratepayer revenue gone.
This is the same NRY project that the CEO put Nyree Bolton (City Growth GM) on, so in addition to her salary, she receives $25k more as a board director, and poses a conflict of interest on any decisions being made, as a full-time employee of council, it’s another poor decision, and costly one if a decision goes to court, a conflict is easy enough to prove.
This council, and all councils, should NOT be allowed to be developers. At least not in this speculative way.
What is it with Crisafulli and his inaction regarding the suspended mayor, and Townsville City Council finances?
At the very least he should be conducting an independent investigation of council finances and demanding an update on the Troy Thompson investigation.
You could be excused for thinking he’s mates with Greaney.
He’s not that dopey.
Thompson’s lawyers, Lewis Hunter and Adam Guest from Guest Lawyers have tied the CCC up, there is no outcome in the near future, pre-election information is likely to be dropped. The cost, $91k to date, Hunter has successfully overturned the OIA Complaints to date. His matter against TCC, Joe McCabe and David Sewell has progressed to the next stage, the cost for TCC to be represented by Clayton UTZ so far is $53k all on the C & O insurance of council, so watch for a spike in premiums.
The premier cannot step in, nor interfere with the ongoing investigation as Thompson has already submitted an unfair influence and interference by media and the state government matter, that’s why he was put on paid leave. The crown could not sack someone who has zero convictions, and no judicial outcomes.
There’s a way to go with this one, and the costs are going upwards. A junior in the office of Clayton UTZ believes it’ll be $150k plus before anything moves. It may be a case of paying out his term 3 years x $225-230k), a gag order on him, and recognition that he cannot reapply for local government again. Cheaper than the 2 recent directors and last CEO.
@KP
The information is great to see, it puts a good overview on the status of finances of council. There aren’t many who don’t think TCC should have an administrator appointed. As far as the mayor goes, I tend to agree, pay him out, and let’s all forget him for good, he did successfully remove the mullet, the only good to come out of the last 12 months. With the dysfunction of council evident, this period of post mullet has shown us all how poorly mullet ran the city and how much damage was actually done. Good riddance to the mullet and soon enough we will see a new election, until then we live in this period of cluster with the current bunch of incapable morons.
Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy as a rate payer to have contributed to his lovely new home https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/celebrity-photos/channel-7-star-jamie-duries-insane-10-year-house-reveal/news-story/e158c290686538f29c9455e077dd1784
The Finns have a wonderful word, Kalsarikannit, which translates as Pantsdrunk. It’s a form of drinking culture, originating in Finland, in which the drinker consumes alcoholic drinks at home dressed in very little clothing, usually underwear, with no intention of going out.
…and who among us can say that they have never done that?
Ripples, sounds like a lot of fun but who the hell even gets to put any underwear on if you’re staying home drinking ? My beloved was tired of having to stain spray the red wine of my shirts, prior to washing that we solved that problem by wearing nothing. Lovely and cool but the neighbours tend to get upset when we sit on the balcony. With winter coming I’ll be breaking out my sarong !
Jatz. Don’t sit on the white couch.
Ah Grumpy, you mean the white, striped……oh, OK
Dear Magpie you “ The ‘Pie hasn’t been able to trust a lot of commentary,” and then you take Janet Albrechtsen as a credible journalist. The recent findings of her ‘reporting’ on issues in the ACT clearly show her dodgy use of truth.
In the bullshitter page with the article about the Townsville shit show (what is happening to those households is utterly horrific and TCC should be taking all measures to assist), there is an article about a 200 year old rain tree falling over in Cathedral school. Rain tree or Samanea saman (Albizia saman) seems to be a native of south and Central America that has been naturalised to tropical Australia. If this is true, how can it be 200 years old?
How do you work out that The ‘Pie holds out Albrechtsen as a credible journalist? She is not a reporter, she is a commentator who writes opinion pieces, usually loitering over on the right wing. But that doesn’t negate everything she has to say, or, as you suggest, that she is habitually ‘dodgy with the truth’. There can be little argument that her view on this issue (which you have shyly declined to make comment) is absolutely correct. The ‘Pie even agreed with some things Hitler espoused – well only one, that dogs are good and should be cared for.
Re the tree, it is a question but have you checked out it arrived here, and that it was possibly introduced by currents, wind or via countries to our north? Interesting question, all the same.
Hitler shot his dog
Mercy killing. He wasan old softie.
Actually, no, he didn’t, Hitler poisoned his dog. This was because his officers had some poison for humans and we’re not sure if it was still active. This was when everyone was in the bunker and the Russians were coming for them. I urge you to see the movie “downfall” as it depicts this event very dramatically.
And also gave birth to literally hundreds of hilarious memes.
I had a look on Trove and think the rain tree was introduced by the Queensland Acclimatisation Society around 1870-80.
I remember reading something in one of the local histories that early cattle farmers planted them along the river as shelter for their cattle along with mango trees in the late 1800s. Not 200 years but a pretty good run.
Recycled M, I understand that back in the very early sixties TCC handed out a couple of mango tree seedlings to the locals so they could have some mangos down the track to eat or sell. The idea that selling them could help pay for their rates.
Most suburbs have plenty of houses that featured the mandatory two fully grown mango trees with decaying remnants of tree houses built by the local kids, somewhere up in the foliage along with the odd carpet snake.
Today one needs to plant a more lucrative green crop to try and pay TCC rates !
Opium poppies would do the trick.
On from French words in the English language here is Greg Champion’s French Song. There are some that may put on a smile.
https://youtu.be/inXQboupzWc?si=9Wy-1XaiuTRnPwkM
For the Harumph file, I’d like to submit how often media outlets lately rely on stories about things that might happen, or might be the case, by the overuse of the weasel word “could”. Media at the moment are clogged with articles like these that leave me no better informed after reading or watching them than I was before. The ABC in particular is lately awash in such articles, which I never click on, as they’re not factual, only conjectural, and often at the outer edge of plausibility.
Close relatives of stories like these are ones that reflect often ill-informed vox populi opinion polls, or that pose a tantalising question, without even pretending to answer it, such as a recent clickbait offering: “Is this a solution to the housing crisis?” I don’t know. Is it? How to even quantify – we won’t know for years, if ever.
To all such guilty parties, my heartfelt plea is, “just tell me what you know, and if you don’t know, shut the hell up!” Harumph!
Betteridge’s law of headlines: “Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no.”
Indeed. It can be argued that beyond editorials and opinion pieces, which are not facts, question marks have no place in news reporting beyond direct quotes. It is a modern affectation which should be restricted to opinion pieces and avian blogs.
The Wulguru sewerage issue is a local disgrace. Where is Councils accountability? TCC drive a ‘safety theme’ into its employees on a continual basis, yet neglect the community when it comes to the continues sewerage flooding every time we get heavy rain. Stop spending money on NQ Spark/Haughton/Landsdown and other unnecessary folly and spend some money fixing our non-compliant, health damaging sewerage system. TCC has forgotten its rates/rubbish/roads/water/sewerage responsibility and allowed a dangerous situation to remain unmitigated. Stick that on your fucking risk register!
So TCC has no money to fix the sewage, council must be held accountable as sewage comes from the source, its mains. It’s now a health concern and this must be taken over by the state government, c’mon DC time to do something, all your talk is just that, talk.
TCC and local governments across Queensland are falling apart, no doubt from the past years under labor, DC needs to walk the talk.
Beasly . KP could also possibly confirm . Council revenue (budget variance report ) $7.1 mil received by Council February 2025 flood disaster funding Feds / State . $16.2 mil ytd. Team Hill received Government $ to fix Riverway after floods a few years back but re allocated it to other projects . Thuringowa library re-allocation to Riverway then blew out by $5 mil .
Thank goodness we still have enough money to pay TEL $1m+ for events, PUFT $2m for markets, and $.5m for a bloody crockery display. It is all about the priotities people either we can fix shit coming up through the floor or we can have a hotdog on a china plate.
TCC just love taking on extra debt so perhaps they should approach QTC with cap in hand and borrow the money to fix the shitter system? Or just ask Phil Thompson for some federal money. Phil is a true north Queenslander and one who is known for getting things done.
Phil Thompson is not “known for getting things done”!
He’s certainly known for speaking out, expressing what the majority are thinking.
While I have been saying for a few months how bad the council finances are, I think they will delay insolvency. This delay comes about thanks to all this rain and the council will receive many millions of dollars in disaster relief funding to repair the damaged infrastructure.
I am interested to see how many of the outstanding projects in the capital works program make the list of damaged infrastructure.
The reason I say delay when it comes to insolvency is because the council will get the breathing space it needs from making reform and that puts any reform at risk. So council will just keep on doing the “we do this because we have always done it” approach.
With the high turnover of some of the highest paid public servants in town, says no one wants their fingerprints on what is going on in walker street.
Well, well, well, Les Walker is surprised and pleased to find out that using a mobile phone actually works.
Clr Robinson clearly did not try to emulate Messagebank himself, who hardly ever replied at all to messages left for him … his phone was never answered to unknown callers like constituents, who were never answered anyway.
But this post by Messagebank raises a frightening question. Unlike Aaron Harper, who has thankfully disappeared into the ether of post election sulks, Walker is starting a pointless presence like this elsewhere on social media.
Isn’t the old rule that when a politician gets booted, they withdraw from the public arena (usually to a cushy corporate sinecure)? And only post pointless crap like this if they hope to stay in the game?
There have been a few who have suggested Walker is making Walker Street noises. Up for another thrashing are we, brave boy?
As if we haven’t got enough featherbedded fuckwits as it is!!
Messagebank might be hoping that if TCC is put into administration, he may have a crack at the title, so to speak, and jag a Councillor role. Ex politicians usually seek other political jobs when they get punted, they don’t know anything else. Just like Troy Thompson, Messagebank is a nimrod.
Well, dunno about that, Mopsy, most defeated politicians certainly will take ‘jobs for the boys’ positions but not all that many run for any office again … once bitten and all that. cf Tony Mooney, who did the smart thing and was repaid for favours while in office with lucrative do-nothing positions in the corporate and public sector. Safer than picking up brown paper bags from the mailbox while in office.
Hello friends, I’m back!! Did you miss me? I’m really worried about sandbags and whether we have enough if it floods again. Obviously I won’t do the physical work as I’m unfit and usually a bit under the weather, but if you can volunteer your time during the next round of floods that would be great.
Cheerio, the brawler.
Walker trying to be relevant, he’d be better off in retirement. I think we all know why he’s trying to stay relevant, as a previous deputy mayor, he has tickets on himself this bloke. Les, do us all a favour, bugger off.
looks like messagebank is promoting the next plan B. install another problem child into the Mayoral position. my theory is labor must have created proxies that were undercover labor candidates. as i found out during the election robinson works in the same office as armstrong in TMR. maybe next election people will try a little bit harder in thinking about elections and how they vote (but i doubt it). theres a very good chance the “independents were labor party proxies.
get ready for 10 % rate rises to feather the bed of TCC management.
Guy, do you really think division 8 was a three-way Labor race between Jenny Hill Labor, Paul Jacob Labor and Andrew Robinson Labor?
Townsville Bulletin names Editor
Jill Poulsen has started as Editor of the Townsville Bulletin, taking over from Cas Garvey. Jill has held several senior roles across Queensland and the Northern Territory, including Deputy Editor of NT News, Editor of Sunday Territorian, and most recently, Chief-of-Staff for The Courier-Mail.
As reported in The Nest comments three weeks ago.
But there is a glimmer of hopoe thgere, the NT News is a cut above the usual News Ltd regional dross, concentrating on actual news and rarely runs stories about brave sick kiddies or best hairdresser space fillers.
And on that, bit surprising but heartening to see that the protection racket surrounding Foodtrucks Greaney has been dropped … not one but to two letters to the editor critical of our acting mayor. And a couple of recent mildly disparaging mentions in editorials. Maybe some real reporting on the way … but The ‘Pie wouldn’t like to be hanging by the left one waiting for that to happen.
From the Daily Harumph File.
The Bulletin is desperate for credibility yet they persist with this childish punny stupidity. This one is so tortured it’s embarrassing, which seems the result of a shouted contest of yuk yuk yukery in the newsroom. And what’s with the music reference to the Don McLean classic American Pie (no relation).
AND IT’S PEEL YOU FUCKING CHUCKLEHEADS.
Very unpunny. Harumph!!
Since when have they been “beloved”
I need to get out more.
I didn’t know anything about banana carts or that Townsville had them.
You heathen, MJ!! The Astonisher has decided that the banana carts are ‘beloved’ which is the first stage of their Vatican-like beatification process – at the next stage – maybe next week – they will become ‘iconic’ banana carts.
Sorry.
With all the poo issues out in Wulguru, soon we’ll have be ‘beloved shit carts’ !
Least no one will steal the wheels !
Jatz, you mean “Townsville’s Top Turds” send in your pics of the floaters in your yard.
“Peal” instead of “Peel” ?
And the paper also lives up to its reputation of ‘yesterday’s news tomorrow’. There are some instances of news value that cannot be debated … like young Australian F1 super star Oscar Piastri winning the Chinese Grand Prix, just screaming for top billing. The race finished just before 7pm Sunday, well within printing time, but there wasn’t a single mention in Monday’s Bulletin, let alone a possible back page splash.
Apparently today, 36 hours later, is good enough for this car-mad town … with a follow-up article that sorta missed the hard news of the win.
A classic yesterday’s news tomorrow.
Buy shares in Kleenex or any other “stress’ relievers” for Gen X. Oh! Oz wherefore art thou?
If it isn’t there, then invent it anyway, so long as you publish it on Faeces-book it will be written into law within a farts breath!
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/labor-takes-down-this-is-australia-medicare-tshirt-meme-on-racism-fears/news-story/f85d4c38da6769fd433bff0154b177a3
Gen X? How old are you, Methuselah? Or are you the actual Achilles?
Ask Helen! or “I am, who I am” maybe?
On the shit storm in Wulguru and a few other suburbs, I recall a few years ago when the same thing occurred, TCC went around blowing smoke into the sewage pipes. I thought at the time they were just blowing smoke up the residents’ arses. Seems like I was right.
the people in wulguru aren’t getting angry enough
keep putting your head down and staying silent once the rain goes away and soon enough shit will start coming into your homes again.
if you want change you’ve got to want it – stop voting for grinning morons you don’t know and maybe things will change
Harumph indeed, with these grade two spelling errors.
But there is a glimmer of hopoe thgere, …
Federal Budget being released today, and has been months in preparation. Anyone seriously advocating for their region started advocating 12 months ago.
Chamber of Commerce releases statement this morning on their priorities for the region. Fuck sakes. Get with it people.
Ducks nuts . As usual you have no idea . Townsville Industry groups have been meeting Federal Labor Senators / Ministers / MP,s for months and update members / followers on their social media including what was discussed and you even get to comment . Do you own a business or a member of any industry group ? . Statements in todays paper would have been due to a journalist requesting it . Facebook / Linkedin you can follow them at no cost .
Mike Douglas, with a business acumen such as yours one would expect better grammar. Tsk tsk
Nice Edit. Ducky#2 is on the money.
No money for Reef HQ and no Port Expansion? Those advocacy groups must’ve been effective Mike.
Mr. Pie, if you haven’t already, check out today’s Bulletin editorial.
It’s a doozy!
The first 60-word par…FFS, a 60-word paragraph…is a shambles and totally confusing.
The rest…?….well, judge for yourself! It is so bad that I’m lost for words.
But the real kicker is that we apparently have a new city in QLD… “Whitsunday.”
If this was written by the new editor, Jill Poulsen, there is no way the Bulletin is going to improve!
A dog’s dinner which is no more than the writer’s mumble to herself about unanswered questions.
Rumours are spreading that Townsville will host the new Olympic combat sport; mud, sludge and sewerage wresting at Magnetic Island and Wulguru. A shit hot decision which will really put Townsville on the map. All thanks needs to go to the Townsville City Council for their lack of work and thought that went into this decision. Bring on the shitshow.
Possibly a new sport also … Brave Swimming, where competitors compete in a pool of ‘Wulguru Water’ … only the brave will swim undeterred.
Medals for first, second and turd. (Eat ya hearts out, Bulletin punsters.)
They tried that in Paris but the water didn’t deter the swimmers.
Listening to our Premier deliver the Olympics plan and it sounds great. It’s spread wide and hopefully the regions will welcome what’s been planned for them. This committee seems to have covered all bases. There will be the obvious backlash from the few naysayers including the 70 or so anti Victoria Park Karens.
Well done to the kid, his government and the planning committee. Let the Games begin.
Hopefully this will put an end to all the “cancel the games” whining.
Has ever occurred to you, clothead, that the justified ‘whining’ by those who have some sense of social morality may have led to a rethink about venues?
No, didn’t think so.
I thought we didn’t want a new stadium? Are we now on board with a new stadium?
The choice of being on board or not being on board is entirely your decision. A new stadium is not. Apparently.
Nope, there were whole separate pressure campaigns about the venues that the cancel crybabies could have taken part in.
This is fucked magpie. Where’s the outrage?
Crisafulli has broken a(nother) major election promise. “No new stadium”
“If you’re asking me if I support a new stadium, the answer is no, and I’ve been clear about that,” he said.
Crisafulli, March 2024
“We’ve said we’re not embarking on new stadiums.” Crisafulli, October 2024
Crisafulli has shown he’s a cut above certain other politicians by admitting he has broken a promise made before all the circumstances and possibilities were clear in the then unfinished expert report just released. ‘I admit it, and I have to own that’ he said on ABC TV news last night. Not that he had much choice, but at least no bullshitting around.
Perhaps he was following economist Kenneth Galbraith’s famous answer when confronted with a similar change of mind.
“A sign of intellect is the ability to change your mind in the face of new facts. A mark of wisdom is refusing to let the fear of admitting you were wrong stop you from getting it right.”
Are you intelligent, Ducky.
The outrage should remain with Anna Palaszczuk’s galloping ego that the Games are taking place at all … they are a disgrace and an ‘let them eat cake’ finger to the population’s growing poverty, especially of Australia’s middle class. She knew when to get out, but was never going to admit her monstrous mistake.
Magpie, how many other promises has he broken? And how many more will he break? And will you still be making him out to be a good bloke then?
Let’s wait and see how this all plays out shall we, when all the tradies are syphoned off to build a new stadium.
Could you give us a few examples of other promises he has broken?
The ‘Pie thinks Crisafulli is a good bloke only in the light of the alternative. And you are more than a year behind The Magpie in your predictions about a tradie drought in regional Queensland, along with a regional infrastructure funding drought … that was foreseen in this blog just days after Palaszczuk’s winning of host city for Brisbane.
Don’t recall hearing much from you at all on this issue back then.
Here’s a couple
Broke promise of resigning if crime victim numbers increase
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-25/david-crisafulli-walks-back-crime-victim-number-election-promise/104517750
Broke promise to elevate shadow cabinet
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/01/david-crisafulli-lnp-cabinet-frontbench-election-promise
Broken promise Rail line to Maroochydore
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-26/sunshine-coast-olympics-election-promise-broken-rail-line/105092886
Broken promise sackings senior public servants despite originally committing to 5 year terms for senior public servants
https://www.couriermail.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=CMWEB_MRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.couriermail.com.au%2Fnews%2Fqueensland%2Fqld-politics%2Ftrio-of-top-public-servants-shown-the-door-under-david-crisafulli-government%2Fnews-story%2F63a7880d8aecdbd0bb29f1b0b9c25ca1&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-1-NOSCORE
Broken promise for dedicated local government minister
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/crisafulli-breaks-dedicated-local-government-minister-promise/news-story/f8a28a8de8987af6dd68fd27ef251432?amp
Everyone knew he’d break the promise before the election, the circumstances were clear even then.
The Vic Parkprotesters are fews in numberm, aren’t they? With quite a sprinkling of self-interest property owners?
Has the worm finally turned? Don’t count on it, but ….
There has definitely been a shift in the Bulletin’ policy of soft coverage of the council. Albeit that the paper has restricted its new policy of overt criticism of the council and the acting mayor Clr Greaney to the letters page, not so long ago, even critical texts to the editor were rare and on the tame side.
Not so today, with all three letters given prominence ripping into Walker Street one way or another.
Great seeing those letters being printed! . Here is the catch; had our local news outlets not been captured and had they instead been reporting openly, honestly, transparently, and in an unbiased manner over the past 10 years, our town might be a very different one today. But the fear of losing advertising revenue and being captured by team Hill for a decade has been detrimental to our town.
This afternoon in the waiting room of the Upper Ross Medical Centre accompaning the love of my life a proud first nations woman starts screaming, “call the police, call the police. ” as she runs behind the receptionist counter.
Bursting through the entrance door is another proud first nations woman yelling character assements to the other proud first nations woman behind the counter.
Second proud first nations woman charges behind the receptionist counter and commences to beat the shit out of the first proud first nations woman.
Unaccustomed to such carry on the love of my life said hope my blood pressure is not taken, it was, and high.
First proud first nations woman remained inside. Second proud first nations woman remained lurking out side the medical centre.
Seems to me that both proud first nations women could learn from Paddington Bear, “If we’re kind and polite the world will be right.”
Or perhaps it is a legitimate cultural practice with 50,000 years making it all ok.
Booth, what you describe is actually a ritual that is performed when fighting over a V.B. It dates back to a time where proud First Nations tribe people would fight over an animal carcass or some berries. What you witnessed is standard behaviour that has evolved over millions of years.
It wasn’t a ritual when my mob were around. I identify as a dinosaur and we are a peaceful species. Those First Nations mobs stuffed up my ancestors’ land when they arrived in their canoes. We never welcomed them to our country.
Every country needs a DOGE.
Centrex Limited (Administrators Appointed) received a $2 million government grant in October 2024. Meanwhile, another company I know of was given $150,000 and used part of it to throw an extravagant Christmas party.
While people in Australia are struggling and homelessness continues to rise, is this really how you want your hard-earned tax dollars spent? I’ve seen so much more that’s downright sickening. It’s one thing to give grants to companies to help them expand, but it’s another when those grants go to businesses with no viable future or to professional grant chasers. That’s the real problem.
Surely there is a mechanism of accountability for spending public grants?
Every country has departments that actually do the work that DOGE pretends to.
DOGE is incompetent at best and more likely actively malevolent and working against government efficiency.
Didn’t Campbell Newman try something like that and was howled down and condemned by the unions, especially the PSU?
I have never seen any government department run efficiently.
Yeah ‘efficent government’ is an oxymoron.
Plus you don’t necessarily want government to be efficient, you want it to be effective.
and good luck with that.
Our government appears to be a whole lot more effective than the US. Been added to any Signal chats discussing war plans lately?
Yes, Australia has the Australian National Audit Office. Anyone calling for a local DOGE just wants to randomly slash and burn programs they find personally or ideologically disagreeable.
Agree. DOGE is a colossal cluster fuck.
The ‘Pie begs to differ. You are meant to THINK that DOGE is a colossal clusterfuck, but it is exactly what the Orange Terrorist set out to do. It is just art of the clumsy jigsaw of dictatorial takeover that he and his junta have planned. DOGE is an off-shoot of the core attack on democracy, the dominance and then complete control of information, which then simply becomes propaganda fomenting further confusion and uncertainty. You shouldn’t think he brought Musk and the other tech bros on board because they’re nice blokes, or even savvy businessmen (who would run rings around this incompetent arsesole any day.) Communication, especially social communications, is the key in this megalomaniac’s schedme.
But that is where he is sure to come un done, and will be exposed as simply a U I for the real shot callers, said tech bros. Because they will control all forms of media communications, and with congress sidelined, they can do whatever is their whim … which will inevitably be more money, more power, and more control, a ruling junta.
If you think The ‘Pie has panicked himself off his rocker, that just means you haven’t been paying attention.
One of the few times I think you might be still sane
Every country has departments that actually do the work that DOGE pretends to.
DOGE is incompetent at best and more likely actively malevolent and working against government efficiency. Complete and utter BULLSHIT.
Below is a small example of what US taxpayer waste looks like:
1 Department of Health and Human Services
$46.27B saved
2 USAID
$41.83B saved
3 Department of State
$4.33B saved
4 Department of Education
$1.15B saved
5 Department of Agriculture
$957.50M saved
6 Housing and Urban Development
$466.15M saved
The lower case b stands for BILLIONS.
You can’t believe DOGE’s numbers, they’re constantly being corrected, or reversed as illegal, not to mention the penny wise pound foolish cuts that actively cost the government more (the IRS could lose $500b in revenue this year alone. The b stands for billion).
I thought the B stood for “bullshit figure”.
Prove that all of these “savings” are actual waste and not just ideological cuts. Until then your numbers are meaningless.
Regarding the poonami problems, according to the Townsville City Council website the Cleveland Bay sewage treatment plant, which services Pallarenda, Belgian Gardens, West End, City, Hyde Park, Railway Estate, Mysterton, South Townsville, Currajong, Gulliver, Pimlico, Vincent, Aitkenvale, Mundingburra, Douglas, Aitkenvale, Idalia, Stuart, and Oonoonba, was last upgraded in 2006:
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/12128/TCC_Wastewater-Treatment_Cleveland-Bay.pdf
Wonder how many new homes and apartments have been added since then.
Might be time for another upgrade.
Councils like shiny toys, things like new parks, pools, BBQ’s, crap like that. Stuff they can promote and make Councillors look like good corporate citizens. Hence they always throw money at such items. Things like water treatment/pipes, sewerage systems etc, they don’t have the sex appeal hence the stupid Council neglect these areas and don’t spend needed money on these essential services. No different to the Fed budget yesterday which handed down a $5.00 per week tax break to taxpayers. A light and fluffy announcement, but in reality one that is fucking useless and pointless.
Mr Stinky, I don’t know whether it is the practise now, but in years not hat far away council shut down sewage pump stations in extreme rain events to prevent flooding of the sewage treatment plants, hence the overflow in some suburbs.
Regarding revitalising the CBD, perhaps some serious consideration could be given to relocating the Townsville Museum in there. Might provide some added appeal to visitors and locals alike. Just sayin’…………….
Some years ago, The ‘Pie suggested exactly that, with the heritage building next to The Brewery an ideal site.
They’re not in good shape out where they are:
For a start, they’re almost hidden away and I just wonder how many Townsvillians even know they’re there; they have little money and have to rely on Council who has no money – Catch 22; they’ve been flooded every severe weather event for some years now and in this year’s events, they’ve been flooded several times in each episode.
They really need exposure, some financial assistance, and maybe to be made autonomous. I don’t really know, but it all deserves attention. And, no, I don’t work or volunteer there.
Dixie, There is a ready made site already for the museum to move to and that is the Criterion Hotel. It’s a blank canvas with plenty of room to store excess exhibits.
amalgamate them with the Museum of Tropical QLD or QMT as they are now known, would provide a good social history context. Add the Maritime Museum and you would have a one stop shop for history in Townsville.
Not amalgamated, abolish the Townsville Museum and Maritime Museums and give their collections to the QMT.
I had the joy of visiting the storage areas of the MTQ and it is already full of items they don’t show preferring to have cutsey displays (you should see all the amazing stuff from HMS Pandora which never geets to see the light of day). There is a place for an interpretive and education museum like MTQ but the Museum of Townsville and Maritime Museum have very different functions and need to stand alone.
No REEF HQ money, or Port expansion, or the $350 mil concert hall etc. With the Olympics build announcements and Townsville Councils mess and failure of acting Mayor Greaney to engage and build confidence, investors are increasingly looking elsewhere and overflying Townsville .
You can blame them .
Isn’t the Reef HQ money already allocated? I’m not convinced we need a concert hall either, or that the federal government should be paying for it.
Looks like the so-called advocacy done by TEL to get a greater share of budget money from the Feds has failed dismally. If ever you needed proof that Claudia and Gill should be shown the door, here it is. It’s time to restructure TEL, get rid of the legacy deadwood and hire some people who can actually be of benefit to our region. All Bumme-smith ever does is get consultants to write her reports which are then approved by Gill the dill. This duo are complete duds. We deserve better, we seriously do. How much fucking longer???
Ah Rollmop I thought the Chamber of Commerce was all over the advocacy. I mean us plebs don’t know shit about this high falutin stuff like advocacy. Just ask Mike
Proof positive that Claudia and the expensive Townsville Enterprise are a waste of space!
The sewerage system is overloaded and yet these blockhead councillors are happy to give money away in grants.
I would rather have repairs done to council assets than give it to a dance company or other sporting clubs.
You don’t give money away when you are spending more money than you earn.
Pretty simple.
And as for the olympics! I would rather have the money spent on better highways or hospitals.
Agree.
It’s a fucking joke, Queensland is littered with poor infrastructure (roads, hospitals, public housing) yet the Guvmint is going to spend billions on stadiums and other useless crap for 2 weeks of Olympic Games! Disgraceful is an understatement.
When the romans built their roads the next major planned maintenance to the road would be a CENTURY.
As it was explained to me the way we build roads is wrong and is built in a way to go into self destruct very quickly, requiring vast amounts of public money to “fix”. If you dug a trench either side of the road and filled it with concrete, it would stop the road splaying out,it woukd naturally contain and strengthen the structure of the road for a greater period of time. A CONCRETE base to a road is going to help a lot.
Instead of paying for an Olympics start laying thick CONCRETE and make WIDE roads. The main highway should be elevated out of potential flood waters. Don’t plant trees next to roads, the root system undermines the structure of the road.
Yup, them old I-ties knew how to build roads that withstood damage from them old road trains and millions of SUVs.
Probably still better to make roads using cheaply and easily-repairable asphalt.
Well hang on, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System? Australian Bureau of Statistics? Abdorminable muscles?) are you suggesting we adopt a ‘built-in obsolescence’ into our roadways? Mate, we’ve already got that. The question is why? Is it just the weather, or have we not looked as the situation with a view to greater resilience?
The asphalt deforms and cracks
The romans would dig down and use a layer of their version of geofabric to hold the road together. Motorways will use a thick layer of concrete, you could use asphalt as a cap but held in at the edges by concrete.
In my fantasy world the Bruce highway would be elevated by say 2m to be above flooding. Any small river would be crossed by a large concrete bridge at least 2 wide lanes each way. You’d slope the roadside away gradually in a camber so you can pull over anywhere. A fence at the bottom would keep kangaroos off the road , wildlife can cross anywhere under the large number of bridges.
Oh you’d use reflective paint. Australians have never seen reflective paint in this country, reflective paint means that normal headlights will light up the edges and middle of the road even in heavy rain – yes really.
Maybe you’d need to build a flood free motorway to , around and away from ingham ?
The key point to having a proper main highway is in times of crisis the main highway can remain open , thus preserving vital logistics.
The Bruce highway could be turned into one of the wonders of the modern world.
Its vital that thick and appropriate reinforced concrete is used. I like the idea of elevated highways because it gives the driver an unrivalled view of the surrounding area. Even a 2m elevation can give stunning views.
If the entire Bruce Highway is elevated why not build wildlife tunnels instead of bridges.
Did you think that one through, oh, aptly named?
A tunnel is easier to do than a doubly tall wildlife bridge.
Yeah those damned roaming giraffes.
Problem with cancellation of the games everyone else avoided, is that we will have to spend $Ms and $Ms more than VIC had to pay.
Thanks Anna.
It’s probably been said before, however, it was ironic that she took up with a proctologist; He knew an arsehole when he saw one.
“It’s a fucking joke, Queensland is littered with poor infrastructure (roads, hospitals, public housing”
How come you have never said a word about infrastructure during the 35 years of Labor governments. The LNP inherited the games mess created by Paddleduck and Miles.
The infrastructure that is built will have the ability to be repurposed after the games ya muppet.
Ok are you just a complete fuckwit? PR is hardly a Labor stooge and if you were a regular here you’d know it.
You have to ask, ABS?
Johnny Rotten is what they call an NPC, a Non Player Character. “Why didn’t you say anything during Labor” is one of his pre-programmed lines.
TCC is an embarrassment, from its mayor down, all of them with their noses in the trough. I agree in principal with the lost valour bloke, administration, administration, administration!
The shit show is embarrassing, and what is clear Jenny Hill and her followers were hiding massive debt and jobs on the books often pushed aside until we no longer could avoid them. Then we have clowns like pricey think the sun shines out he butt!
This council from Joe down must all go. @KP, your information is bang on with the rumours running rampant across this once beautiful place, we are broke, busted and need to be flushed, but like our sewage, it just continues to rise, again, and again and again.
Goodness gracious me, rain and rockslides in Townsville. What next! Looks like my trusty bicycle will remain parked up for a bit longer. Might be time to oil the chain and put a seat back on it!
Gosh
Looking at the photo, that is Webb drv in the Bohle. The headline to the story is Sturt drive underwater and Giru in firing line. Why wouldn’t you use a photo of the subject matter?. Just lazy
https://www.facebook.com/share/18iLarMZ6a/
Indeed, and spotted by many commenters who saw this on fb.
But bit unfair, how can you expect Bulletin staff to know this, when most of them don’t come from here, have no intention of staying here, have no interest in getting to know the town they are all for, and absolutely no interest in being here beyond looking for the big break to go south (or are busy writing Dad Joke puns for headlines.)
Like today’s torturous and tortuous toe-curling offerings.
And they still want us to take them seriously.
Pie, It proves our new iditor did time in Darwin.
Eh?
She did but not sure what you mean. Bit ambiguous. (Hope she can smarten this sorry wreck of a paper into something like the generally good NT News.)
But it’s not just the Astonisher, sadly, it’s a rare case of the ABC dropping a clanger.
It looks like TCC – and inadvertently the ABC – wants people to get the impression that Castle Hill has miraculously become covered in rainforest and supplied this picture to the ABC.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-27/outback-and-northern-queensland-rainfall-flooding-continues/105097186
Doesn’t look like Castle Hill to The ‘pie but … The big surprise is that the ABC used it … presumably, the ABC story was a compilation of reports put together down south, by people not familiar enough to spot the amazing geographical slip-up.
And whatever is going on nin Walker Street remains a matter of deep contemplation.
Maybe the pic is from up Paluma way. Besides, and seriously correct me if I’m wrong, but if that road is going down the hill, as it appears to be, there is no cliff face on the left hand side going down Castle Hill, and until Trump signs an executive order reversing it, cliffs don’t collapse upwards.
A closer look would have told you it was Markwell Drive. Webb Drive does not flood.
Great newspaper Mr. Pie…got my A-grade up there!
Rude shock from the Valuer-General in my in-box this morning. Land value on my 800sqm block in Hermit Park has increased by $90,000 in a year. TCC will be rubbing their hands together.
You poor thing, what an awful thing to happen to you.
Beaker , thanks for sharing . What % increase is your $90,000 increase 800 sq mtr block Hermit Park ? .
Mike – it’s a 54% jump.
Large burger – what don’t you understand? An increase in land values = an increase in rates, affecting owners and tenants
Beaker , thanks . 54 % when other areas in Townsville that are getting similar capital growth only 10% land value . Jenny Hill gaslighted us and her team hill councillors didnt challenge . Plenty of other regions in Queensland like Cairns and Sunshine Coast have experienced similar land value increases to Townsville but there % rates increases half of Townsvilles . Hope other commentators share their suburbs . Scott Stewart who was mineral resources Minister would never challenge the inconsistencies .
Aitkenvale and our land value went up $80k – 22% by my calculations. We are already well over $6500 a year for rates and charges, so this is going to hurt.
Johnny Rotten, you are the muppet mate. Look at what’s happened to previous Olympic infrastructures. Billions ripped out of economies in which money was already tight, only to have many of those new you beaute expensive Olympic structures left to rot on the ground that they were built on.
The negative social impact on top of the financial imposition of holding the games is incalculable. I stand by my word when I say it’s all a fucking joke.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/abandoned-olympic-venues-sites/
The obsessed and mentally deranged sidelined Mayor has today put up a poll on his Faecesbook page asking if people think TCC should be put into administration. Every day he posts something negative, destabilising, or destructive about Council. Somebody please get a mental health practitioner to help him. Why doesn’t this fickwit just do what the rest of us do when it rains or when we are bored – watch porn.
Yawn.
I work at Bunnings Fairfield, see him here all the time spending some of his ratepayer salary, reckon he’s spent $10,000 easily in multiple loads recently.
I will reluctantly give him some credit though, he is polite to staff and a few people stop to chat with him when he’s in store, everybody certainly knows him, bad and good. Perhaps he’s a qualified builder as well….
Whatever the Reno is, he’s moved on to the outdoors now, yesterday he was buying pavers and sand.
For a pedestal for the statue he expects will b built for him.
Perhaps Twonames buys a lot of prepper gear and he stores it in his underground bunker while waiting for the world to burn?
Property values up 18-29% in Townsville
Disaster management $16.5M (24 / 25 FY)
This alone will allow the rates to rise and provide TCC with the funding they require in the short term, while the Crisafulli government have time to remove the mayor, expect a July by election.
Candidates; Walker, Patel, Hawks, Greaney, Rehbein and Kopittke.
You missed one, should the federal election go Labor’s way up here.
And despite flinching at his name, he’d make a bloody good mayor.
Stewart or Molachino, though the later probably should not apply, he did very little with his time in office accept support Jen Jen. In my experience he’s up to his neck with Thompson, Walker and Hill for lies and corrupt behaviour. Don’t like him, the blokes slimy.
Gosh !
Thanks for your endorsement magpie
Info appreciated but on changing the deckchairs around with Mayors, can’t help thinking window dressing again. Just keep kicking that can down the road.
The underlying problems remain and it will become Chrisfulli’s mess the longer it goes on. I still haven’t changed my opinion on an administrator and a run through the books. The a start afresh.
As for a 30% rise in value, I got an appraisal on my house done the other day, I would finally break even for what I bought it for and the improvements I’ve made. I don’t have any finance so am in a good spot but given CPI my actual capital gain has been negligible.
…and Guy Reece?
Oh I’ll be around Kenny
Gee, can’t wait
The Libs are set for a great victory according to Peter Dutton who just compared himself in an interview on ABC to John Hubbard as a role model.
Hubbs, mate! you must be flattered even humbled by such an illustrious character elevation.
Christ, my old radio mate gets the recognition he deserves.
Hello ‘Pie,
Just got home from the civic theatre where the musical ‘Come From Away’ is starting it’s limited season. Bloody excellent in every regard. Strong performances, great music, very high energy, and very clever how the many issues were presented.
It is based on the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport. The characters in the musical are based on actual Gander residents and stranded travelers they housed and fed.
Do yourself a favour and see the show.
This town has more than its fair share of problems but the quality of the performing arts are second to none.
But don’t buy a glass of wine. $10 for about 200ml. TCC gouging the patrons.
Not sure if you noticed but the Bar and all catering at the Civic theatre is contracted out to Michels Catering and Events. So it’s an SME gouging the patrons not TCC.
Their food is also pretty ordinary.
That depends on how much the contract costs … it’s the same as the long-standing problem for catering companies at sporting venues everywhere.
True. But every event I’ve been at where Michel’s caters, even those where par
Trons pay per head, the food attempts to be a la cartè and ends up being all the crap, and the drinks are stupidly expensive.
ABC local radio news this morning, crime down in Townsville due to the presence of a visiting police taskforce.
That’s nice but it is not a long-term permanent solution. When the police return to their homes the snots return to visit our homes.
And on the subject of ‘adult time for adult crime’ has anyone heard of any snot being banged-up under this policy where the victims are listened to, and the media are present? I have not, at least not on the ABC news.
On that last point, it is passing strange that the government has had a ‘show trial’, an example of their policy at work. Haven’t seen anything taking vthat point of view anywhere in the media.
Well done Antony Albanese for calling the election on the 3rd of May! Does he not realise that is World Naked Gardening Day? The first Saturday in May every year.
Not celebrated down at the cactus nursery, I’m told.
What a bout nude bike riding day? I love riding my bike, naked. It’s exhilarating. You should all try it.
Already happens overseas. Even here in Oz, this is in Melbourne. But only Townsville do they do it without seats.
https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/woman-arrested-after-15year-cold-case-murder-of-tanya-lee-glover/news-story/de7a602dd91abcfbefb982211dc974c6
Unbelievable Mr. Pie…this woman was arrested in Townsville and will appear in court here tomorrow and yet the Bulletin’s editor runs this story verbatim from the Courier Mail with no local “angle.”
“Has she lived in Townsville for the past 15 years…did she work here…has she family here…was she on holiday here?”
This useless newspaper obviously hasn’t asked the local police one sensible, obvious question before publishing!
Unbelievable!
E.B.,
Yes you are correct, but your hypoventaliting will not help the situation or yourself. By a ticket and see the show at the civic theatre. You will be the better for it, as I am. See my earlier post.
I’ve looked around, but can’t see any reference to Cas Garvey’s promotion to a southern rag.
Got this nuisance post from Linkedin the other day.