It’s phase two of the Crisafulli raid on the Katter Party in his hometown, but has the last-minute ‘captain’s pick’ handed Chiesa a parachute with no ripcord? For different reasons, whoever gets the nod will not be ideal.
We’ll also take a more sober, morning-after-the-night-before look at what lies ahead in council for the next couple of years, and Slick Nick’s most serious challenges.
But while some of his more mega-campaign promises like an extravagant and unnecessary Strand makeover are unlikely to come to pass in a hurry, if at all, perhaps Slick might like to adopt the Magpie’s no brainer for future growth. Or just run with a very doable idea for the Strand that may well cost the ratepayers nothing.
The Dudley Do-Nothing’s tourism barker Lisa Woolfe outs herself as useless in the job … in her own words.!!!
Bit of a thigh slapper from the Astonisher, getting into a fucktangle of words when being forced to acknowledge the ABC scooped them on a story. Rather than do a late-on=the-scene follow-up, they had hoped it was quietly going away … but then24 hours later, Clr Batkovic breathed new life into the yarn and they had own up to missing it in the first place.
And why Australian soccer fans could be hit with massive hidden costs by Donald Trump – not joking.
Fin Year first quarter bills are falling due for The Nest at the moment, and any financial help you can offer is a bit more urgent than usual. Anything you can do to help will be of great material assistance to keep The Nest intact.And it hasn’t helped that Telstra’s billing department have been incompetent bastards over the past three months, swapping over from a month in arrears to a month in advance … and not keeping proper track of it, and sending incorrect overdue notices. Anyway, hope you can help out, the required link is at the bottom of the blog.
Will The Premier’s Punt On Ingham Cone Off, Or Will Ingham Chicken Out?
It’s a bit of a dog’s dinner of an electorate … and the same goes for line-up of hopefuls.
With full preferential voting as an option, David Crisfulli’s stage two of winning Hinchinbrook for the LNP (bribing Slick Nick out was stage one) is looking like a risky gamble. The Kid is no fool when it comes to political analyse, and frankly, he’s got nothing to lose by arbitrarily side stepping local LNP members to parachute in old chum and business associate Wayde Chiesa as a captain pick. While this has mightily pissed of much of the membership, who have refused to man booths, forcing the LNP to bus in troops apparently from Brisbane, the somewhat arrogant move is likely to have little effect on the vote. Experience would suggest that while actual party members of any persuasion get the shits with their leadership from time to time, that rarely results in a mass defection at the ballot box, usually spoiled ballots at worst. And the Kattertonics have managed to scrounge up a reasonable candidate in Frothy Molachino, former Townsville deputy doo dah.
But with preferential voting in play, this could end up a Steggles election, with someone ending up with plenty of egg on their face.
The Bulletin was at it’s over-gushing self this weekend, with state political editor Hayden Johnson doing an excellent colour piece that only a professional outsider could perceive and winkle out of interviewees.
That heartland is apparently not a quotation, so of whose heartland do you speak, Mr Johnson? It is good that News Ltd has assigned their state political editor to cover this unique political barn dance. But you have to get past the reporter’s pen filled with purple ink, the prose is occasionally blush-making -“romance, revenge and Crisafulli’s desperate hometown battle’ – … calling Quentin Tarantino! And he demonstrates a typical southerners wrong perspective when he writes that this election ‘will be a judgement on Crisafulli’s government’. This election will be anything but, with local historical, social and personal factors involved that aren’t usually seen, even up here. Truth is, even if the Kattertonics prevail, it will be personal judgement on Crisafulli alone, almost a friendly warning not to get too big for his polished Florsheims. Ingham is justly proud of David Crisafulli, his family have long been a respected part of the district’s fabric but they are a pragmatic people throughout the scattered electorate. They know that a Katter victory won’t affect their boy’s premiership or government. They might deliver a general nip to make sure he keeps focused, either way, the outcome will be a very personal. For all three main protagonists.
As Mr Hayden says, this is about wooing the majority right wing vote,, and preferences will play a part. that’s why Bob Katter was at his snarling high-pitched screeching best on the phone to One Notion’s Hanson when she decided to preference Labor ahead of the Kattertonics,. But that Hanson move might backfire, the locals don’ like that sort double-cross.
State wide polls have recently had the government wobbling a bit, but people need to be aware that the outcome of this by-election is very much a home town matter that cannot be accurately reflected onto whole-of-Queensland trends.
Meanwhile, Back Here In Slick Nick’s Domain
From a well written, polished colour piece from a serious journalist, we return to the local muppets to be spoken to like we are five year olds, with this idiocy
One would think that if interested in journalism, a basic knowledge of English, grammar and definition would be handy, but it seems somebody has been fast tracked from 6th grade.
Ultimatum FFS?
An ultimatum is a final demand with a threat of consequences for noncompliance typically issued after other demands have failed. It is a last-resort communication that can end negotiations or relations if its conditions are not met.
So what , my little sugarplum, do you imagine Nick saying to the Premier, the man who put in the job? Give me what I want or … or … I’ll hold breath until I go blue in the balls? Patronisingly stupid stuff, and childish when we look at the story itself.
FFS, in the story, he demands no such thing, but you, Bulletin, are complicit in promoting the big swinging Nick image of a tough, can-do character. Which is utter bollocks. There is without a shred of doubt that ‘ultimatum/demand of Brisbane is for a pricey but much needed Woolcock street upgrade. He campaigned on it, because it was a deal done long before the campaign started, … indeed, may have been suggested by the more savvy Crisafulli himself as a campaign highlight, or possibly because the DTMR had already planned to do it anyway, quite independent of the local political polka. So in a neat arrangement, Dametto appears to have engineered a campaign promise and after it is announced – WHAT A SURPRISE!! – our newly minted mayor will ramp up these bullshit garglings to burnish his don’t-mess-with-me image.
This sort of demeaning crap is to be expected from a political grandstander, but the paper has a different duty to its shrinking readership. And good luck with that.
When Reality Bites
Anyway, reality is going to strike Slick like a taser when he gets into the chair. He will undoubtedly do the necessary suck-up to McCabe and the executive, who will in turn do the ‘spider said to the fly’ job on him, Crisafulli isn’t interested in trying to herd a bunch of slack-jawed councillors in a hick city into shaky compliance. And if Slick stays in the ultimatum business, he might want to tread carefully. He is but one vote of 11, and if the last year has taught the other ten anything, it is that they actually can speak out.
Let’s look at the current council.
With few deserving the benefit of the doubt – Batkovic and Robbo certainly do for their diligence in actually reading things, and forthrightly looking into and speaking out on matters. The rest are there either for money and considerable perks (add at least $30k for car, phone, laptop, travel added to the take-home). Or, like Greaney, they have misplaced ambitions to climb the greasy pole of political ambition, and any good deeds they do on their upward scramble are incidental and sometimes accidental. Mooney (Dynasty’s Child for Labor) Paul Jacob (dresses like Jackson Lamb, but lacks the smarts) and footslogger Dirou are all in the latter class. Rehebin just wants to be loved, and newbies Ellis and Phillips appear to be learning on the job, and treading carefully. Price is there for the undisturbed nap – Christ man, you could at least pretend to look like you’re following matters and feign a bit of interest.
These are now Slick’s work colleagues from the electorate, not the public service, and he will need to turn down the volume on ‘ultimatums and demands’ and take in the reality of his position. We’ve just had a brief taste of a boofhead and a bully, we don’t need another one. And as yet, Mayor Dametto doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in his negotiating skills, awareness of trapdoors(especially at photo opportunities involving nazis) or stances on touchy social issues.
Anyway, he’s there, preferable to any other choice, and The ‘Pie is happy to give him a go.
But The Magpie’s and Nest readers’ Forgiveness Cup springs leaks very easily. For whatever that’s worth.
But Hey, Mayor Dametto, If You Want A Legacy Project, Why Not This?
The ‘Pie sees the following as a no-brainer, which could be promoted – but not paid for – by the council. The idea was floated in The Nest a couple of years ago, which no matter its merits was realllly bad timing. The ‘Pie revisited the idea during the week when someone was commenting about our public transport centred on buses and traffic log jams.
| The Magpie
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Submitted on 2025/11/18 at 7:52 pm | In reply to cabby.
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Maybe. But those stuck in cars have air conditioning and whatever entertainment they choose to have in their own private space. Not being surrounded by randoms, some with dubious motives … and odours. Because of its sprawling geography, Townsville will always have cars as its preferred transport. It’s a mindset we’re talking about here, something people in big cities have become accustomed to, but unlikely we ever will. .
But on the subject of the northern suburbs, Slick Nick’s Woolcock Street promise and the congestion in that general area, The ‘Pie has for years been advocating the relatively inexpensive re-introduction of motor rail, as successfully existed to the end of the 90s.
Inexpensive for the simple reason no special lines have to be laid, often across expensively acquired land, because modern rolling stock rail motors can be modified to fit existing line gauges. Stations to serve these rail motors are also another cost saving, since rail motor passenger can enter and exit at ground level (or optionally at an existing platform), obviating any need to build expensive old style platform station whose usage could not justify the costs. And the modern units, appropriately dubbed EMUS (Electrical Multiple Units) will exactly lower the amount of co2 equal to the number of cars it takes off the roads. As acceptance grows, extra units can be added – that the Multiple part of the acronym). So they are also environmentally friendly.
A small efficient network could radiate out from Townsville north, west, and south, and with modern rolling stock, could even promote the idea of dormitory suburbs all along the strip from Ingham to Ayr. If you look at the explosive urban growth, much of it where it shouldn’t be on flood plains, don’t laugh when I suggest to you this rail motor initiative could see, say, Woodstock and even Mingela become thriving little commuter communities. And in that instance, that line could also service Lansdown, vital if anything like the thousands of jobs we’ve been repeatedly promised ever happens.
It is not fanciful to believe the introduction of this service to also play a major role in easing the land/housing costs spiral.
And if there was an extended service daily, say, as far north as Cardwell, (using existing lines over the range) as well as through the wetlands on the way to Ayr, these services could indeed be a tourist attraction.
Such services would of course have to be underwritten, but taking cars off roads is a major saving in itself, with all the attendent safety benefits.
These motors could also have a bar service for homeward bound workers and tourists which might make a bob or two heh heh heh.
And no, I haven’t costed it out, and you can bet opponents of such an obviously good idea which is at least worth exploring, will do a financial hatchet job on the idea. And that will prove old Oscar right, we are ever at the mercy of people who know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
Let’s Stay Outside The Envelope A Moment More And Look At The Strand
Slick Nick’s grandstanding about a massive and totally unnecessary makeover of the entire the Strand is most likely going to die a merciful death in the face of economic reality – besides, there is nothing proper basic maintenance could fix up . But there is an initiative that would make the place more attractive to tourists and other visitors, as well as being cost neutral to the council.
The inspiration comes from Ipanema and Copacabana Beach in Rio. The wavy and the patterned sidewalk.
Those pioneering examples are now heritage protected, and perhaps not even a scaled down copycat version would be suitable here. But Townsville could make a name for itself if it commissioned a colourful, maybe indigenous style, footpath to replace the current walkway which, excuse the pun, is pedestrian in every way. Maybe dreamtime legends explained along the entire length from Tobruk to the Rock Pool. Local artists – not just indigenous ones – could submit designs for a specific section of footpath, say 25 metres sections. These could be designed to interconnect and make a casual stroll a whole different visiting experience, while not interfering with the established jogging and dog walking crowds. Imagine a 25 metre dreamtime serpent, or one of the night sky, another of waves.
Cost? A weatherproof embedded material and its installation would not be cheap (but sections could be pre-fabbed elsewhere and trucked in to avoid undue disruption). To underwrite this, there would certainly be some government funding, but also a program of sponsorship, selling each section’s boasting rights to private companies, whose public-spirited support could be acknowledged with small brass plaques either embedded at the end of the sponsored section or on the side, like a mile marker. Not just local entities, but national and international companies could be approached (Rio Tinto, major car manufactures, and certainly a cruise line would be there to be approached. And not a penny from the ratepayers apart from normal upkeep.
Look, some may think this too fanciful, just cleverdickery – or pie-in-the-sky if you need another pun – but folks, we have to start thinking along these more innovative lines if we are to ever become a memorable destination for anyone … tourist, business person, family visitor, parents with kids, or residents from outer suburbs.
And wouldn’t it be wonderful to walk along such a wonderful pathway to The Pie’s proposed ferris wheel down near the Rock Pool?
CLASSIC The Bulletin’s Masterclass In How To Play Catch-up From Behind.
Let’s set the scene.
Around midday last Tuesday, the ABC broke this story.
And the Bulletin completely missed it, and was wrong footed by being scooped on an important local story broken by national media, apparently made a decision to ignore it, bugger the public’s right to know and the paper’s obligation to inform them . Nary a single word was published on any of papers various platforms. A nice little fuck you to the community.
So The Astonisher looked pretty silly – SNAFU – and they just hoped the story would die a quiet death.
But then, to their horror, the TCC meeting very next day, Clr Suzy Batkovic offered the paper a brilliant way to squirm out, when she decided to give the ABC one in the ribs.
Being the Bulletin, they managed a neat little lie in the headline. Nowhere in their story did Batwoman use the word untrue, which is in quotation marks in the headline, meaning she had said literally used the word. And this is important, because Batkovic’s criticism was more an accusation of omission, lack of balance (‘telling only half the story’, she said) and in her opinion, wrong emphasis. Which is as it may be, but that is a long way from the most serious allegation that can be. laid against any media organisation, that of lying and outright fabrication. And anyway, if in fact Batwoman did use that word, why wasn’t it in the story?
But the Banquo’s Ghost-like reappearance of this story put the reporter in a tricky position. Despite the editor still smarting from being scooped yet again by the ABC, the reporter had no choice but to explain the ABC story in detail so readers could understand what Batkovic was complaining about. Thus revealing the ABC had reported this issue 24 hours earlier, and by implication, the paper hadn’t.
Thus magnifying their arrogant pique at being scooped, and the poor decision not to mention it until forced to 24 hours later.
They must’ve be rolling around on the newsroom carpet tiles in Wickham Terrace.
Speaking Of Accurate Reporting
The ‘Pie is privy to much private tattle about town but has strict rules about what is the readers’ interests – private lives stay exactly that in The Nest unless legitimate public interest is involved.
But this snippet during the week raised a question about how up to date the Astonisher’s staff keep themselves informed about frequently mentioned subjects.
Some weeks ago, The ‘Pie’s readers commented on the fact that in TEL publications, Ms Brumme-Smith suddenly started referring to herself as only Ms Brumme – the Smith had disappeared. Now why this had happened may seem obvious, but is no one’s business but hers. However, it is clearly the wish of the woman herself, and that should be respected.
And if its good enough for the Nest readers to be alert to the change, it is surely good enough for the journalists of the paper that is for all for us.
PS The Magpie will not change his favoured nickname for TEL’s boss whom he has long dubbed Ms B-S … on the grounds that the ‘S’ never had anything to do with Smith anymore than the ‘B’ had anything to do with Brumme.
Besides, if unpublished social rumours are correct, the ‘S’ will remain correct.
Crikey, talk about condemning yourself out of your own mouth.
During the week there was a gabfest at the Mercure that had the Dudley Do Nothing’s tourism squawker Lisa Woolfe all a-gurgle.
But in her excitement, Ms Woolfe didn’t realise what she was revealing when she said:
A major highlight of the Forum will be the release of interim results from Townsville Enterprise’s new 12-month national marketing campaign.
“For too long Townsville North Queensland has been Australia’s best-kept secret – but this is changing and quickly,” Ms Woolfe said.
Err, Lisa, honeybunch, is this a startling admission, a mea culpa of incompetence? Is a resignation and apology in the offing?
‘Townsville too long a best kept secret’.?!?
M’dear, you are Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, and have been involved in TEL’s tourism debacle – that ‘best kept secret’ for more than a decade, according to your Linkedin notes
No doubt you’ll cling on to your job as long as you can, but given this wonderfully funny faux par, you might want to brush up on those ‘written communication skills.’
Whimsy Corner
Sometimes a phrase can stand out from a page or a speech, and start an unexpected train of thought stick in the mind. This happened for The ‘Pie when listening to the painful eulogy by the father of teenager Ben Austin, felled in the practice nets by cricket delivery. Ben’s father said he wanted to thank the soul of his son ‘for choosing us to be his parents’.
It was a nice and self-effacing sentiment under the circumstances, but an unusual one – even confirmed reincarnationists (or if you want go full academic smarty, metempsychoists) seem to baulk at the idea of choice for a return stint in this vale of tears. The Hindu and Buddist religions are big on this, some believing you progress through all parts of nature, perhaps starting as an ant, progressing through gerbils (hoping to avoid Richard Gere) through to maybe a dog (hoping to avoid Korea) then it could be a horse (hoping to avoidd Clive Palmer and Gina Rinhardt) until you’re back sinning on two feet again.
One school of thought is the ‘pot luck theory’, and this seems to be borne out (pun intended) when you see some parents and wonder why any phantom soul with a smidgin of choice would willingly choose them.
But what if the celestial powers make your next journey not a matter of merit, but a lottery, maybe a bit like the AFL draft. But applicants can put up their hands for their choice of return hosts, and get in a special line if previous transgressions haven’t been too out of line. The its pot luck.
There are endless possibilities about something we will never know for sure, but The ‘Pie had a fevered thought of bitter jostling rivalry up in the clouds under certain circumstances.
Like, what say if, back in the day, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts or Angelina Jolie had announced they intended to have a child, and yes, trumpeting that they intended to breast feed it … the jostling queue of eager souls would stretch back over the ridge into the next galaxy.
Why Cashed Up Aussie Soccer Fans Could Become Victims Of Trump’s Megalomaniac
When the world’s second most corrupt man teams up with the world’s most corrupt man, you can be sure that something evil this way comes doesn’t even start to cover it. But that’s what the world’s biggest sporting public now face.
Donald Trump and FIFA boss Gianni Infantino hold an open mafia meeting.
Blindsided by the Orange Abomination, Infantino eventually dropped his daks and assumed the position of touching his toes, announcing it was OK by him if the President decided at the last minute to move FIFI World Cup matches from designated cities ‘because of the threat of lawlessness’ . This wholly politically motivated bit of demented fuckwittery was designed to punish Democratic-run cities on the FIFA schedule by depriving them of the business bonanza matches would bring. Trump hinted that the order to move games could come very soon before matches were due, on the pretext of planned, or more likely, imaginary street protests. As usual, this shit of a person gave no thought to those not involved in his criminal game playing. He refused to address questions about the plight of international travellers suddenly stranded in a matchless city and being caught up in travel chaos across the nation. The cost to visitors could double or even triple their initial outlay. So Aussie ticket-holders beware, pack an extra bit of platinum plastic
But Infantino, pissed off at playing Robbin’ to Fatman’s number one status, pulled a new stunt, one which amounts to not only making scalping legal, but actually encouraging it. Because it will be FIFA sales that will be manipulating the prices, which could make ticket sales run into thousands of dollars. Going under the name ‘dynamic pricing’, it’s similar to surge pricing Australian airlines use here in Australia at peak travel periods. Horror stories are already emerging, and more are certain to make this one of the most chaotic sporting tournaments in history.
The ‘Pie will stick with AFL or NRL, both far more entertaining anyway.
So We’re Going To See The Epstein Files At Last, Are We?
Well maybe. Sort of.
There’s a method in the madness of the man Marina Hyde calls the ‘Orange Organ Grinder commanding his troupe of winged monkeys’.
When he suddenly u-turned and agreed Congress should release the Epstein Files but not explaining in that case why he just didn’t use his Presidential powers to do it himself straight away. But the reason he wanted the process to go through both houses soon became evident … after his surprise announcement, he ordered the Justice Department to start an investigation into several Democrats, including Bill Clinton, for any connections to Epstein. While this just sounded like another episode of making it up as he goes along, it was a actually neat deception. because the whole files will be released MINUS any files being used in current investigations. So with the criminal flying monkey Pam Bondi in charge of Justice, just about anything could be withheld using that excuse. Or lose some down a gold toilet at Mar-a-Lago.
That issue, and the stomach-churning tete-a-tete and brown nosing and hand patting (literally) with the Saudi leader were the main matters pre-occupying US cartoonists, which again have proved to be the only source of honesty and opposition to this dangerous lunatic.
Another Entry For The Why We As A Species File
Given the parlous state of the planet and societies generally, there is definitely something missing in the human genome when we read stuff like this.
But while that might have smashed the glass palette, the obscenity of it all was easily eclipsed by this.
The ‘Pie is no commy, and is a socialist only on certain basic issues (water, energy, health, education, roads and the law) and good luck if you have a goodly pile of the folding stuff, but surely there must come a point of change when a painting goes for the equivalent of three or four hospitals, a dozen schools or ten thousand homeless food kitchens.
Anyone who does not believe we are an extended global epoch of ‘while Rome burns’ is not paying attention. And The ‘Pie is not talking about global warming.
……………..
Crikey, the mayoral mud fight done and dusted., now to get Hinchinbrook tucked away before a welcome breather over Christmas/NY. You’ll find the link to help The Nest with a much-needed donation below.
So who wins Hinchinbrook? Molachino or Chiesa? I think Chiesa with One Nation preferences, Bob will lose the plot!
With Dametto gone, Knuth’s seat potentially disappearing, Bob retiring in 2028, Robbie going for the federal seat of Kennedy, there may be zero chance of KAP existing after the 2028 election in state government. Your thoughts Pie?
Not sure that the KAP will exist federally either. Robbie doesn’t have the juice.
He could probably get in if he runs as Bob Katter and doesn’t show his face on any advertising.
Steve, in 2024 the first preference result was ALP 14%, LNP 28%, ON 5%, KAP 46%, GRN 3%, CAN 4%. Would you care to speculate on the distribution of first preferences in 2025 such that LNP gets up on One Nation preferences? Seems a tall order.
Thinking about it some more and considering that the Cannabis party from 2024 is gone, replaced by Family First (conservative) and an Independent (say, conservative), if the KAP first preference vote drops from 46% to say 26% (with the 20% drop being shared between ALP and ON), then things start to get exceedingly interesting. The result will really turn on how well the KAP vote holds up. For sure, the LNP is in with a chance.
The KAP went in as the incumbent, the Premier is stopping at nothing to get Chiesa in, I think Molachino is more popular than Chiesa on the ground, but the key issue is the government of the day is LNP, and the Premier is from Hinchinbrook heartland, I think there’ll be an LNP swing, but as you said, comes down to local appetite. There is no way the Premier doesn’t throw money into Hinchinbrook, but it’ll be watered down with a KAP representation.
I see in the Bulletin that Johnathon Thurston has thrown his lot in behind Chiesa – that’s a big LNP pull. KAP won’t be able to match that, especially as Bob Katter is busy in Canberra this week. Maybe if Robbie donned a pink tutu and rode a crocodile-themed e-scooter down North Shore Boulevard, Burdell (population 7,000+) he might pick up the gay vote but I can see everything else slipping away from KAP.
Talk about the Fallacy of Transferred Authority!!
The comment is based on the dubious notion that Thurston’s political opinion is respected and sought after by people who just can’t make up their own minds.Which is a highly unlikely scenario.
Worst thing KAP could have done is put it Labour Party member molichino. Everyone should know what he did to fuck the TCC under hill and his 110% support for her.
Rather than the transfer of authority, which I agree is a bit of a stretch, I’m thinking more of the sense of ‘winningness’ – that the LNP is coming home with a rush whereas KAP is going down with a whimper. With Pauline Hanson now creaming One Nation’s chances with her untimely burqa stunt, deserters from KAP (and there will be plenty) might start to flock to the LNP as the team most likely.
Why do you think her burqa stunt would disaffect One Notion supporters? Especially in the wilds of North Queensland.
The only real interest here in the fight for the majority right wing vote is between the support of a popular home-town premier and the rusted on loyalty of KAP followers, whose electorate did – by all reports – get several gains during Dametto’s tenure.
And now the Bulletin has joined the LNP parade:
“Shocking statistics show how many youth crimes are committed by offenders who should be behind bars, sparking fierce debate over bail laws in a crucial by-election.”
The Hinchinbrook by-election is not “crucial” for any lawmaking. The Crisafulli government has sufficient numbers to make any law it likes.
The usual pathetic hyperventilating from this disgraceful paper, you’re right, about the only person likely to see the outcome as ‘crucial’ is the deputy premier, who has gathered the party room numbers quietly in the background.
I wasn’t thinking of the burqa stunt as disaffecting ON voters. I was thinking of what disaffected KAP voters (remember KAP got 46% of first preferences last time) would do with their vote if they turned away from KAP. Some may well go to Labor or to LNP and some would have gone to ON. But after the burqa stunt I reckon less would now go to One Nation. So more first preference votes won directly by LNP thanks to dubious Pauline.
Maybe, maybe not, but we’ll soon find out, won’t we?
“They know that a Katter victory won’t affect their boy’s premiership or government.”
Oh but it would – Crisafulli has lost the numbers and Bleijie’s happy clappy hard right faction is circling. They’ve indulged him for long enough and it’s killing season for Liberal leaders around the country.
That’s why Crisafulli parachuted his mate in instead of leaving it to the party to decide, they’re not going to choose a moderate.
The Magpie signalled the Bleijie danger some months ago, he is as hard right as it gets, and even looks like a nasty bastard. Crisafulli isn’t unaware, but not a great deal he can do except hold the current numbers.
The ‘Pie would not normally agree that failure in the Hinchinbrook would be enough to push for a spill – except for the fact that The Kid engineered this by election by deliberately luring Slick Nick away. So yes, a loss would make the Brisbane troops restive.
Excuse me, Mr. Pie, but where is there evidence that it was Crisafulli’s idea for the Demented one to give up a cushy, State MP number and take on the poisoned chalice that is the Townsville Mayor job?
Confidentiality (see reply to Imascoop) limits The ‘Pie but you have your argument arse about … the evidence of Crisfulli’s involvement and promise to the new mayor is the very reason Dametto was willing tio take the risk and give up a cushy, State MP number. And the money for the campaign sure as hell didn’t come from KAP … or Nick’s own purse. But tell you what? You produce the proof that Epstein committed suicide in a solitary suicide proof jail cell and I’ll tell you how I know Crisafulli engineered the whole deal.
100% Pie, there is a few copies of the messenger messages between Slick and another involving the Premier tapping him on the shoulder. He took it, knowing he would have the money, and power of the state to support him in the role, hell, the Premier came out in full support immediately, and it would seem the federal senator Nita has given her approval as well. Having a fence sitter in Nick in the chair opens up funding from both sides (LNP and ALP), perfect for a flip flopper. News from Ben Fusco’s camp (KAP) is they are dirty Nick did this to them with a seat looking shaky and Hinchinbrook wavering. While Nick came out to say he supported KAP on the weekend, he is trying to appease the locals in division 1 & 2 who he’ll have more to do with now he is mayor.
Hardly a poisoned chalice, now he’s in, he’s set for a cushy job and can get back in on name recognition unless he stuffs up.
(He may stuff up, he’s not that bright.)
And contrary to the Bulletin’s view that the seat of Hinchinbrook is about Crisafulli’s home town, in fact the seat is largely centred in the northern suburbs of Townsville. Deeragun alone has a bigger population than Ingham and Cardwell put together. Counterintuitively, the electorate has recently voted for KAP; maybe the worm will turn?
Very good point.
Firstly, it must be that bad to work for the Astonisher that journalists are hiding their names. Not a good start for Caitlin’s co-writer, only known as “Exclusive”.
A credible source says Dametto was not Crisafulli’s pick but that, with Hinchinbrook of such value, maybe a deal was done.
Also funny to see KAP’s one time “golden child behind the scenes” has been a TEL staffers for a while… will that effect Slick’s actions (or inaction) when it comes to the funding black hole that is supposedly the region’s primary advocacy outlet?
The ‘Pie can assure that Crisafulli was most certainly the one to tap Dametto. And then everything fell into place and became clear.
The ‘Pie’s source is unimpeachable, and because oif a request for confidentiality, was known to the old bird long before it was announced.
And, Mr. Pie, Crisafulli’s motive would be…??
Twofold … destabilise the Kattertonics, and a home town dream.
And as mentioned above, get another friendly face in the LNP party room to shore up his numbers.
Says you Pie and whomever your ‘unimpeachable’ source is………give us the EVIDENCE TRAIL.
Journalists NEVER reveal their sources.
But if you choose not to believe The ‘Pie, you can alway quietly fuck off.
SS, one tiny hint of the Crisafulli conspiracy that seems to be on the public record is that the local LNP membership was left (or squeezed) out of the candidate nomination and is not happy.
I agree, the proof is in the pudding, or rather the text.
Just like Gill the dill, Lisa Woolfe has been with TEL for over 10 years. This is way too long. She needs to go, and so does Gill and Claudia Bumme’no more Smith who has been there around 6 years. It’s time for a sweeping change, new blood, new ideas, new energy and a total reset. TEL is a vehicle that could deliver positive outcomes for our region but is sadly mismanaged by a team of muppets.
And public KPI should be mandatory if they are to continue receiving public funds from the council.
TEL do have one publicised KPI which is to bring in 20-25 Major Events per year as detailed in the Townsville Events Blueprint Strategy 2024-2027. https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/townsvilleenterprise-com-au/documents/townsville_events_strategy_blueprint_final.pdf
See page 7
and this from the TCC press release. Commenced 1st Jan 25, can anyone list the 20-25 Major Events from this year?
Date published: 10 December 2024
Townsville Enterprise is set to take on major events for the city in a new partnership with Townsville City Council that will bolster Townsville’s reputation as the major events capital of northern Australia.
The decision comes off the back of Council approving the Townsville Events Strategy 2024-27 late last year.
Certainly is and has been Prince. The new mayor will pick a few brownie points if he has the focus and the balls to place immediate KPI’s on TELS performance or lack there of. Ratepayers are handing out three quarters of a million dollars each year for the TEL muppets to stand around the water cooler and talk about how good they are. A good question for Slick Nick to simple ask TEL is ‘can you please explain why Townsville needs you and what you’ve actually returned to Townsvilles well being with the funding you’ve received’
We’ll wait !
TEL has KPi’s but they are not truly measurable, based on visitor intake, spend in the city etc, very hard to get a measure, and McCabe did the work after removing Thompson, but at best, it is vague. Remember, the Premier fully supports TEL, and with his appointment of Patricia O’Callaghan (ex-CEO of TEL) as Director of Innovation, Science and Tourism, TEL will be well funded, and supported as the vehicle to deliver events, and tourism for Townsville. Like any government department, it will continue to burn through ratepayer cash
I think Frothy is a better pick than Cheeseman for the glorious Hinchinbrook position. Either way, I hope it creates some angst for that idiot Katter and his puppet son. The Katter mafia need a shake up and perhaps this is the by-election to do it. Either way, Hinchinbrook isn’t a key plank in Crisafulli’s strategy so the outcome is really neither here or there.
It would be a symbolic blow at the very least, to be unable to deliver his hometown electorate.
“Either way, Hinchinbrook isn’t a key plank in Crisafulli’s strategy”
So Machiavelli, what is the political strategy?
Why do you want me to do your work for you Ducks Nuts? That wouldn’t be any fun now would it. Go on tiger, off you go, do some investigative research.
Mate I’m not the one claiming to know the ins and outs of Crisafullis’s strategy. Thats you. So stump up with the goods or fuck off and stop being a blowhard.
You can just admit that you were bloviating or whistling past the graveyard, you know.
Incidentally the Townsville chamber of commerce is looking for a new CEO and has recently appointed a new President. Any good organisation goes through the occasional shakeup and reset. Time for the stagnant TEL to do the same.
In the instance of TEL, to get a fully independant unbiased review, an external review of all aspects of TEL and its operations needs undertaken by management consultants from SE Qld or interstate and the final review document needs to be made publically available on the TEL.website.
Not certain how a comprehensive and unbiased Terms of Reference would be developed and who would oversee the review process but I’m certain this could be achieved.
You are Sir Humphrey!!!!
Critical, the CEO McCabe is the one who dishes out ratepayer money to TEL so he should be involved or lead any restructure or introduction of KPI’s. He should also oversee TEL’s new charter or TOR and should be the driver of any changes to TEL. FFS it’s long overdue.
That’s utter tosh, the council has to vote for the TEL item in the budget presented by the mayor.
Was this really you, Mopsy?
Magpie, I can’t think of a Townsville mayor ever who wanted to ‘reform’ TEL. I thought the main purpose of TEL’s creation was to remove certain functions from TCC in order to distance the council from them, just as building inspection, road making, engineering etc. has been privatised and no longer resides as council core business. Quite recently arts/culture/tourism promotion has also been shifted out of council into TEL and another TCC office downsized – it looks like cost saving although it still costs council. Can’t think of a single reason why the new mayor would want to pull the scab off TEL. The more incompetent TEL is, the better TCC looks.
Reasonable analysis. And a core reason The ‘Pie keeps on about it. The old bird did not create the Nest to win a popularity contest, but to speak the truths to power that the Bulletin won’t. Here’s a question: on receipt of the million plus bucks for ‘event attraction’ from the Qld government fund via the council, why did TEL find the need to hire another executive to administer said funds? Was this a recognition that Ms Woolfe, who seems to have a lot time on her hands she could use productively, is not up to the mark to be entrusted with the job?
And here’s an example of how that works. Read the TEL release, and note how carefully worded TEL has been bending over backwards to insert their title into the facts, hinting of Premier approval, while Crisafulli in fact never once mentioned them. Wisely, they have passed on the government approved media release with minimum tinkering.
https://www.miragenews.com/queensland-scores-rugby-league-world-cup-grand-1575998/
While the games allotted to Total Tools stadium are very good news indeed, let The ‘Pie suggest how TEL became involved – and you can rest assured TEL was never at the table when the carve-up match schedule was put together. Perhaps metaphorically, the conversation probably went along these lines:
Hello, the is the Premier’s department in Brisbane. You know that motza of dough we sent you for event promotion?
Sure do … and thanks.
Well, we suggest you give us back a nice chunk of it.
Why? What for?
So you can claim to have had something to do with the schedule we’ve drawn up for RL World Cup matches.
There’s a Rugby League World Cup? When’s this , and how does it involve Townsville?
Yes, October next year, and we’ve had to schedule three matches for Townsville, since the government spent an over-budget large fortune on the stadium.
Three matches? Wow. Who do I transfer the money to?
The Arts certainly get the short end of the stick in this town. Grants to all Arts organisations (including the GBROrchestra) have been halved for 2026 !!! Bet they haven’t halved grant to Cowboys.
Pie, yes, the councillors vote is the final say and technically it’s actually the Mayors budget, that’s how it is worded. But it’s the CEO, CFO and others who put the package together that council votes on. I’m pretty sure that if the CEO proposed a business case that restructured TEL or something similar, the councillors would nod and sign off on it in a vote. Councillors do not do the heavy lifting, that’s done by team McCabe.
Well yes and no. One would expect the staff – supposedly under the overview of a strong, leading mayor (spare me!)- to put together the nuts and bolts of the budget, but doing some basic maths, peppered with a few lies written with fingers crossed, is hardly heavy lifting. The real snatch and jerk falls to the councillors, who have to prove if they’ve got the will and skill to oppose any measures they feel goes against ratepayer interests.
Exactly, and the very reason the mayor won’t touch it. TEL doesn’t need to care. Some money comes from somewhere for a promo or a consultancy, they hire and TCC takes a cut. Easy come, easy go. Nice office and cars, great super and opportunities, why change anything? Oh and, tough shit about the chamber music. Not our fault.
No Longer Prince, just Roly Moppet, you have sleepwalked into a quagmire. If I paraphrase you:
“I’m pretty sure that if the CEO (under the overview of a strong, leading mayor) proposed a business case for parking meters on the Strand, the councillors would nod and sign off on it in a vote. Councillors do not do the heavy lifting, that’s done by team McCabe.”
So is that what happened?
Humour is very difficult in print, isn’t it, Bob?
For all you Australian cricket naysayers, always remember this:
Great Head will always beat a dud Root.
BEST COMMENT OF THE YEAR. GOOD ONE, KENNY.
Joe Root fell just 92 runs short of a maiden century in Australia
Is it possible our new Mayor has a doppelgänger?
On lookers where thrilled at Horseshoe Bay yesterday when a quite buffed gent stripped down and swam out to his slick racing boat. The big black outboard motor alone can’t be less than $100K.
Just asking…
Well, as The ‘Pie understands it, Slick is into jet skis, but may have graduated with the prospect of the extra dough heading the Dametto way. Which would be a good thing, meaning he moved up from your previous assessment that he’s a meathead. Let’s hope he has graduated from the pestiferous community of mindless jet ski hoons, which is the exclusive preserve of meatheads.
Have you not heard of a monied meathead, Pie?
But in fairness, this gent yesterday unusually erred on the side of being ripped. It’s a pity Wade Chiesa didn’t get enough notice to lose the man boobs prior to his election campaign.
And into concrete, marble columns, windex and pasta.
Yes. Slick Nick has a slick racing boat, white with a black and red image on the side with a large 450R black engine. You can see it in all its glory (and him in all his sunburn) on his instagram page. nicktrip18
Yes, Ducky, that boat on his Instagram account exactly matches the photo we took yesterday.
He has over 10,000 followers on that account. I’m not sure if he’s posted any beefy shots, but I suggest the people of Townsville could be breathlessly looking beyond the suits from now on.
Greaney, eat your heart out.
There’s no money in politics is there!!
Maybe not in politics per se
Passing by the newsagent this morning, popped in for a free glance at the front page of the Astonisher.
Words to the effect;
Mayor being sworn in today,
Got to get straight to work,
Much to do and only half a term to do it.
Half a term? Is Slick Nick not intending to run for re-election in two years. Slick Nick needs to pace civic repair and reform and be successfully re-elected, lest he suffer the same fate as Campbell (too much, too soon) Newman.
So the biggest frog won the puddle and now is on probation to perhaps establish his bona fides, and like Hercules sets himself the impossible 1st task of solving the Mandelbrot of congestion, in the northern suburbs. Nothing like a KPI Yes a rail service would help but getting folks to walk more than 100m is a feat in the heat, though to be effective it would require some destinations which would require planning as to the surfacing on walkways they could have done that when it was built, even Cairns doesn’t do it
Inexpensive ground level station could have a car park, or be easily reached on less travelled roads for drop off and pick-up.
Pie, I totally agree with the light rail concept. One thing that will have to be considered though is that it will have to be coordinated with QR – the basic problem being that QR up this part of the world runs to a “close enough is good enough” timetable. Could be problematic for people with business or medical etc. appointments relying on the light rail system to get them there on time.
Might not be insurmountable but is a consideration nonetheless.
Perhaps we (you) could arrange a meeting with proponents to be attended by Magpie bloggers. I reckon we could sort it out between us
Have a nice day.
Given the sparse traffic on the affected lines, and also the likelihood that there will be brief sideings running into some of the station, that hardly ever going to be a problem. And frankly, if any government put up the funds for such a scheme, then the Townsville suburban network should be given full QR consideration.
But Pie! I reckon they would be working on it.
Magpie, a trial of just one leg of your ‘rail motor’ idea could easily be run from North Shore (Deeragun and Burdell, combined pop. 13,000+) along Ingham Road (alternatively Woolcock street) following right alongside the rail line, into the CBD – but using buses, say every ten minutes in peak hour, twenty minutes otherwise. Test the theory. No need to buy expensive rail rolling stock, no need for any ‘platforms’, just managing parking facilities at the outer end. Should be a route going there anyway.
That would be an ideal way for opponents to nobble the whole idea. There would of course have to be a feasibility study… always open to manipulation … and of course it can never be a private operator ‘renting’ the lines, because such a scheme will never fully fund its running costs. BUT against that is the environmental cost savings of both pollution AND less congestion on the roads. And reduced number of accidents and therefore on the emergency and medical serics. The last one not much but still a sliver of the pro argument. But north south and west with full infrastructure is the only way such a scheme would ever have a hope of being accepted as a legitimate part of our public transport infrastructure.
In a private conversation with Crisafulli years ago (he was a councillor at the time), he only ‘That’ll never happen, it won’t work, and I’ll tell you why.’ It was at that moment the late lamented Mark Sludge Donnelly burst in to join us and I never did hear what The Kid’s argument was. But in light of that, do not expect anything as long as The Kid is Premier and Slick is in Walker Street.
But we’ve got to keep putting ideas forward that further Townsville’s amenity as it – for good or ill – moves towards half a million people later this century. The framework should start now … but never at the expense of present day, everyday maintenance.
TEL is an unlisted public company limited by guarantee and a not-for-profit entity. This means that the organisation itself must initiate any review of itself.
My understanding is that TCC can only impliment KPI’s in relating to the funding the TCC provides to TEL through a funding agreement. I wouldn’t be surprised if the funding is provided as a lump sum and very little direction is given in the funding agreement as to how this funding is to be expended. If I’m correct, it will be difficult to impliment meaningful and measureable KPI’s.
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/os-data-2/townsvilleenterprise-com-au/documents/2023_constitution_-_executed_by_flying_minute.pdf
That seems technically correct but so what, you’re missing the The ‘Pie’s consistent point – if they are receiving Funds from the TCC, then a responsible council should demand KPIs as a condition of said funding. And if the only way that can be done, then the council should make it a condition of their financial support that TEL review whatever needs to be reviewed, and set KPIs under the guidelines given them by council.
I wonder if Thompson watched the Mayoral swearing in today? Eagerly watching, looking for a fault in the procedures which would give him ammunition to write some AI generated letters of complaint?
I’m sure he would have graciously (read sanctimoniously) said “there, but for the grace of vengeful god, go i”.
Would this help?
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/with-love-and-gratitude/202411/counter-profound-disappointment-with-serenity-and-a-plan&ved=2ahUKEwjgiOj034qRAxWlnq8BHZjTJMoQFnoECGgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3s4zbnhpPDGFlZ2TMvW3qp
The only think toxic in this town was that shonk Thompson. With the recent election results it is like Townsville has had an enema and the shit has been cleared away. No more Troy. Ding dong the witch is dead……
Hes in the background now, doesn’t matter what he does from here on in, hes gone and will be forgotten
You kid yourself, pal. More than The ‘Pie will be eagerly awaiting to watch karma at work, given the grievous harm Thompson has done to this town. Forget him at your peril … but yes, agree, that doesn’t mean we have to keep talking about him, until we can report something definitive.
Seems Wulguru residents will remain in the shit for another wet season. Maybe two.
This letter was posted elsewhere on social media by one recipient with the note that ‘I’m not sure everyone else (who should know about the meeting) has received one’.
So just to be sure, it’s tomorrow night, 6pm, Wulguru Community Centre.
It’s good to see Clr Ellis being proactive, and the council representative will have a few questions to answer … and maybe Clr Ellis, too, although all this started long before he was elected.
One for the council representative could be why has the stage design only now being done, rather than earlier, so both stages could dovetail as a single project, and thus save the residents the possibility of one, possibly two, more seasons of having to carry on undeterred – under turd, so as to speak.
And perhaps, someone might suggest to Clr Ellis, if such concessions haven’t already been made, will he ask council to give affected a rates holiday (possibly pro rata). After all, they have been paying for a service they have NOT received but is implicit in rating fee agreements
A 225mm pipe ?
Call me crazy but given the circumstances wouldn’t it be wise to lay a much BIGGER pipe to account any growth in future population and also definitely solve the existing problem ?
Resonable comment, but Guy, there are multiple other legitimate reasons to call you crazy.
Guy, did you look at the location of the proposed 225mm pipe? It is not in a growth area. Wright St and Glenlyon Drive serve a specific area on the hill in Wulguru. Have a look at a map.
Hahahaha … cat’s and pigeons’ time!!!
This is going to have a few folks seeking the khaki undies. The Australian has already pounced, outing two supposed Palestinian war correspondents in Gaza who, they say, are actually in Poland and in the ‘Asia Pacific’. Although it is not clear that a second media platform could be channeling information out for posting.
My dog just left home, Mr. Pie.
He was in the room when that vision of Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce eating a meal together came on TV.
I don’t think he’ll ever forgive me!
Both would be greatly improved by BERK-as.
To E.B’s Dog,
Why did you leave home? Were their table manners not up to scratch?
It would be poor form if their midday meal looked like a dog’s breakfast. Sorry Dog, I could not help myself.
I will be watching closely, out of interest and for the humour value, as Slick Nick pushes his Strand vision to the other muppets in Walker street. Be interesting to see how that one pans out.
Oh shit, more money being wasted on unwanted development on the strand – despite the 400 million plus debt no one wants to pay back.
They never learn do they ?
And neither do voters
Nick will push whatever David tells him too, that way he is assured funding, and photo opportunities, that is all that is in Nick’s wheelhouse.
It will great if The Kid props up his boy with funding for selected projects … and therein lies a sleeper >… what if The Kid decides what projects he are appropriate for a town he no longer lives in … like parking meters on The Strand?
Dametto looked the part at his inauguration. Will see how things progress over time but I think he will fit in well, make changes at a comfortable pace, bring some cohesion. It will be a far cry from the previous short lived dictatorial rule by the narcissist Troy Thompson.
… or the longer, equally vindictive one before that.
Yup, got to give him (and the Premier) a fair go.
Some fine tailoring, there, making the most of his physique. But did you not think there was something unusual? At least in the Bulletin’s coverage of this significant event. Where was our new Lady Mayoress? Why weren’t we introduced to Alicia?
Instead, we got a shot of this man in his forties being kissed by his mum and another of him chumming up with Pricey. Not good enough, Bulletin. (Assuming his wife was in attendance, of course, editor.)
Given Big Swinging Nick’s alleged social and boffo lifestyle outlook, she was either looking after the kids, or home in the kitchen.
The Wikipaedia entry for Nick Dametto states he and Alicia were 18 when their son was born. He’s an only child, so perhaps she was looking after grandchildren. Nonno Nick?
Come on, surely his wife was there this week to see him crowned? And wouldn’t it be usual for the local paper to do a big spread introducing her? He might be well known in the northern suburbs but the rest of us had never heard of him until Crisafulli put him up for the Mayor’s job.
I believe he’s divorced but even if he wasn’t, the partner of an elected official isn’t a public figure so why should we expect a spread about them.
Always reasonable and fair fodder for women’s mags, but there is nothing wrong with a partner turning up to help identify a person’s family-friendly ties with the community. But not obligatory, and agree its no big deal, but it is a legitimate question, given political tradition.
Moo – they split earlier in the year.
OK. That’s that, then, end of discussion.
I know that we are scaling down on commentary about Threenames, but the CCC has signalled that the investigation report will be issued within the next few days. We will finally get to see what the democratically unelected Mayor has been hiding. I’m looking forward to it. Then, finally, we will have closure on this particular matter.
First, let The ‘Pie clarify his stand on talking about Thompson …. the initial idea was to simply discourage the many (with a good number unpublished) of mindless abusive comments slagging off at him which added nothing to commentary just people letting of steam … which is this blog’s job only up to a point.
But what you are talking about in this instance, TT is exactly what Thompson comments should be about … the actual timetable of him being brought account … or not.
Which brings The ‘Pie to this bold conclusion when he read this story on the Astonisher site … one of two things will happen … either Thompson will be found to have not committed any indictable offences and will not face any indictable charges; or the CCC – and the government – will be in deep shit itself if CCC’s geological clock time to look into this matter eventually says ‘we will be recommending that charges be laid’.
Now before people wonder what the hell would be wrong with Thompson being found to have committed indictable offences, here’s your answer … think about it. The story included this line ….
The CCC finalised its investigation into Mr Thompson on October 15 but was unable to make it public before the November 15 mayoral election …
… which raises the almost certain possibility the CCC and the government have made a serious error of judgement if they have findings against him of any serious nature.
BECAUSE IF HE IS GUILTY OF ANY CHARGEABLE OFFENCE, THAT CAN ONLY MEAN ONE THING: THAT THE CRISAFULLI GOVERNMENT AND THE ‘INDEPENDENT’ CCC WERE WILLING TO ALLOW A MAN THEY BELIEVED MAY HAVE COMMITTED CRIMINAL OFFENCES TO STAND FOR ELECTION AS MAYOR OF A MAJOR CITY.
Knowing full well all the time they had evidence that more than likely would negate democratic outcome in the event that somehow Thompson won, Thompson would be sacked again awaiting the outcome of the charges, and we would be back again having to go through the tedium of the third grade players seeking an office none of them deserve.
It could very well turn out that the government took a punt and said ‘he’ll never win, let him stand and then we’ll ping him when he loses’.
Taking a punt on the possibility of further chaos just to polish your political halo is absolutely no fucking way to govern, and is certainly absolutely no fucking way to treat rate and taxpayers not just in Townsville, but ANYWHERE.
Put more simply, if the CCC and the government knew there were possible charges that could be laid against Thompson, what the bloody hell were they doing letting him run in a race that had he won, would immedately be null and void.
Therefore The ‘Pie predicts, surely, there will no findings that merit charges against Thompson.
Pie, you also have to add in or at least consider if TT was ruled out before the election….with the benefit of this information
Who may have stood ?
Who may not have stood?
Where would the TT vote have gone?
Where would any TT preferences have gone
This list goes on a bit too, who knows what effect on the election there could have been
A sort of local butterfly effect.
(And no, that nothing to do with you, Elusive.)
My prediction 8 months ago Magpie!
He didnt have a hope in hell of winning. Insertion of ‘rock-star’ candidate removed any risk. He couldn’t afford to run a proper campaign (anyone could see how he squandered his money) and was so widely despised, Im thinking they read the room and added some extra insurance.
Agree about liklihood of prosecution being slim. Why would they release a public report presumably with some detail, prior to a prosecution?
Sounds like Thompson might have a case. FFS
Surely this has to sit squarely on the shoulders of the Minister for Local Government. Though I think when the Premier came out and stated the new changes, perhaps a lot of this would not have made it through, what a waste of money. https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/103742
Maybe.
And yes, as The ‘Pie said when the changes were first announced, they were designed to stop the flood of other more trivial complaints to the OIA, who then had to decide whther they merited CCC attention, which then landed with the government. And Thompson’s exploitation of the regs may well have been the motivator behind the changes, so maybe not a change too late, but a change because of the Twonames saga.
OTOH, Magpie, if the findings of the CCC are weak and insubstantial and the minister deliberately dropped them into the public realm in the middle of the election campaign, candidate Thompson could probably, and not unreasonably, have cried foul. This way, he has a clean straight shot and has been defeated, no doubt about it. Both approaches had their risks – that has been obvious ever since the Labor premier handballed it to the likely new government. Crisafulli might have astute political antennae after all.
Tell you what will be a test for any of our theories … The ‘Pie reckons you can back it in that the report is unlikely to be released before the Saturday poll,mor at the very last minute to curtail exposure of what can only be bad news for the government. A clean slate for Thompson and they’re time and money wasters, or charges that could be laid, and they’re correctly accused of holding back information because it reflects badly on Crisafulli and his minister , because the government will have withheld information in order to enhance its Hinchinbrook chances. And then, in the latter case, they will have to answer for allowing allowing a candidate they believed had broken the law to run in our mayoral election.
Very much on the honker either way.
Has anybody taken a good look at Steven Clare, running for Hinchinbrook? Jesus Christ, another insane cooker who is on par with Twonames Thompson, Brian Venten, Barry Watts, and our very own Guy Reece. I truly didn’t realise there was so many people out there with a roo loose in the top paddock! Scary shit.
The vote for Thompson reassured me that there aren’t too many of them
Yay !
Nice to get a mention now and then. Its true – I am a cooker. What are my radical policies?
Simple
Pay back the debt
Stop spending money on crap
Manage wages downwards ( especially managers wages, sack re’-hire other people)
Manage assets we have now
Stop crap coming out of people toilets.
Policies of non cookers:
Don’t pay off the debt
Take more debt
Increase managers wages and golden handshakes
Laugh as crap comes out of people’s toilets – voters never get it, treat them as any marginal vote that wont make any difference.
TCC has advertised for a chief legal officer to replace the departed David Sewer’well. Let’s hope that this time they hire a competent person who isn’t a complete muppet.
No Troy, you need not apply. Same applies to your mate the bike riding realestate salesman.
…and the technicolor Batgirl Ms Keune. My God, she’ll insist they have a welcome to country before each legal meeting.
The welcome to country nonsense was originally a practical joke, but hi-jacked by the usual mob of WHITE aborigines!!!
… and when Ernie Dingo owned up that it was joke he invented some American visiting WA, the acadils and boofademics got to work and said, actually no, it isn’t, it is deeply rooted in indigenous culture. If it is, it is the most elaborate ‘g’day mate, oyergoinggoodtaseeya’ ever elevated to veneration status.
Yeah, this is a complete lie.
Magpie, your comment is the first time I have heard a claim that Ernie Dingo ” . . . owned up that it was joke he invented some American visiting WA, the acadils and boofademics got to work and said, actually no, it isn’t, it is deeply rooted in indigenous culture.” If you watch the following Instagram video you can see and hear an explanation straight from the horse’s mouth. Perhaps you could then retract your gratuitous verbal – it is simply not true.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI-760ySfJ7/
That a bad jerky link (for The ‘Pie anyway), happy to publish a more fluid one if people are having trouble with stop/start dialogue.
But Managed to get through it, and realise that you – unlike The ‘Pie – are willing to accept this elaborate back-tracking by Dingo on earlier comments. Probaly because he had all sorts of woke pressure put on him. Strange how WTC only became fashionable (and profitable) so long after 1976.
Wrong about the Americans, deep humble apologies, was going on the original hearing by memory only, but will stick with the fact that Dingo is not much black tracker as more of a back tracker.
Anyway, welcome to country is insulting rubbish the way its been presented and handled.
Are you a 3 percenter Bob, or just a fellow traveller?
“Managed to get through it, and realise that you – unlike The ‘Pie – are willing to accept this elaborate back-tracking by Dingo on earlier comments.”
I said I hadn’t heard this stuff before. That is why I went looking for it – and couldn’t find anything, at all. But you, Magpie, have doubled down, insisting, without any evidence whatsoever, that ED is some sort of fraud, although you admit you were ” . . going on the original hearing by memory only.” There’s nothing to remember, you just made it up.
At no time did The ‘Pie suggest that Ernie is a fraud, only that after the original light-hearted joke indigenous activists appear to have pressured him to re-phrase his previous story – which The’Pie cannot find but distinctly remembers hearing (don’t recall a video). And that recall is from more than 15 to 20 years back.
Absolutley sick of the welcome to country bullshit. I tune out, turn away, or ignore it when it is used. Welcome this – raises his finger in the air!!
The ‘Pie can’t get too worked up about it, except to be embarrassed about the white chicanery of it all, treating indigenous people as children by encouraging them to believe they somehow still have any real say in their ‘country’. The one thing that is truly objectionable is to ask people to stand for welcome to country, putting it on an equal plane with out national anthem. Which is for ALL Australians, not a small group of pretend owners.
Percy, I have noticed on domestic flights, they no longer welcome you to whatever tribe came from that city on landing. About time.
They still do acknowledgments on all the flights I’ve been on this year.
False, Rue
Surely Emma Micola is the next CLO, she has done the apprenticeship and seems to be well credentialed. Given she is already the acting CLO or will Peak Services, aka, LGAQ parachute another in to bolster the state governments visibility.
Quite likely, yes. She already knows where TCC’s dirt is hidden and she knows the layout of the land. No doubt she unfortunately knows Troy Thompson as well.
Unless you’re a TCC water cooler jockey, there’s nonreal way to know the lady’s competence or otherwise, but she’d hardly have even her current position if she was a legal dud. And she’s been there long enough to have a rusted on public service outlook. So why not, outside appointment to this post is going to set the world … or Townsville … on fire.
À propos nothing, but surely I’m not the only one to notice of late that a more apposite name for the Astonisher would be the “Police Blotter and Court Calendar Gazette”? To read it on any given day, one could easily conclude that it’s not just crime itself that’s out of control, but the number of write-ups ABOUT crime (some of which have been perpetrated quite far from Townsville). The whole practice strikes me as a) tawdry, and b) lazy. In just the past week, the tally has been a staggering, shocking, vile, sadly tragic, skyrocketing through the roof 34 (11 in today’s alone).
Out of interest (certainly not fun), I’ve taken a look at the same seven day period from 2015: a bit less eye-watering, jaw-dropping 27. Still up there, although the impression I also have is that the number of all articles in each day’s edition is fewer now than it was a decade ago, so the percentage of those devoted to law-breaking is higher.
One consequence of all this crime coverage, though, is the light it sheds on the large discrepancies between headline sentences and the time actually spent in prison (often because the perps have already spent in some cases 500+ days in “pre-sentence” custody), if sentences – or sometimes even convictions – are ultimately even meted out.
Incarceration may not be ‘the solution’, but every day these anti-social maggots are off the street is a day they can’t be robbing my house, setting fire to somebody’s car or tuning up on their partner, which is something that judges / magistrates, lawmakers, and criminal-apologists would do well to keep in mind.
On that very point (sort of) The ‘Pie wonders why the Hinchinbrook law’n’order zealots aren’t willing to campaign on the second prong of the lock ‘em up issue …. that is, campaigning for the government to build more prisons and juvenile facilities.
Are they frightened that would an admission of failure over all past Qld governments of 30 years? And they haven’t kept up, and have lost the social battle against a more ‘educated’ level of youth crime?
So, will someone please ask those advocating – ostensibly, very reasonably – to lock up bail offenders – where are you going to put them? The reason they’re not inside already instead of being on bail is because there is nowhere to put them.
There will be a minister (or two) in town in the next few months to officially announce an expansion of the men’s prison. The catch with these things (and I’ll put hospitals in the same basket) is procuring enough staff. They can build the best facilities, but if there’s no staff, it’s not opening.
Half a fig tree down near the Picnic Bay hotel! Let the conspiracy theories begin!
Pic please.
This is a serious question, not a cheap sneer.
Doesn’t anyone at the Bulletin, top to bottom, have the faintest idea of how utterly stupid this makes them look?
For those who’ve been here more than two seconds … make that, say five years, no, just this year, say last January … this is a mystifying head scratcher, the ultimate WTFF headline. No sleep is heavy enough to miss such an event.
But it gets even more idiotically puerile when we read the ‘evidence’ in the story …
Seriously, Bully peeps …. don’t you ever … oh, forget it, words really do fail us on this one.
Gone are the days of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.
‘Wettest day since 2008’…. The photo looks like it was taken in some park just after they turned the sprinklers off. As for this mysterious new suburb of Stuart Creek. Back in the day that is what the prison was known as to locals. Now it has made headlines because it has received 5mm more rain than anyone else in Townsville. Is it really seventeen years since Townsville received more than 50mm of rain in any one day????
Charlie.
Is it really seventeen years since Townsville received more than 50mm of rain in any one day????
I don’t know where you get your records from.
Ummm, mate … it was a sarcastic joke.
Demetto has posted a photo of himself in the mayoral possum furs on Facebook. I hope he had them dry cleaned after Twonames and Hill have soiled the outfit in their bodily fluids.
The CCC have just dropped their report into Two Names.
Looking forward to this weekends vote for Hinchinbrook. Hopefully Wade wins the election and we have an enhanced LNP friendly presence. Suck on that Katter’s.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-27/troy-thompson-report/106051960
Here we go.
CCC have released their inquiry into two names. Anyone got a copy.? Media are only drip feeding.
Just on Channel Seven state edition. Three names guilty but not guilty eh? All the shit we already know plus a lie about being a cancer survivor and also suffering from epilepsy. Therefore the video we saw where he had a fit in the supermarket would obviously have been staged. Of course he also lied about being a volunteer for Camp Quality as well. What an absolute scumbag.
https://www.ccc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/Docs/Publications/CCC/CCC-Public-Report_Investigation-Murray_November-2025.pdf Thompsons CCC report. No Prosecution, the DPP have confirmed, you can lie and get away with it….
It is going to actually be amusing if Thompson sees this as some sort of vindication … the report confirms everything we know or reasonably suspected (except maybe the weasely health details) about a deeply deceitful, egomaniacal con man. And a pretty fucking dumb one at that, in the end.
Bottom line: he was and is totally unfit for any public office or any position where financial and moral integrity are essential.
So, dear ‘Pie, you are suggesting he is an ideal candidate for a place in Trump’s White house cabinet.
Spot on Magpie, regardless of the fact that Headknocks won’t be formally charged, the report is damning and it verifies what most of us already knew – he was, is, and always will be a lying, deceitful, shonky douchebag. Good riddance fuckstick.
I think he is eminently qualified for public office! When you look at all the bafoons, morons, freaks and self centered mob that currently occupy the high offices of government he is qualified, but as yet an amateur in comparison.
That article is misleading. The CCC cannot recommend charges, they only investigate the case and give findings to the DPP. The DPP must have reasonable grounds for prosecution to proceed and act on those findings. They have not indicated their decision at this stage.
The DPP have stated there will be no further action taken, all media channels have contacted the DPP and reported this. Thompson has stated the CCC does not have all the details and is still declaring it as: No charges, No prosecution, No disciplinary referral, No corruption finding. Stating the report reflects only what the CCC had access to — it does not reflect the totality of his personal medical history over many years. He’s still denying it! FFS
Once we’ve got through all the fancy steps of this legal barn dance, bottom line: Troy Thompson was/is a blatant liar, deceiver and con man, a bully, who in his own interests wanted to destroy our legally elected council, and has done untold damage to the progress of Townsville. Also – and this is coming from a person who has had the real deal and all that entails – you are a snivelling vote-hunting sympathy seeker faking one of the most serious health conditions of the modern day.
And having ‘enjoyed’ the experience, The ‘Pie can assure you he would not wish the real thing on anybody … including you, Troy. Your insult is the lowest possible form of deceit.
The Magpie is satisfied that being you is its own lifelong punishment.
BB you are correct. Of interest was the issue of leaking confidential information and paying an outside advisor to co-ordinate the half-baked attempt to threaten councillors and remove JM. Still with the DPP. Its not over yet for the idiot. The report states they conducted searches on properties and seized devices for a reason and it seems they found what they were looking for. Why then, would there be no charges? It’d be akin to police raiding a drug-house, funding a sizeable stash and then letting the perpetrator go.
The DPP have stated they are not pursuing any criminal actions. Guest Lawyers, Thompsons legal team (poor bastards) are clear that there are no further actions after conferring with the CCC and DPP. It would seem to be over. A journalist has just advised Thompson has lodged a QHRC and QIRC claim based on the not guilty verdict, here goes, he is suing council, and state government. And the next phase begins FFS
And we can expect further reputational damage to Townsville, because the damning contents of the CCC report have attracted national media attention … you may rest assured they will keep an eye on where this goes. Today, further great Thompson exposure for sunny Townsville.
It is now clear we’re in for a protracted period of ‘they done me wrong’ desperate bloviating from Troy Thompson. This is evident from a media release he has fouled the social media air with this morning.
The ‘Pie declines to print the whole of what could best be described as ‘mea non culpa’ because it will only further his false claims of victimisation. But there’s a couple things in there worth considering. First, there is this, basically saying that the CCC are liars, or have reached an incorrect conclusion because he withheld complete health information … which he should NOT have kept confidential in a criminal investigation:
Regarding my medical history:
Cancer was detected. I also underwent serious surgery. My epilepsy is medically managed.
These matters are private and personal. I reject any suggestion that I misled anyone. This
has resulted in media commentary that does not reflect the totality of the facts.
Some media outlets have chosen to present selective fragments of the report in a way that is
unfair and damaging. It is inappropriate for private health matters to be used in political or
media narratives. These issues should have remained confidential.
The hypocrisy is deafening. You used your purported medical conditions to seek first sympathy, and then as a tool to try to hang on to an ill-gotten position. And why should these matters have remained confidential, when you and your team released a video of your supposedly having a seizure in a shopping mall? Was not this condition mentioned in your famous TV tell all ‘can’t remember anything’ train wreck interview?
And towards the end of the media release, this:
Throughout this process, certain commentary has ignored the most important facts:
• There was no wrongdoing
• There was no criminal intent
• There is no prosecution
• There is no disciplinary finding
• There is no adverse legal action
Taken in order:
1. Yes there was, you lied to voters about your military service, your uni and financial credentials, you attempted to illegally seek someone to hack this blog because ‘it is doing me damage’, and once elected, you attempted a cack-handed extortion/blackmail on all democratically elected councillors. And you illegally shared confidential council documents with an unidentified ‘advisor’. If all that and more is not ‘wrongdoing’, then you really are a moral bankrupt.
2. Not fucking half there wasn’t, as highlighted in your threats to council, particularly over your failure to get the advisor you wanted (whose identity we still don’t know). Outcome of this particular matter is pending and yet to play out.
3. That is a matter of proof in law, but you have been correctly judged by the media, the voters and any person with an IQ bigger that their shoe size.
4. Disciplinary findings apply only to those still in office.
5. Not yet, buddy, but this ain’t over by a long shot.
‘And The ‘Pie will be watching. Closely.
By email
Things are far from over in this saga, with some twists and turns ahead.
One major question is when – not if – will the TCC file a fraud complaint against TT for the Epilepsy Discrimination claim.
Obviously no epilepsy, so his demands are attempted fraud, probably with a good measure of forgery utterance.
The council has a duty to act in the interests of the ratepayers and the community generally, and it was them that this deception would have ultimately damaged. While recognising that the council, both elected and administrative, are in a time of major transition – and are without a permanent Chief Legal officer at the moment – making this fraud claim cannot be let fade into the background.
In truth, if we return to Earth from Planet Karma, I don’t have high hopes for the council doing anything of the sort. They will be worn down by “inevitable advice” to let it go.
As another crook once said ‘such is life’.
Show us the evidence that the DPP are not pursuing any criminal actions.
Also show us the evidence that Thompson has lodged a QHRC and QIRC claim.
Links to those would be suffice.
About 9.30am at the checkout at Coles at the Willows aboriginal woman pushers past those in the queue.
Says the young lady behind the counter in a loud clear voice,
“Are you going to pay for anything today, like the chocolate milk you have just consumed?”
This aboriginal cultural ambassador, as she walked away, gave the young lady behind the counter, and the rest of all present, a paint blistering character assesment.
Now this is the PROBLEM!
This aboriginal cultural ambassador, knowing that she will suffer no consequences for criminal actions would have well learned as a juvinile thief, where there is no consequences for their criminal bebaviour.
My street suffered multiple break ins over a two week period about 15 years ago. Caught on cctv aboriginal juveniles. From the police at the time, “there is nothing we can do.”
Well, that cohort of thieving aboriginal juveniles are now thieving adults, as seen at Coles this morning, all with no consequences.
Good heavens, look at the time. I am about to open an envelope. That will require a smoking ceremony and ANOTHER welcome to country.
Have only. caught up with the ‘Pie blog. Just a question on TEL, does the TCC mayor still hold a position on board? If so, how would this affect TCC setting KPIs on TEL.? It would like setting KPIs on himself.
Not currently. Liam Mooney, councillor to the arts luvvies and Dynasty’s Child, is the current TCC rep on the TEL board.
I had a skin cancer cut off my elbow. I am a cancer survivor.
I’ve only been concussed once though, courtesy of a well aimed bouncer in the days before helmets.
I learnt to duck better after that, which makes me 99 steps above Twonames.
Oh shit! French PM Oedipus Macron has announced a military recruitment drive for young “froggies” to be prepared to defend Europe against Ivan’s hoard.
Jay Leno summed them up eloquently when he said “One thing about the French is that they will always be there whenever they need us”
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251125-facing-russia-threat-france-to-restore-voluntary-military-service&ved=2ahUKEwi8iYnRrJKRAxXJdfUHHbrYFEcQFnoECDMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0hfjSw4YakzDD_lqPl0HhV
Is Jay Renault a French comedian?
Guessing that joke was about the Iraq war, one of the biggest military blunders in history. The French were right about that one!
Troy needs to get better lawyers. 3 recent self inflicted reputational wounds cases show he hasn’t got a chance
Bellino v Qld Newspapers https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2019/1380.html
Bruce Lehrmann https://www.ruleoflaw.org.au/lehrmann-defamation-case/
Ben Roberts Smith here https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCAFC/2025/67.html and High Court Rejection here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-04/nsw-ben-roberts-smith-special-leave-application-rejected-court/105733410
Then there is choice of forum issues/jurisdiction
He hasn’t got the dough topay for even two days in court, in a matter that would run to weeks at a personal cost of up to $10,000 a day.
Troy is sick in the head. Faking life threatening cancer when all he had done was lap band surgery and had a skin cancer removed from his chin is lower than low. These are the actions of a complete grub and lowlife. And his secret use of encrypted apps to transfer information shows up what a lying, deceitful and dishonest grub that he is. As for his so-called epilepsy, another con job unmasked. What a maggot.
I’m seriously hoping that McCabe and co go after Troy and sue him from every angle possible. Bury the parasite in legal action. Thompson is a stain on our city. Just fuck off Troy, please leave.
Oh my, the clouds get darker. It has come out in various circles today that a particular bike riding bald headed ‘former’ realestate agent, is the advisor that Troy Thompson was using. To be honest it’s not really a big shock.
What various circles? proof please.
It would make sense wouldn’t it. Looking at some of the statements it could well be Stephen Lane, dear lord it gets better by the minute.
No, not really. Apart from the crudities, don’t think our Stephen has the required mental RPMs for that stuff. But sure, could be wrong.
Bet the Astonisher’s been sitting on this one for more than a year.
One of their better front pages.
What I want to know is, who was the “Advisor”? That’s a story in itself.
You bet it is. The suggestion that it was Stephen Lane is flattering to that small bandwidth operative, and this isn’t a private arrangement, it is about public probity, especially when one is talking about kicking the CEO in the balls and giving councillors a punch in the guts. However, unlikely they will ever be identified.
Don’t underestimate Lane. He may be a fuckwit but he has enough knowledge of some aspects of law and he has a good understanding of local government (his mum was a councillor), it will come out eventually if Lane was Thompson’s advisor, but I’m betting he was.
OK, then, the evidence points to Lane and since the outcome is a too-clever-by-half failure, it more or less confirms it. (For the record, his mum, Jenny Lane was a straight arrow councillor when in office and his father Richard is a nice, quietish sort of bloke who stands well aside from all Stephen’s nonsense.)
Percy, What about that Brian bloke (My Town Media)?
He was always putting his two bobs worth and defending the idiot.
It was Lane, he attended a meeting with the Deputy Director at the TCC when he was there, that can be confirmed through a RFI with council, he booked a room. It’s not guess work, talk to channel 7, and the ABC, Lane took all of Thompsons video releases from Castle Hill, I recognised them when walking my dog. My concern is, Lane and his wife are known LNP people, in fact they were in charge of memberships, his wife Kathy was and is on Natalie Marrs tent often before, during and after the campaign, the messages Lane would have would be in the hands of more people at LNP, this makes things interesting. Once Crisafulli was elected, Lane was gone into Elders Realty, where his missus worked too, so it has to be him, there so much more to this Magpie, it’s time to dig into Lane, LNP and Thompsons connection, remember they approved his suspension pay.
Lane has suddenly and recently left Elders. Very quick. He is no longer featured on their website. What’s next for him – anew tinfoil hat or perhaps a boxing match with Messagebank?
The ‘Pie noticed when a few months back he posted a picture of a small Elders billboard featuring Lane as an agent, it was just a matter of a couple days and it disappeared, replaced with a more appealing visage of a female agent(anything would’ve been more appealing really, Dracula, Gollum, anything, couldn’t it?)
Robbie Katter, who hung out with the nazis with new Mayor Dametto at ANZAC Park recently smearing all immigrants , says they are starting a defamation action against the LNP about donations and being on the same page as Thompson.
If you were a councilor, and it goes for Last too , you are all smeared by your groups donations. Especially if you were straight outa the cops. Yup the CFMEU donated big to the Hill Gang in 2016 , they have also donated big to the KAP.
Go to https://disclosures.ecq.qld.gov.au/Map and type Katter into the search box 20K from the CFMEU on 20-05-2019 ,
Go to https://transparency.aec.gov.au/ClientEntity/EntityDetail?clientIdentifier=30037&clientType=significantthirdparty
CFMEU gave KAP $25k in 2015-16 , $125k in 2013-14
That’s with all the dodgy clubs and hotels and gun money too .
On The Qld site above you can see all the dodgy money to the LNP especially from labor aligned lobbyists donating for their clients and windfarms. And you can go through the federal site above and the various state sites.
Mutually assured destruction in court one would think.
Gotta’ love the Astonisher’s use of words, shocking/stunning etc with the breaking story on Troy Boy’s findings. you would have to have been living in a sealed vacuum for the last 12 months to not know about this conman’s deception and lies.
The authorities at all levels are weak and ineffective. A list of lies, misleading deception, heavy involvement in secretly passing on confidential data by the conman and nothing but a slap on the wrist and some cutting words on the actions. The report simple confirms what everyone knew and has been regularly highlighted here in the Nest. No surprises there at all !
Be nice to see somebody/watchdogs etc actually nail the prick, retrieve the money he’s been paid while he cons the city, consider some jail time to give him (and others) the opportunity to think twice before following through with his con job over the last 18 months.
From FB ‘Cairns local news’
????This week’s Vocal Local question: What do you think about the light rail proposal between Cairns and Cardwell?
????WANT TO BE HEARD? Comment below, send your text to 0473 424 877, or email us at email hidden; JavaScript is required to have your say.
Another opportunity for Townsville’s visionaries to lose out to Cairns once again.
Hard to establish what the proposal, put forward by Cassowary Coast Council not Cairns, really entails. But if it is about getting commuters the 180kms to Cairns from Cardwell in quick time it begs the question ‘to what end?’ If it was Cairns to Gordonvale it might make sense or if it was perceived as a tourist thing with a fat fare attached OK maybe but I notice that some idiot is already talking about it being virtually free of charge:
“A Far North MP has thrown his support behind the latest light rail proposal while revealing his views on whether a Cairns to Cardwell route should be 50c in line with the southeast.”
Yup, that scenario is total nonsense. But it has added to the awareness of a viable light rail option in workable circumstances … like Townsville.
The track between Townsville and Cairns is terrible. It closes 3 weeks at a go in the wet season, there is a lot of problems mud holes, bridges beyond service date etc. which means speed restrictions. It is built low, particularly in flood plains, and making it somewhat reliable would be $$ more than anyone can afford. There is already a passenger train that travels between the two places, which can stop at Stations in Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Innisfail and Babinda. It is poorly utilized because it takes all day, and no one can get a taxi at either end. A light rail will travel on the same track with the same speed restrictions and have the same wet season stoppages.
Its all pie-in-the-sky, something this writer knows all about.
While you’re all salivating over the demise of Thompson, Slick Nick is having beers with Pauline Hanson.
No doubt swapping Thompson disaster stories.
Slick has the ALP Senator Green, ONP Senator Hanson, LNP Senator McDonald, Phillip Thompson, David Crisafulli, Katters and councillors all inside. TEL, Chamber and business are working with him too . We did get the FB page, Shit Town of Queensland 2025 award, so it’s all up hill now.
Are you sure you mean “inside”?
In case you need a memory refresh, Thompson had meetings with Malcolm Roberts when he was first elected.
And we’ve had the Shit Towns award before, this is nothing new.
The LNP is only meeting with Slick Nick to ensure he follows orders. The more pressure they put on him, the more chance of him conforming. This isn’t a “work with” situation. This is a “let us remind you who put you here” situation
Note to all commenters. The Magpie is no longer going to publish comments that reference the Shit Towns of Australia site. It is a childish parody with no serious intent, just a spoof click bait site with the humorous intent long ago fallen into tedium. The ‘Pie has decided this because some around here apparently take its nincompoopery seriously, as though it carries some weight.
It doesn’t, therefore to avoid confusion, no more, thanks.
BTW think it is written by a couple of Kiwis, like they can talk. Another reason it bites the dust around here.
the words up hill, are somehow repulsive
Election updates on ECQ website
And the link is?
FFFS!!!
https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/hinchinbrook-by-election
Thanks.
Hinchinbrook definitely going to preferences … at this time, 96% of votes have been counted, the leader, LNP’s Chiesa is on 41.25%, with Frothy Molachino on 30.25%, so there will be no primary vote winner. But with Frothy a disheartening (for him) 11% behind, there are other factors that are going to make this a closer run thing than that. Because while Labor’s Soars has a bit over 8%, One Nation’s Luke Sleep is maintaining the party’s previous share at 13.48. If Molachino can get just a portion of those first preferences, he’s in with a chance … EXCEPT … oh, please, we need a good laugh, the winner may well be decided by the first preference votes that the two leaders gained. And what are the chances they went to each other? Gotta luv it.