The Smiley Labor Government now has to piss or get off the pot over the Bowen Rd Bridge lane duplication – if it doesn’t go ahead, totally avoidable traffic snarls for months – years, maybe – ahead will be Miles (and Walker’s) legacy. But, gosh, looks like there could a slight cost blow-out … nothing to worry about, what’s $50 to $100m between taxpayers and a desperate government. The ‘Pie has some informed information.
Townsville’s leading restaurant critic gives his take on Brisbane nose-baggeries, and even found time to attend Local Government training session for mayors and councillors.
Incurable addiction to adjectives leads News Ltd to commit sensational, mind-blowing, heroic,tragic, heart-breaking utter idiocy.
The Magpie invites entries in a new weekly award, the AQATE Trophy, to be awarded to the funniest public comment, barb, quip or comment of the week’s news.
One contender for this week’s inaugural trophy has emerged from the fraud trial of Dozing Donald in New York.
And sadly, our ‘toonist Bentley bids us a fond farewell, holstering his barbed pen after 14 years of entertaining us. He explains all in his elegant goodbye.
Welcome to a bumper Nest of information and inanity (as usual) which is worth at least as much as The Daily Astonisher, but we’re forever free. Unfortunately, software and related computer services, and the costs of getting around aren’t, so this weekly missive need not be your guilty secret … you can make yourself feel warm and fuzzy with a bit of a donation to help out with costs. The donate button is at the end of this week’s brilliance. heh heh heh. All current and previous mayors are excused from making a donation.
So to Brisbane, And Mayor TwoNames Gets Down To Important Business …
… which appeared to be ‘ Do you want the foie gras, or a beef kebab,m’dear?’
Troy Thompson and his partner have for some time been reviewing Townsville nosheries on his private FB page, which is of great interest to those who trust his judgement in this area AND are allowed to view his FB ramblings. But even now, in his elevation to Walker Street waffler-in-chief, his gastronomic pretensions guide him.
He and his partner spent several days in Brisbane at taxpayer expense, for him to get some unexpected rude shocks from stern local government lecturers about the limits on both his new powers (very limited) and his required behaviour, (very strict in our modern PC lunacy). So as a political newbie and newly minted boss man of the city (he thinks), a city suddenly freed from the dictatorial clutches of Mayor Mullet, you’d reckon Mayor TwoNames would offer some humble social media posts of his visit south, the majesty of the system of governance of which he is now part and the the awe and honour he felt in representing one of Australia’s largest regional communities. hey, maybe a few pics of him at the impressive gates of Parliament, and perhaps shaking hands with some local government shiny bum pooh bah, all while displaying a resolute statesman-like demeanour.
So is that what we got? Umm, well, no, not exactly.
The general great unwashed of Townsville got almost nothing at all about his visit, while those allowed to view his private page, were generously treated to …. some more restaurant reviews and a bit of a stroll-around travelog.
But he woke up and had a shot at capturing the awe and majesty of the Brisbane moment – but that almost got ambushed by his taste buds.. .
Hang on a sec, you ‘didn’t nearly make it to the course on time‘ because you were in a lolly shop’? Mate, you need a gob stopper. And a brain starter, if they have one.
Some media guidance, too, better than this impenetrable guff that bobbed up on Friday, with you appearing to claim credit for something with which you had ABSOLUTE ZERO do with.
If you read through all the stock-standard vanilla of pillow plumping and mutual fluffing of each other, you may get the impression it makes that all his tough-talk campaign blather about bringing TEL to heel is ‘now in the past,I will not speak of it again, it’s none of your business,anyway.’
Many eagerly await you giving the Dudley Do Nothings your promised comeuppance.
Oh, this is gunna be a long haul … but what fun!!!
And Let’s Pause For A Reality Check
… while The Magpie maintains the evidence so far shows that Troy TwoNames Thompson is unfit for office, some fevered reader responses against his election are ignoring or greatly inflating the extent of mayoral powers. And they are not as great as some believe or wish them to be. There’s been a flood of suggestions and ‘inside information’ – much from his side of the trolling fence – about ‘here’s wot Troy’s gunna do, by golly, by gum …’ All of which conveniently ignores the strict parameters of the mayoral role. He has no Presidential style ‘executive order’ powers (except in a genuine usually weather emergency, and even then in close consultation with various other bodies) he cannot order staff changes, sackings or hirings by dictatorial fiat. Even if he tried, he likely have an instant strike on his hands. And as to the rest of the day-to-day matters, or even the ‘visionary’ sell-offs and schemes, he has to get the council to agree … and unlike Mayor Mullet, he doesn’t have a tame aerobics arm-raising class. So let’s pop a chill pill and sit back and see how he handles his new reality.
Bentley Bids Us Bye Bye
Normally, in this spot upfront in The Nest each week, you get a chuckle to start off with from our ‘toonist Bentley.
Alas no more.
After a sterling innings over 14 years, it is now time to cheer our beloved Bentley back to the dressing sheds of retirement. It seems he has been clean bowled by that spin bowler who gets so many of us, Father Time. But we’ll let our premier cartoonist/illustrator have the last words himself.
It appears I’m getting too old and unsound to continue with regular cartoons. Sitting for hours at a desk/computer/drawing board/easel is, I’m afraid, now beyond me. That really pisses me off, as all my life I assumed that with retirement I would be able to produce the art I loved rather than the art that provided an income. As the medical profession is now repeating ad nauseum, ‘Sitting is the new smoking ‘. I gave up smoking 40 years ago, and now it seems I have to cut back on sitting! Bugger!
So, after 14 years of expressing myself through the excellent Magpie blog, I must express my gratitude for your good will and patience, and slip out the back door. There will be times, I expect, when the urge to lampoon some extraordinary stupidity, will override my specialist, whereupon a dose of an appropriate opioid will allow me to scratch the itch. But for now I must thank you and your readers and retreat.
I expect the blog will thrive regardless, as it is, as far as I know, the only local voice which carefully joins the dots and publishes the fascinating/sneaky/humorous/criminal behind-the-scenes issues. Not only that, but in prose which only the Magpie seems to have mastered. God help us, we need more ballsy journos all over the country to keep our lunatic leaders honest. (My apologies to the good ones. )
Bentley.
It’s been a pleasure and an honour, Benters, your unstinting talent added a much needed overlay of classy tone and style to the Nest, especially in the early days when the whole thing teetered and looked like it may topple over through The ‘Pie’s famous computerphobia and lack of a sub editor. Your unfailing presence played a big role in making The ‘Pie stick to his self-appointed task of shining a light in dark corners – always while laughing. Needless to say, mate, when inspiration strikes and can’t be resisted, you will always find a home here.
Sincere thanks.
Your mate, The ‘Pie.
A little further on, we will close this week’s Nest with a small gallery from the some 700+ razor sharp Bentley offerings to remind us all of what we will all be missing.
Figures Lie And Liars Figure – Yes, Miles And Walker, We’re Looking At You
The Queensland Labor Government has again proved it is the world champion of the second best solution …. and the most expensive. The lane extensions between University Drive and the Bowen Road bridge are underway, but there is no sign of anything happening to add the necessary extra lanes to the two-lane bridge over the Ross River. When The ‘Pie aired this issue in last week’s Nest, it prompted an informed and interesting response from one reader who is clearly well informed. Although choosing to remain Anon, he/she certainly seems to be all over this. Best we let readers decide for themselves.
Anon writes:
Thanks, Magpie, for your investigation of the infrastructure spend in Bowen Road.
According to QTRIP, the Bowen Bridge was initially costed at around $70mil and the Sturt Road duplication at $40 mill. Two distinct projects that have been in the pipeline for a while.
In time for the election, it was announced that the bridge would be duplicated and Sturt road would be upgraded. It was announced that the project was beginning at the cost of $96 mil. This tender was just for Stuart Road (as per the numbered investment ID) and did not include the trickier and more necessary task of duplicating the bridge. However when work commenced and trees started to be cut down residents assumed it was the beginning of both tasks (as evidenced in comments in Everything Townsville).
I’m sorry to say I don’t think the priority in any of this was to improve safety of school children but to appear to be busting congestion before an election. Les’s billboard advertises this as a lane duplication project (gotta keep up with Aaron). There is also the complete lack of regard for pedestrians shown by cutting all the shade trees down. Possibly it was hoped nobody would notice it was only half a project and the idea was to hurry up & get a bit of an action/ construction shot. Much easier to get started chopping down trees than building a bridge. The Magpie busted that one wide open.
Concerns about a bottleneck and tree removal were raised on the initial Have Your Say TMR public consultation. It was also pointed out that if pedestrian safety was the goal the project would include extending the pathway to Fairfield Central. These concerns were later evident in social media.
The tender for the bridge duplication was subsequently opened (after a bit of heave ho and a new transport minister came to power). This project also increased in price but not as dramatically. Additionally, a footpath to Fairfield Central was promised for $9 million, bringing the whole project to over $200 000 000 for a few kilometres of road.
As usual our media has been very inadequate at reporting all of this and it was amazing to hear in the 7 news bite on this story state that there were ‘no cost blowouts’.
Glad you are finally on it Magpie.
I would like all governments to have a clearer way of reporting tenders advertised, applied for and awarded. At a local level tenders are reported very vaguely compared to other jurisdictions eg councils in NSW. It’s also not shown in QTRIP what is actually done and there are lots of unstarted projects there. Road Infrastructure is notoriously subject to pork barrelling so this a concern. More material for you I am sure.
Anon
This conjures up shades of the Ring Road project, done in two unnecessary stages as masterminded by Mike Capt Snooze Reynolds for electoral purposes, no matter that it doubled the cost of the second stage. It would be nice if the Bowen Road bridge part of the project doesn’t become becomes the second best solution delayed by mysterious matters in George Street in Brisbane. And become traffic chaos for Townsville.
More Body Corporate Capers In Palmer Street
More fun and games at the Solarus Apartments over the past few weeks with shouting matches in the underground carpark, three Body Corporate committee members resigning, anonymous letters posted on the walls of the lifts and in the letterboxes, and the building’s four fire wardens pulling the plug.
The latest matter has nothing to do with insurance, the area where so many Body Corporate stoushes originate, but revolved around accusations of bullying of committee members by the BC chairman, who was also questioned about secret meetings with the very shady Bega family who were attempting to buy Solarus management rights. (They failed.)
All these distasteful and highly questionable shenanigans led to three long-serving and highly qualified committee members resigning in protest at the chairman’s wholly compromised actions and behaviour. A group of about 20 owner/residents called for a special general meeting of the body Corporate, to try to remove the chairman from the committee altogether. In the meantime, the chairman resigned but took over the now vacant position of secretary. Security and highly questionable access issues were involved.
Apparently it all came to a head last Monday, when the Body Corporate baddie was duly given his marching orders after a vote at a Special General Meeting. He is now off the committee altogether.
Meanwhile the Bega scourge,who seems to specialise in damaging business failures, were until recently still involved in the adjacent Allure Apartments, playing fast and loose with a dozen different regulations until that was all knocked on the head by the Adjudicator for the Commissioner in such matters. It was ruled that through a lack of transparency in their dealings, including Peter Bega’s bankruptcy, none of the family were eligible to sit on the Body Corporate of the Allure Apartments. The ‘Pie understands but has been unable to confirm that a court hearing has ruled that the transfer of the common area of the Allure Apartments (for the use of all residents) into a Bega controlled company which privately operated the function centre was illegal.
It would all make a good reality TV show. Shame the title ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ is already taken.
Introducing A New Nest Award, A Quip Around The Ears (AQATE) Trophy …
… and The ‘Pie invites readers to have some fun with it.
This will honour the best sharp comment(s) noted throughout the week’s news. It can be any subject, just has to be sharp and funny. Readers are invited to send in their suggestions if they spy something particularly clever.
As an example, this inaugural AQATE Award goes to this bloke …
… Federal Court Judge Michael Lee, in his Bruce Lehrmann judgement.
In fact, as far was quotable lines go, Judge Lee was a cornucopia of caustic summations, but perhaps best the best put-down was this one:
‘Having escaped the lion’s den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of coming back for his hat.’
Maybe not a Lee original, but the perfect occasion for such a factual conclusion in a cuttingly witty manner.
And while The ‘Pie will leave to the media big boys to comb through the outcome – short version: Lehrmann raped Higgins, Higgins had told porkies about the porking, a grandstanding Lisa Wilkinson should have known better and Channel 10 are arsesoles … case dismissed – it was predictably a cartoonists field day, and easily the best one that told the story in a single image came from Harry Bruce in the Bulletin.
Good one, Bruce.
Lehrmann’s self-destruction prompted those funnymen at The Shovel to come up with their own award.
The full list of Shovel citations is even more hilarious because they’re all true.
Addiction To Adjectives Leads News Ltd To Commit Sensational, Mind-Blowing, Heroic Tragic, Heart-Breaking Utter IDIOCY.
News Ltd’’s war on the Queensland Labor Government is about as subtle as a grenade in a bowl of porridge, to the point ,it seems, where the headlong rush has resulted in brain trauma.
The latest battleground is the perennial one, no matter who is in government … the state of the Bruce Highway, which often does look like a battleground. This week, the Courier and all her kiddies in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay have carried compelling stories about the history and dangers of the Brutal Bruce. And yes, the statistics are damning … but this cynical campaign has nothing to do with shaming Labor into red-faced embarrassment and action. It is all to do with getting Labor out of office in October, when News Ltd will promptly forget the issue and concentrate on the Olympic mega-debacle forthcoming.
But perhaps News should take advice from Larry David and curb their enthusiasm. Take this for instance.
What? Since when did a ’reduction’ in deadly accidents suddenly become ‘shocking’ and ‘alarming’? If wacky weed wasn’t involved, then this is just thoughtless, juvenile nonsense, especially when, in an effort to claim balance should they ever be challenged, the story lists the considerable amount of upgrading and safety projects carried by recent Labor regimes. Including life-saving bypass Ring Roads in Mackay, Townsville and Cairns and one under construction in Rocky..
Because the paper well knows that with a ruinous Olympic Games on the cards, there’s going to be bugger all for the Bruce, or any other worthwhile regional project.
And it’s worth noting that the paper hasn’t leaned on the LNP for their take on the issue, and has had little or nothing to report on LNP intentions regarding the highway. Kid Crisafulli is going to have his hands full of the poisoned chalice, the Olympic five-ringed circus.
The Fractured States Of America – The Greatest Shit Show On Earth …
… and apparently now smells like it.
Oh, dear, it now turns out … credibly … that brain farts aren’t the only kind Trump is producing. His lawyers and those close by as he slumbers through his trial proceedings are now trying to cope with a different series of outbursts from their client.
The irony wasn’t lost on one of Trump’s most trenchant critics.
And, the ‘Pie adds, his bum closed.
Trump’s fraud trial jury has now been selected – despite the disgraceful behaviour of news outlets, led by Fox and CNN, who disclosed identity details of jurors, resulting in a couple of them recusing themselves for fear of their personal safety. So the real stuff starts from tomorrow.
But there were other things on Americans’ minds during the week,including Arizona blocking attempts to repeal a 1864 (yes, 1864) law blanket banning abortions.
Finally, As Promised ..
… a little Bentley bonus from the archives.
…………
Plenty there for you to fire in some pithy comments, or on any subject you like, it’s free and runs 24/7.
To help out with Nest costs, you’ll find the donate button below.
It’s amazing how the trappings of office soon overwhelm even the most strident of insurgent candidates – our illustrious Mayor Two Names is no different.
His decision to appoint political advisors comes a close second two his Day 1 rates freeze backpedal.
While Fighting Fran may be a sound appointment, one has to question the potential second hire – none other than the Angry Ant’s daughter, Bella Jacob, whose reputation for intelligence and pleasance rival Prins Ralston’s reputation for modesty and people skills. Her talents are such that even Messagebank Walker found reason to fire her from his office only a few short months ago.
And that’s how deals are made, folks, in our new transparent regime.
As The ‘Pie predicted, then, we will have another shogun …. power behind the throne. All hale our ersatz mayor Angry Ant Jacob?
Angry Ant is already getting his “team” imbedded deep in council. Watch for executive appointments soon of Ken Diehm and Keith Parson. Yeah there will be a process but processes are much easier when you know the result you want. Poor 2names in his rush to power forgot to check who might be aligned to who.
The Ant has been bleating for years that he wants a genuine, red shirt-wearing Labor team to run in Townsville Council elections too. I’m sure once Two Names has outlived his usefulness to Jacob – we will have Team Angry Ant in the chamber and in executive gigs. I for one can hardly wait.
I worked with both these guys back in the day … both competent managers.
Agreed, and The ‘Pie’s limited contact with them back in the day reveals them to be a cut above a lot of others who’ve infested out council since. Certainly, neither will put up with any amateur nonesense.
As our Division 1 representative, I wonder if we’ll ever get to see him – or will he be too busy playing political (Labor) games?
It’s a busy job being Bluewater’s answer to Niccolo Machiavelli.
In the interests of transparency and accountability, it should be clarified whether Fran has resolved her previous business with council regarding the issue of costs arising from her unsuccessful litigation. Whilst I am sure that, after all this time, the issue should have been resolved, I can’t recall any public statements as to whether the issue has been resolved. Not asking for the terms of any resolution – that may well be actually CiC.
Sometimes even a broken coocoo clock is right. Putting aside politics a council led by Paul Jacobs with Ken Deihm and Keith Parsons : with a foolish food critic figurehead to take the fall when needed : might end up being a good thing. While I try as hard as I can to keep away from the slimy hallways of Walker Street, I must be living in a cave as the only place I hear the news about Fran and Bella becoming Advisors is here. As you so often ask others Magpie, wheres the proof in this pudding?
This is the only place you couldpossibly hear of such things, the real journalists wouldn’t touch it. As for proof, do a little more digging. She mightn’t make it into an advisory role, but that was the aim. Even an attempt is an appalling hillbilly look for the town.
“Messagebank Walker found reason to fire her from his office only a few short months ago.”
You mean when her father started running against Jenny Hill and her team? I don’t think that departure was due to her job performance!
You must have missed the memo Bob-Bob – Messagebank and his equally idiotic son have been campaigning against the Mullet ever since he was unceremonioiusly dumped as Deputy for Frothy Molachino in 2020, including openly backing Brady Ellis. Mark my words, he was thrilled to see this election result.
And so, the nepotism continues as it always did.
Thought you were better than that, Paul.
Farwell and good fortune Bentley. As my Father commented a long time ago, “Old age is not for the faint hearted. ”
For me you most memorable recent work was of Albo molesting the young female constitution, with her saying, “What part of No don’t you understand. “
Thanks Ben. It seems the lefties are ignoring her protests and having a grope. What happened to chivalry?
Pie, as you know there are two sides to every story. It’s disappointing you chose to publish this one. I can assure you Solarus remains a great place to live, and peace and harmony prevail for most of us.
Good morning, Russel. At no time in this nor previous blogs did The ‘Pie suggest Solarus was anything but one of the leading apartment blocks in Townsville, and one of the more desirable locations. As to peace and harmony, perhaps it always would’ve been thus had you been the BC committee all along.
But The Magpie is always happy to publish any ‘other side of the story’ which you wish to offer. Or at least refute any or all the information that’s been published, which, given some of those involved, appeared to threaten the ‘peace and harmony’ of all residents.
Thanks for the endorsement of Solarus Pie. That’s why we bought here after all. I’ll decline the offer to comment. Trust you will understand.
No harm ever intended, Russell, and will trust you understand the real purpose behind of the stories.
Scoreboard . Townsville homeless epicentre of North Queensland / highest rates increase Qld some suburbs + 19 % in 2 yrs vs Team Hill $74.3 mil Council pick up Haughton blow out + another $55 mil Prins was forced to disclose after Frans questioning . $5 mil blow out on Thuringowa library relocation . Concert Hall , was the announcement delayed to post election Council $50 mil to match the Qld Govt $50 mil ? . Aaron , $24 mil blow out stage 1 Riverway drive , $15 mil stage 1 Kirwan police hub . Les , $30-40 mil Bowen rd , Scott $15 mil to a floating resturant whist development delays for yrs 500 metres from his office cbd . Council / State win with $200 mil blow outs in just a few yrs .
It’s not a good look when we are in a cost-of-living crisis and people can’t afford 3 meals per day or are unable to feed their pets, and this guy is dining out luxuriously on the ratepayer dime and posting photos of it on Facebook. Then he admits to almost being late to his training course because he was visiting a lolly shop. Poor choices Troy, poor choices.
Agreed Mopsy! Twonames, some decorum please , none of this foody stuff is appropriate to your new role. Many of your ‘constituents’ are doing it real tough!!
Amaxim Harpic should learn.
Yes Mop. Hey twodicks/two watches/two names, watch out for Food Trucks Greaney, she is the TCC in house food fairy!!!
Someone should check if she has any recipes for Mushrooms Victorian style.
Champignon a la Leongatha et tete-morte.
Yum …. errrkkk!!!
Okay…who’s gonna put their hand up?
https://jobs.townsville.qld.gov.au/page.php?pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=775619
Reader Not On Your Nelly Bay has already said that Jacob’s daughter bella, his campaign manager during the election, has been given the gig … but since Mayor Mullet had three advisors, there is still more pointless appointments to come.
Not quite EB, this position is seperate to the advisors. The Council still needs to resolve to allow TT to have advisors. The LG Act entitles him to 3 (based on the category of council), but he gets none unless his colleagues in the chamber vote to support it – the council agenda for this week contains the resolution. Given his statements about cost cutting and specifically calling out the Mullet for having advisors due to their cost, councillors would be within their rights to vote no due to the hypocrisy of it all.
On the other hand god help us if he doesn’t get advisors!
Yes, perhaps The ‘Pie and EB are in error, and this is in fact a straight senior secretarial position. So the vote on Bella (and Fran, although there would seem to be some practical problems with that) will be worth the entrance fee if the council starts selling tickets to their meetings.
Bella Jacob will not get the gig, the mayor does not trust any Jacob, and the fact Paul undid his work on secret ballots, and then questioned his Deputy annual rollout, Jacob has gone from friend to foe. Let the back stabbing begin…. It is very clear no councillor wants the mayor to have an advisor, but what they do not realise is, he represents them in public, and is the elected head, so if they do not work with him, they may have a lot of mud on their faces. They also have an issue with trusting the internal information going to the mayor and councillors, remember Jenny was there a long time, and there are quite a few that will take the opportunity. My opinion, new CEO cleans ranks, assist Thompson to get 2 advisors that work, and they should have all level of government connections and support, as well as a media person, Carla is a nasty one, she will make him look bad at every chance, team Jenny is very much alive and kicking. Fran won’t be an advisor, neither will Bella, the mayor doesn’t trust the Jacobs one bit I am informed
Jennay… please enlighten us all as to whom Carla is?
“High level secretarial skills (which require a high degree of judgement, initiative, confidentiality and sensitivity)”
Perhaps qualities that the new EA will have to impart on Two Names… probably more use than any training that he got at the LGAQ Parliament House pow-wow!
I’m glad i found your blog a few weeks ago. Quality content rarely seen anymore! The Bulletin seriously needs journo’s like you. Will they ever get them again?
No offence, but you need to get your name out more. Pretty sure there are plenty of people in Townsville who don’t even know this page exists but would be happy to read and donate occasionally.
Well, tell them.
The ‘Pie knows from The Nest’s analytics that he has a substantial number of readers, but also takes into account that it is not how many, but who, reads The Nest. The old bird finds it a badge of success that many a foe are regular readers, but he takes heart that the many friendly Nesters understand the necessarily negative views of Townsville’s shadowy side needs to flinch in a bit of light. The ‘Pie is happy to let the blog grow organically, but thanks for the vote of confidence.
Indeed, it’s crucial to confront the difficult realities, even when they are unwelcome. The pervasive spin from politicians and media can be frustrating, which might explain why mainstream media appears to be faltering while independent journalists gain traction. However, it’s essential to avoid the pitfall of consuming information from a single perspective, as this can lead to echo chambers. This underscores the importance of engaging with diverse viewpoints and fostering discussions based on facts.
‘…engaging with diverse viewpoints and fostering discussions based on facts.’ The second part of that is why The Magpie sometimes declines to publish some ‘viewpoints’, which are patently time wasting rubbish.
Are you having a stroke? Either medical or self-indulgent?
Am I having a stroke? No sorry, I don’t play with myself like that, I have a partner for that.
With Anzac Day coming up this week , and although Im an ex army republican (not a vet) who refuses to join the stuffy royalist RSL , I welcome and applaud the January statement of the NSW RSL President that Anzac Day is not for sale https://rslnsw.org.au/news/anzac-day-is-not-for-sale/
Its one thing to pollute the day with right wing nationalism and distract from the lessons of not giving in to jingoism , and not questioning the reasons for bent politicians for sending our people to wars , and the celebration of the bloody minded murder of our people on an industrial scale, when if that happened now, the orders could be disobeyed as unlawful commands and someone would have to go to gaol , but its quite another thing to use the day to continue to fleece people, including veterans.
All sorts of Anzac day sports will be played . And its sanctioned so as to always associate the military with sports. But the Cricket , AFL and NRL are now gambling mafia, on top of everything they were already , wearing gambling sponsor ads and the grounds are festooned with the ads too. The TV is swamped with the ads and the companies are donors to political parties.
The anzac jerseys available on the net and as team merch carries betting company logos too. The Las Vegas games were all about breaking into the yank gambling market.
Parents are brainwashed into abusing their kids by handing them over to this mafia to perpetuate it when the evidence is brain damage from concussion is the result.
Anzac day is already commercialised , and the RSL pokies owned by the gambling mafia will be jingling -fleecing the people they are supposed to serve , and they will make a killing on the sports with online betting. The price of liberty of liberty is the eternal jingle jangle of pokies.
If you want to be honest about treating Anzac Day with the solemness of November 11 then CANCEL (YES I USED THE WORD) the sports and close the RSLs until betting is banned on the day and the pokies are turned off for 24 hours . There is a federal law that allows this to be done by the minister concerned (click the section numbers https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/powr370/ )
There is always a pile on for people daring to criticize the day., I would also point out that the rise of alternative veteran organisations is testament to the failures of the RSL and its decreasing relevance to people in modern times. The masons and churches are going the same way all over. The far right people who would pile on are now terrorists according to the CTH Criminal Code. The last Aussies to die in action against the nazis was in 1945. In 2008 the SAS flew the nazi swastika in Afghanistan . Its taken 80 years to declare nazis and fascists terrorists (Part 5. s80.2 -s80.6 https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/cca1995115/sch1.html )
As Im always looking for an argument ,so , if you are insulted by what I say , then whack on your $150 Anzac gambling jerseys and jump in your Kokoda ™ and Veteran (tm ) camper vans and FUCK OFF !
A somewhat supercharged Lest We Remember effort,Pat.
Given Woolworths shameless disregard for Australia Day (“Australia Day means different things to different people”) by ignoring it altogether, will Woolworths ignore ANZAC Day as it too means different things to different people?
P.S. Where possible I shop at Coles.
Someone oughta check if Woolworths is selling Australian flags for Anzac Day. Our indigenous smoke signallers will be outraged.
Woolworths sells Australian flags all year round, why wouldn’t they be selling them?
Here you go: https://www.aap.com.au/factcheck/no-woolworths-has-not-ditched-anzac-day-rsl/
And here I thought we were finally moving on from the Mayor and all the carry on.
From within, the city leader I’m told paid for his all own meals, his partners meals and her airfares, so we need to dispel that little gem.
His foodie site was up well before the election and continues, the guy loves his food, nothing wrong with that, many of us do. The fact he buys his food off locals, supports local businesses, we shouldn’t bag him for using his own coin on locals, it goes in to supporting others doing it tough.
I actually believe the newly elected boss man has shown us that his advisors are from many walks of life, Fran, and a few southerners, and treading slowly and carefully. At the Army Run this morning he was greeted by many wanting to shake his hand, he was pretty popular, standing alongside the other Thompson too, I would suggest people are simply keen on seeing what he now brings.
There are many more about to leave in the middle to executive at TCC, and that’s good for council and Townsville. It’s an interesting time, his calendar seems certainly busy now. I’ll give him a crack, it’s better that the Mullet, that is for sure, and with Prins going, even better.
You two ever gunna have kids?
And gosh, he buys his food off locals – rather than go out of town for the weekly shop – he supports local businesses (saves time and money instead of dashing off the Brisbane for a haircut) – and just who is bagging him spending locally? No one around The Nest. But one is sure those doing it tough appreciate his local efforts for spending habits the same every other person in Townsville. (You really are a fucking idiot in the PR arena, aren’t you?)
And re advisors, are you referring to Bella Jacob as a ‘southerner’? Or has Bella been NotJenny all along? (If that highly unlikely scenario ever saw you two tie the knot, what a hoot, then TwoNames would have Paul Jacob as his pa-in-law. Keeping it all in the family, Trump-style.)
Jennnyyyy… how come you have such detailed inside information to the Mayor? I’m well aware the mayors expenses are not common knowledge for council staff.
Also agree with Magpie… get a room.
shhh, let her keep writing. don’t scare her away.
“Understood, yet it’s worth noting that he spent a significant portion of his life and career outside of Townsville. During that time, his support for the local community here was presumably minimal. How long has it been since he moved back, and began actively contributing to local businesses and paying local taxes? While I don’t criticize him for seeking opportunities elsewhere, it’s premature to hail him as a transformative figure or a benefactor. He has yet to demonstrate substantive impact. Nonetheless, I am willing to reserve judgment and extend to him the benefit of the doubt, despite the inconsistencies and ambiguities in his past. Indeed, politics is an intriguing field—often, one is criticized regardless of one’s actions.”
Why does the Mayor (or/and other senior executives) need “advisor(s)”? Don’t they have Divisional Representatives (a.k.a. Councillors), Department Heads/Managers, and the like who should be advising them without expending more on those sorta cushie consultative jobs for trough snufflers?
I would have thought that within the Council walls there’d be enough people with enough experience/knowledge – isn’t that why they’re in those positions? – without employing more?
P.S: And surely the new Mayor wouldn’t have thought for one minute that he could take his girl-friend to Brissie with him at ratepayers’ expense for travel, accommodation and catering and not cop flak for making such a social media song and dance about it? Can’t believe anyone would be so dumb!!
The answer to the first matter is politics. All the established Parties have poisoned the waters of Local Government well, forcing candidates into office through weight of money and organisation to install those who will follow the party line ahead of community interest. We are finding that out with Labor stalking horse father & daughter team already maneuvering in Walker Street. It’s insidious.
Think of advisors in local government as glorified secretaries and adult child minders.
MJ, You do realise that the Mullet and her cohorts have been hanging around the council corridors for the last 12 years plus. There is certainly some dead wood in there that need cleaning out. BTW managers should be reporting to their directors. The directors should be keeping the Mayor in the loop.
NotJenny. Did you enjoy your trip to Brisbane with TwoFaces?
No, you’re definitely not Jenny. You are either Twonames or you are his partner. Nobody else is across that level of detail, or so closely connected to Twonames. Anyway, you just keep on promoting him because it gives us a good laugh.
is someone playing funny buggers and making comments under my name? Because I certainly didn’t write that one!
Well,you’re a smarty, work out how to protect your moniker.(Look, it ain’t rocket science.)
Thank you for helping. But trust me, I’m not as smart as a Magpie. I’ve been known to befriend a few around my neighbourhood though. I used to hate them, always swooping me. But then I learnt it’s better to get along than remain enemies. They’re just trying to live their life too.
Now The ‘Pie wonders if that came from the original ziptied helmet.
“From within, the city leader I’m told paid for his all own meals, his partners meals and her airfares, so we need to dispel that little gem.”
Oh well if a pseudonymous commenter is reporting hearsay information we can definitely consider the matter dispelled. Not!
That meal looks good Mayor Thompson. As a recently redundant ratepayer it’s nice to see money from my pocket funding your trips to Brisbane, your nice meals, and your free flights and vehicle expenses. Meanwhile, I cannot afford to buy meat, my children are living off rice meals, I cannot afford my medication, and my car has been unused for 3 weeks because I cannot afford to put fuel in it. Anyway, you go and enjoy yourself while the rest of us suffer. Please keep posting pictures so that the rest of us can dream about what it would be like to have a real life.
Well, Battler, we hear you, you make a valid point, but suggesting our conman mayor has a real life is like saying Walter Mitty was a realist. And while what you say is justified, TwoNames is entitled to eat on expenses when away, but it is a measure of the goof that he thinks it is a good idea to rub the noses of the less fortunate in his good luck. He’s an idiot, an ideal target for the scheming Paul Jacob and his gravy train daughter Bella (now a mayoral advisor apparently).
M. Pie, do you or anybody, know what qualifications Bella Jacob has to be even considered as an advisor to the Mayor of one of Australia’s largest regional local governments?
A quite detailed search has brought up absolutely nothun!
Although, I absolutely refuse to subscribe to LinkedIn!
Not a BJ at JCU one hopes?
BJ? Bachelor of Jobs (for the gals)?
I’d say more like a blow in with that degree
EB, I checked LinkedIn and couldn’t find an Australian called Bella Jacob. Is Bella her full name, or is it short for Isabella because I looked for Isabella Jacob also and found nothing.
The ‘Pie had the same luck, but – and this is no guarantee of anything – the Bulletin quoted her twice as her father’s campaign manager during the election. Anyone got a pic?
Go to https://disclosures.ecq.qld.gov.au/Map pick local elections. Type Jacob hit search.
Two Things.
About that TCC media post, and the picture in particular. I can’t help but hear the unspoken message from TCC media that “we know nothing here is on the level”.
The new Nicolas Cage movie Dream Scenario is available to rent for 99 cents on Apple TV just now. Gruesome and funny, the conmen and women of thoughts? take over the brain of an educated man.
Farewell and all the best Bentley. Your humour will be missed. You provided a great service. I am very sorry for your back condition, I myself have had 2 discs replaced and my back is still fucked. The pain is intolerable at times and only laying on a bed helps. For you to sit and draw would be terribly painful. Cheers and best wishes.
The ‘Pie knows how you feel, Mopsey, he too had two discs replaced … by threatening dishonest house guests. The pain is now intolerable because they replaced Jimmy Buffet with Billy Ray Cyrus and Achy Breaky Heart.
Was that a record? 78 or 33 1/3?
It was a disc but The ‘Pie felt like Marvin Gaye’s father, whose last words to his son were “I got a 45 I want you to hear’.
Thanks Rollmop. My chiropractor suggested we should never have begun walking on our hind legs. Now there’s a cartoon!
Given some of the lesser comments that come in here, I’m not sure all our readers do.
Well, just for a start, a rollmop is a herring in vinegar.
Hi Folks,
I want to chat a bit about our new Mayor, Troy. There’s been a lot of talk about him lately, and I think it’s important we sift through the noise and look at what he’s actually bringing to the table.
So, first things first. despite what you might have heard, Mayor Thompson has never been convicted of anything. He’s been pretty open about his past, and there’s nothing officially on record that should worry us. It’s only fair we judge based on facts, not rumors, right?
Now, onto the exciting stuff he’s planning: Mayor Thompson is all about making the council’s work more transparent. Isn’t it great to have someone in charge who wants us to know exactly what’s going on? Transparency means we’re all better informed and can trust where our town is heading.
He’s also talking about selling off stuff the town doesn’t need anymore to boost our budget. Imagine what we could do with that money—more for schools, parks, and keeping our streets clean.
And let’s not forget about his plans to let developers help build up our town. More infrastructure means more jobs and nicer places for us all to enjoy. It’s about making Townsville a better place to live and boosting our local economy at the same time.
Plus, he’s really focused on cutting down youth crime by investing in programs for our kids. That’s something that’ll help everyone by making our community safer and giving our young people better opportunities.
Change can be tough, and it’s normal for people to be skeptical. But why not give Mayor Thompson a chance to show what he can do? Let’s stay open to new ideas that might make our town even better.
Thanks,
LocalEnforcer
Your comment nearly wasn’t published, Local Enforcer, because it is clear from your clumsy language you are a fact-free zone, a partisan TwoNames man/woman/it booster, probably paid, whose sole job is to fluff up the mantra that we all here in The Nest are old fart dinosaurs who won’t give a bloke a go (a-grade crapola) and TwoNames is a fine,upstanding bloke with all the answers for Townsville.
But The ‘Pie decided to whack it up, why deprive regulars here from some fun with your inept ramblings.
It will be interesting when he tries to get around to spending ratepayer(as versus taxpayer) money on youth programs. Not his area, not the council’s area, and not the ratepayers’ area.
But the best of all was “Mayor Thompson has never been convicted of anything. He’s been pretty open about his past, and there’s nothing officially on record that should worry us.It’s only fair we judge based on facts, not rumors, right?” “ Here’s a newsflash YOU do not get to say what we think we need to worry about, you arrogant juvenile snot. And the real concerns we have are actually based on the facts, both court records, mental health hospital records, and the fact that he has lied about and tried to hide his past.
But here’s the acid test, drongo – Bruce Lehrmann has never been convicted of anything either – so would you let your daughter go out with him?
Hahaha- Mayor Thompson is all about making the council’s work more transparent. ….?
First thing he does is ask for a secret ballot, then tripped and fell at the first hurdle.
It’s always great to see such lively discussions about our town’s leadership. But let’s take a moment to consider what Mayor Thompson, an ex-SAS member, is bringing to the table—leadership skills honed in some of the toughest environments imaginable. It’s not every day that a town like ours gets a Mayor with such a unique background.
Troy has been upfront about his past, showing a level of honesty that’s rare in politics these days. His commitment to transparency is exactly what we need to build trust in where Townsville is heading. Also, comparing him to Bruce Lehrmann doesn’t really add up, does it? Their situations are completely different, and it seems a bit off to conflate the two. We should focus on what Troy is doing for our community, not on irrelevant comparisons.
I’m really excited about Troy’s plans for making the council’s operations more open and for his smart approach to boost our budget by offloading what the town no longer needs. This could mean more funds for our schools, parks, and streets. And who could overlook his commitment to reducing youth crime? Investing in our young people is investing in our town’s future.
Mate,you are the gift that keeps on giving. Or else, your a very clever plant to nobble our new mayor.
SAS eh? Wasn’t aware they took in epileptics.
Do you have dyslexia and trying to say Centrals ASA?
I’m sure Twonames will present this week at the ANZAC service stating his military service………?
He wasn’t in the SAS, he was there though, he was a reservist, and spent time with a family member there too. I think we have explored this one enough, he is a good bloke, his parents, his grandparents all served, he lost his way as a young bloke and joined the reserves. I challenge anyone that has a military family to dis credit the efforts of reservists, emergency service people too, they are all one big family, time to let go of the witch hunt, he is a solid bloke. He is too focused on his job to even worry about what media think of him, and knowing him, he would be happy without the extra attention, he will just get on while people continue to try and tear him down. The low blow about PJ, his mate, the bloke paid his penalty, he absolutely deserved his sentence, and Thommo has said before, if there was a death sentence for those proven 100%, he would’ve been on the list, so until you actually know the bloke, maybe stop making up rubbish. Most of this is so off, the rumours on whats going on etc, its sad we have to make shit up to get a story.
Fuck me, you really took a swerve into strange territory there. One reasonably suspects that your bent pipe is full of whacky weed. But keep comin’, keep it comin’.
Not discrediting the efforts of emergency service people.
Didn’t Twonames discredit Aaron Harper, sort of remember Harpic doing something in emergency services. Actually I think Harpic did real stuff in the emergency services……?
He was an ambo, wasn’t he?
You know you’ve fucked up and waded into dodgy claims, when people on this blog started defending Harpic.
Every time one of you says something like “ I think we have explored this one enough” or “we can dispel that” it sets off alarm bells for any thinking person.
Spot on.
Arrogant too, conveniently deciding for others when something has been examined enough.
SAS in this instance referring to his academic career: “Supposedly a Student”
Your on fire today, ABS.
And The ‘Pie surely speaks for other readers when he honestly says that you were the last person we suspected of having a sharp sense of humour.
‘Silent Cop’. You keep on saying that “more money for schools”. That dos not come under the scope of council’s responsibility.
Maybe you and two names should read up on what is the council’s remit.
Local, is that you ArtyB? Very similar writing style/prose, same pleading nonsense. What about the claim about the two degrees………OBVIOUS LIES! Plenty of other concerns as outlined by The Pie.
Nice try Local/Arty.B We weren’t born yesterday!
Oh, FFS, you bloody goose. He WAS found guilty of numerous breaches of a Protection Order. The conviction was not recorded. How many times does it have to be explained to you? He is a gauche, naive charlatan who is basically as dense as a hardwood railway sleeper.
It is interesting to note that whatever the blurry circumstances of the DV orders were, they wereserious enough to have a court order making himt report to police regularly. Any of you amateur enforcers want to challenge that? The ‘Pie has the proof that he has so far declined to publish because he thought there may be some sense of reality suddenly dawning.
So he was either on bail or Parole Order. Not heard of those requirements for a simple beach DVO. Must have been other offences in there.
What the actual fuck?? Enforcer, I believe that you have forced your tongue up Twonames ass. What a load of nauseating bullshit. But for giggles, letts see if Troy boy can achieve the following;
1. Hire a CEO who is actually engaged and approachable and isn’t a Labor stooge.
2. Restructure TEL and cut loose the driftwood.
3. Keep all promises made during the election campaign.
4. Cut wasted funding that’s spent on the Superpests and other expensive events that have no tangible benefits. Or, open the books transparently and let us see the cost benefit and return on investment.
Enforcer (I mean Troy’s partner), get your friend Troy to do the above and then come back here and provide evidence. Only then might we start to become dreary eyed believers such as you are.
Looks like Mayor Thompson’s has got himself a gimp to do some enforcing.
And I just can’t wait for the community response when they see what Mayor Thompson ‘can do’ as opposed to what he promised to do.
Thank you mister LocalEnforcer, I wasn’t allowed to finish reading your fairy story, coz its past my bedtime.
Mummy says I can read the rest tomorrow if I’m a good boy, like the hero in your fairy tale.
Good night
I wasn’t aware that local government had to provide any funding toward schools.
Hi everyone,
I appreciate all your perspectives and understand that there are valid concerns and skepticism. It’s important we have these discussions openly and respectfully. Let’s address some of the points raised:
Regarding the protection orders, it’s important to know that the DVO was mistakenly issued and has been amicably resolved between the parties involved. Mayor Thompson has been open about this being a personal matter that was settled respectfully. We should all respect his privacy on this matter.
On the topic of Mayor Thompson’s educational background, he has always been transparent about his studies. He never claimed to hold degrees from the universities he attended; instead, he has emphasized his real-world experience and the leadership roles he’s successfully held in business. Besides, most would agree this practical experience is more valuable than formal qualifications.
As for the challenges and expectations set forth by Prince Rollmop, Mayor Thompson is committed to hiring competent leaders, restructuring local organisations to reduce inefficiencies, and fulfilling his campaign promises. Transparency in funding and demonstrating the tangible benefits of community projects are high on his agenda. He is aware that trust must be earned through action and is dedicated to showing tangible results.
Regarding the negative sentiments, it’s understandable to feel cautious and even skeptical of new leadership, especially given past disappointments. However, change is inevitable and often necessary for progress. Mayor Thompson is focused on tangible improvements that will benefit all residents. Those not on board yet may want to observe the developments and outcomes of his initiatives in the coming months. There are big changes coming!
It’s a time of significant change, and while it’s perfectly normal to question and critique, it’s also crucial to offer a bit of patience and support to see what can be achieved. Let’s give Mayor Thompson time to demonstrate his commitment and capabilities.
Thank you all for your passionate engagement in our town’s future. Let’s keep this conversation going, as it’s only through such active involvement that we can ensure our community thrives.
Regards,
LocalEnforcer
Oh how The ‘Pie loves the smell of patronisation in the morning. Thank you, Massa, oh, thank you and bless you.
But rest assured, Tosser, we is still passionately engaged … but perhaps not the way you so condescendingly hope.
And FFS THIS:
As for the challenges and expectations set forth by Prince Rollmop, Mayor Thompson is committed to hiring competent leaders, restructuring local organisations to reduce inefficiencies, and fulfilling his campaign promises. Transparency in funding and demonstrating the tangible benefits of community projects are high on his agenda. He is aware that trust must be earned through action and is dedicated to showing tangible results.
So the mayor is going to hire competent leaders? How does that work, the mayor has very limited input in that area? Hire and fire is the sole province of the CEO,one would’ve thought … and a competent CEO
“Restructuring local organisations to reduce inefficiencies’? What has that got to do with the mayor and the council? If that is a veiled and timid (and later, if necessary, deniable) reference to his promise to get TEL of the ratepayers backs, why not say so?
OR could he be talking about Illich Park and his cohort of altruistic and community-minded mates wanting to get into the booze and betting market on government and council money?
This is the matter where our financial genius said if pokies, TAB and booze licenses were obtained using government grants, ‘We would conservatively make $12million net profit in the first year.’
https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/business/cultural-and-sporting-hub-to-bring-muchneeded-assistance-to-townsville-communities/news-story/66e16e61b16a8aa0d7d58ece413f51d7
No fucking wonder he never got his accountancy degree … and presided over a company collapse.
Oh, and while your in such a generous mood, care to expand on his involvement in the SAS? There’s quite a few Nest readers who would have a personal fraternal interest in knowing about it. C’mon Enforcer, transparency and honesty and all that.
You keep whining about how essential it is to offer patience and support. Why the fuck is this all one way traffic, we have to have faith but Thompson refused to offer we the great unwashed any patience and support to believe in him and tell the truth about his past dismal exploits without it having to be revealed here? And your assertion he has been open about anything flies in the face of reality.
You’ve got your work cut out for you sport. And a tip from someone whose been in the business … the mealy mouthed ‘sweet voice of reason to convert those unreasonable critics’ needs to be rethought. Never works,and is insulting as well,like we’re all in kindy.
But wait Mr Enforcer…
You say Mr Thompson “has never claimed to hold degrees from the universities he attended”
I have screenshots of Mr Thompson’s LinkedIn profile before he deleted everything that clearly stated he had two degrees.
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm), Accounting & Marketing Griffith University
2000-2005
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician
1990-1993
Are you now telling me these screenshots are figments of my imagination?
HO LEE FRUIT CAKES!
It is hard to fathom the depth of your stupidity friend.
Please as much for your sake as ours go and get help, maybe some medication or ECT because your delusion is strong and dangerous.
I am sure that if we cut away all the new names being thrown around in here we are seeing texts coming from TwoFaces, TwoFace’s squeeze, and probably TwoFace’s mum. For fucks sake mate, go hire some of the now redundant ALP spinners we had in here and get at least some professionalism. Steve of Belgian Gardens where are you now.
Think Dolan is at a loose end just now.
Enforcer. Just wanted to thank you for the post as I’ve been constipated over the weekend but your drivel has loosed my bowels because your cascade of shit has inspired me.
LE. You are an absolute fool, either that or you are in thrall of the Great Pretender.
Protection Order. I have never in my 50 odd years as a legal practitioner ever heard of ann order being issued “by mistake.” Even if it was, why did the police prosecute its breach? Why did the Magistrate find him guilty of said breaches? So what if he and former squeeze have kissed and made up? I would like to hear from her on that issue.
University qualifications. He has NOT come clean. He has left it to other people to deflect from his dishonesty and fraud.
SAS service. You got to be joking, right? He was never in the regular army, let alone the SAS. He is stealing valour and should be ashamed of himself and an apology to all former and serving members would be in order.
Business acumen. You do know he was made bankrupt as a result of his previous business experience? Hardly a ringing endorsement.
I’m sure he has such wondrous plans for Townsville. Pity he shall never have the opportunity to implement them.
Finally, LE, it appears that you are way out of your depth. Go away.
Excellent summation, Grumps.(And note the latest info from EB … now he says he studied at JCU. Having that checked as best I can and the bad news for him if it suddenly disappears and he claims it was all a mistake or never happened, is that The ‘Pie has a screenshot of it.
I’m going to ignore most points from our new friend LocalEnforcer, and just add clarity to one single point here. Lest anyone underestimate the audacity of TwoNames lies. As the Magpie knows, and holds, TwoNames sent me 3 emails in 2017 relating to a DVO matter and a number of Breaches that year. However, in TwoNames own claims, he also listed a historical DVO matter, and it’s associated Breaches, that occurred in 2007.
Bizarrely, whenever he has spoken about his younger, naive days, he only ever speaks of the 2007 matter. It is always his way to deflect via a lie, based on a kernel of truth. Never a mention of the 2017 matter, the one that was before the Southport Magistrates Courts, as reported in even the Bully (don’t understand why when you search this in comes up under NTNews – but it has been documented previously about this seperate matter).
So for overall clarity, there are 2 known DVO matters, and approximately 13 Breaches between them. All reported to me, by TwoNames himself, then handed to the Magpie, and then the others. And whilst there is some truth to “no convictions”, this tends to be of the “recorded” variety. Troy quite succinctly explains the findings of guilt, and the fine he was subjected to for the 2007 matter, when pleading his case for all of his “accidental” breaches for the second.
Magpie has exercised sound judgement in not publishing every shred of these emails, for the sake of the women involved, and a modicum of decency to TwoNames that he probably doesn’t deserve. But TwoNames knows full well their contents. So LocalEnforcer, before you pedal any more lies, run back and get some better instructions to guide you.
KWalsh, sounds a lot like sour grapes. People I speak to, simply do not care, you continue to keep trying, but he is now Mayor, of Townsville, maybe pick up your dummy and just move on champ, you are simply a bitter ex school mate trying to sling mud.
My thoughts are pretty clear, those who meet him are convinced he’s genuine, loves his family, his city and is there for his mates, that’s enough for me, and his many followers. Remember, he won the vote, and won the day. Anyway, let’s just move on, he has 4 years to make change or be voted out. We all agree, Jenny had to go, as did many councillors, the CEO, CFO and others are going too, so its a cleanout, CampbellNewman style, a clean canvas, lets get behind him, hes better than the Mullet, thats enough for me.
‘People I speak to’ is a meaningless statement that carries no weight of argument, but it might be wise to examine your association with whoever they are if they ‘simply do not care’.
And slinging mud at the mudslinger is the oldest tactic in the deflection manual, but is only effective if it proves that the initial mudslinger’s information is false. It’s a classic case of arguing that motivation negates truth. Your unsupported rants – both the published and unpublished ones – about Kieran Walsh in no way go an inch towards disproving what he says, disputing his documentation or justify Troy Thompson slippery avoidance of his past, an area you avoid where possible and examine only with richoting misleading downplay to suit your ulterior motives.
Your future posts here will be judged on that criteria alone, and will be edited/unpublished as is merited.
Any reasonable person hopes that TwoNames turns out to be the shining light you promote, but so far on the evidence of his past track record, he has every chance of being a dim bulb that ultimately bursts.
And BP, your wattage isn’t too dazzling either if you have, for the second time, invoked the name Campbell Newman and his reform strategy – which was ultimately too much too soon - as a guiding principle for the next four years.
Thanks, local enforcer, after reading your heartfelt post I want to say that I believe Troy Thompson is a man with no convictions.
A strong entrant in the Quip Around The Ear weekly trophy.
Mayor advisor, Bella Jacob, can’t happen, conflict of interest and declarable conflict, just won’t. Besides his councillors are trying to crush his chances or having any advisors, Vera, Paul, AMG they want him to fail, only it’ll be on them too, stupid mob that lot.
As far as food goes, no issue with him spend his wages on his missy’s and food locally, why not. He is our figurehead, voted that is, so might as well share the love and the loot.
That last line leads one to ponder just what variety recreational pharmaceuticals in which you indulge.
I call bullshit that he paid for his dinner out of his own pocket. He is on a mayoral junket and all expenses are paid. And to be fair, the guy is allowed to eat, its just a bad look (doesn’t pass the pub test) when he is flashing around photos of his flashy dinner while ratepayers are eating beans on toast or 2-minute noodles. A fair argument.
Mate, pull your head in, I know this bloke, he pays for everything and most people who are his genuine mates, like him or not, he would’ve paid for his own food, and the missus accommodation. If you took the time to actually meet the guy instead of being the bloke hiding behind the keyboard, you may surprise yourself, at least he is out there talking to people in person, the other bird didn’t. This bloke was an uncompromising footballer, tough as they come, he may have his weak points, but heart and head aren’t those. He loves his town, he has represented it in many sports, he is a Townsville lad, get behind him.
Hahaha …gasp, wheeze, chortle … quote: “If you took the time to actually meet the guy instead of being the bloke hiding behind the keyboard …” says Mr B Pipe, of Knob Polishing Drive, Conville, hiding behind his keyboard.. Accusing others of your own behaviour is both laughable and pathetic.
Gawd, you lot are such fun, The ‘Pie hasn’t hasn’t laughed so much since Barry Taylor got his dick caught in his fly zipper in Poseurs’ Bar.
If he’s paying for his own food and accommodation on business trips then he should say something about it because such a move would win him universal acclamation.
Well,would it though? Being reimbursed for expenses when away from home on business is a legitimate, indeed lawful and required practice, and to use your own money makes you a grandstanding fool.
This may come as a surprise but being an “uncompromising footballer” isn’t something to put on your CV. It certainly doesn’t make you good at business, and in fact is a likely indicator of brain injury. Which, could explain some of Mr Thompson’s laspes in memory… like did he actually serve in the army, does he really have a university degree, did he really have a DVO.
JJ, ‘Conflict of Interest’, ‘Code of Conduct’, ‘Ethical Practices’ are all council policies that were stuffed down our throat vie ‘Policy Point’ where we had to read them and pass an assessment which you got 3 goes to pass. But nepotism and cronyism has existed in that place way before the Masons and then the Labor party took control, but both those organisations streamlined it.
it wasn’t.
Regarding Solarus Apartments, I’ve lived there for almost 13 years and during that time you can count on one hand the number of serious arguments or disputes between residents.
Considering there are 73 apartments in the building, that’s as close to harmonious as you’re going to get.
However, during the past few months there’s been a heap of disharmony.
Hopefully recent changes to the Body Corporate committee will see a return to the norm.
I was surprised to see my accomodation mentioned here in the Nest. I live there with my partner. It’s a great complex, very friendly, and hardly any scuttlebutt. A few plonkers complain about the noise from the odd party but overall the body corporate manage the complex very well.
Have a few screamers at your parties do you, sweety?
It will come as no surprise to many in the nest that TT has gone awfully quiet on his purported military service.
His commentary in today’s bulletin regarding the Run Army event seeks to airbrush his previous statements about his military service.
“Being a garrison city and family member of several serving and past serving (Defence) members, it’s just a wonderful collection of everybody in the community.
And I don’t think there’s anybody who doesn’t support our military.”
It’s pretty simple he either served or he didn’t.
DPR
I agree 100% with this guy. Magpie, how about you step out from behind your comfortable little desk and meet the guy. Go to one of his next events. You will soon learn he is actually a honest and genuine person who cares for the town. The voters saw that, hence why they elected him. People like you are scared of change but it’s going to happen whether you like it or not. This town with be thanking Thompson in four years. They will most likely build a statue in his honour. And if you think I’m joking, just wait and see!
Are you allowed out for supervised walks with a minder in a white coat most afternoons?
So let’s say The ‘Pie meets Thompson face-to-face, or just hears him live at one of his ‘events’.(Mayor’s have ‘events’?) He talks, The ‘Pie listens, and that proves what? A spiel is no guarantee of facts, just of unproven claims about the past and unsupported aspirations for the future, honest or otherwise.
And a small point generally agreed by the sane around town … Thompson did not win the mayoral election,Jenny Hill lost it. And a desperate electorate had no else tenable to vote for.
Look,as weary as Then ‘Pie is of saying it, the issue is not if Thompson is ‘an honest (really?) and genuine guy who cares for the town’. The question is his subterfuge about his past that included lying by omission if not sometimes directly. It is reasonable people wanting to know who they are electing, and Thompson wasn’t ‘honest and genuine’ about that – that is the sole issue and on what most opposition opinion is based on. And it is what people have always based a character judgement on, and this created the apprehension of the possible damage to this city may suffer if that sort of behaviour is repeated in office.
The ‘Pie has the runs on the board as to his loyalty to Townsville, so he does hope TwoNames makes a fist of it without bringing more shame to Walker Street. And yes, The Magpie will cheer any good and sensible initiatives Thompson sponsors, why wouldn’t anyone who cares for Townsville do otherwise? And The’ Pie will also call out any untoward behaviour or schemes.
The issue here in The Nest is basically one only … his appallingly inept handling of issues he must’ve known would come up, handling that included dishonesty when confronted with elements of his history he was forced to reluctantly addressed.
So just hold off on the fund raising for the statue, which one assumes will go next to the one TwoNames is promoting for Julian Assange, a proposal of which Thompson says:“It is my personal belief, that a plaque or statue may be a great talking point and potentially, attract many visitors to Townsville if done correctly …” How do you do a statue incorrectly? But hey,maybe it will make Hilton regain interest in their Double Cross hotel near the stadium, given the rush of the new attraction…
Overheard conversation is Melbourne:
“Hello, Florrie, Mavis here, just calling to see if you and Bert want to join me and Trev on a trip to Townsville to see the Julian Assange statue. We’ve been talking of nothing else since that clever new mayor commissioned it. Yes, yes, I know it’s a long way, and yes, it’ll cost us a few thousand, but think of the tales we will be able to tell when we come back. So, you and Bert coming along, Mavis? Mavis, you still there? Mavis. …”
Seems maybe Troy Thompson would’ve been a perfect fit for Townsville Enterprise.
Nah, TEL is a women’s club. It has gotten worse under the stewardship of Claudia Bumme-Smith. Girly days, girly lunches, talk about girly things within the staff kitchen. I guess serial idiot Gill the dill must feel right at home talking about bloating, night sweats, menopause and incontinece!
Pie, Struth! A statue of Two Names. Where we going to put? The spot on the Strand near the Siren is reserved for Gracelyn. I know where, right beside our dubious founder, Robert Towns.
Possible. The spot next to the Pallendra public kazie is reserved for the Mullet’s Statue of Limitations. Yes, ‘statue’,good joke by a Nester.
If we did have an actual statue of Jenny Hill, no better spot for it than the iconic Castle Hill shelter shed.
The statue of Troy Thompson will have to have two faces like Janus.
Two posts by the same Thompson supporter in 17 minutes. Fool, you have made up two identities and posted in different formats – one angry and the other more softer. Either that, or Twonames has an armful of compliant lap poodles that are coordinating their posting activities in the Nest. My guess is Thomspon and his squeeze are the majority of new Thompson supporters in the Nest.
Hey don’t be the fun police and discourage them. The ‘Pie is already thinking reality tv show. Unfortunately Schitt Creek is already taken.
“Afraid of change”? Moron. This blog has been screaming for a change in mayor for years. And we still are.
On advisers to local councils , get a load of this Rort. Councils all over have been hiring lobbyists. Just like siphoning money off to TEL or Qlga , councils which are elected by and paid to represent the people to other levels of government, are siphoning off money to political mates in lobbying firms.
Go to https://lobbyists.ag.gov.au/register pick clients. Go to the search box and type in ‘council’ and pick 100 results per page.
This is something to watch out for.
Good point.
Abd extra brownie points, Pat, for brevity.
One other thing that a lot of council staffers who’ve been around for longer than five minutes are hoping will happen, especially now that Doc Ralston is heading for the exit, is that his off-sider, the humourless and deeply secretive “City Strategist”, the very last vestige of the deeply misguided Future Cities fiasco, will likewise take her toxic action somewhere else. I mean, besides Brisbane or Melbourne, where she reportedly has lived for quite a few years now, notwithstanding being in the full-time employ of TCC all this while and phoning everything in. No one is quite sure how she was able to pull off a direct report to the CEO (some secret knowledge, compromising photographs or the like?), and the right to work from home, when everyone Townsville-based was forcibly pulled back into the office years ago. The mere mention of this poisonous person’s name has been enough to make managers at the highest level visibly blanch, and everyone seems to know that you don’t ask too many questions, at least not aloud, about any “strategising” this person may be up to. A great many people are hoping that the Mayor’s new broom will include this one in its sweepings.
Got a name?
Not 100% certain but I think it is Jaqueline Bohn.
Yup, she’s our gal.
Pronounced Bone
A bit of googling found this, https://www.planning.org.au/events/event/PIA-NQ-Tool-Box-Breakfast-2019
QPM at Lansdown goes all Magnis – now QPM to Focus on Gas and Energy Growth
https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/QPM/02797792.pdf
TECH project at Lansdown unlikely to ever happen.
Key par:
In response to challenging nickel and battery metal market conditions, QPM will limit further
expenditure on the TECH Project. However, the Company will continue to work with Government and
key stakeholders to advance the TECH Project and maximise value for shareholders.
And The ‘Pie will chalk up this as another prediction he blogged some time ago. The truth is, one suspects, that QPM just couldn’t raise the finance.
Now we’ll start looking a bit more closely at the double-talk of Quinbrook.
One wonders whether Ms Bohn, who makes strong claims in the Toolbox Breakfast about her connection to the CityDeal (read Lansdown) has any insights into the fate of all the bounders fiddling around with Lansdown. After Magnis and now QPM’s fade out, you are looking at Quinbrook but I’m wondering about Edify Energy who recently won a big fat Albanese grant:
“Edify has successfully secured grant funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Hydrogen Hubs program. The Federal Government funding of $48.2m will support the development of Edify’s consented Green Hydrogen Facility in Townsville, Queensland and the creation of new industry.
Edify will build and operate the 17.6 MW green hydrogen production plant on Thul Garrie Waja country within the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, Northern Australia’s foremost eco-industrial precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries in Townsville, Queensland. The green hydrogen facility powered by co-located solar photovoltaic and battery storage facility will initially produce 800 tonnes of green hydrogen per annum, building up to in excess of 150,000 tonnes of production to service both domestic and export markets from the Port of Townsville.”
More wonderful stenographing from LightOn Smith. Up to this point, LightOn hasn’t asked one single original question, just rewritten (a little) media releases from everyone involved in the Lansdown project. The ‘Pie has been putting up guarded red flags for more than a year now about QPM,hoping against hope that they would go ahead, but noting that with every cheery announcement full of vagueries and big ambiguous phrases, they admitted they hadn’t lined up the funds for the project, despite generous taxpayer support. And now, this …
What generous taxpayer support are you referring to?
Hey twonames/twowatches/two dicks, I’m calling you out as a fraud and a liar! You do not have (as claimed on LinkedIn, since wiped) a degree in Commerce, or a degree in Science. You fucking liar! You are a disgrace to all in Townsville and in particular those who do actually hold degrees, which they COMPLETED and worked hard to attain!
Don’t get me started on the claim about SAS………you stink!
Perhaps Twonames has a degree not in science, but in scientology!!
Mopsy, the only degrees he has are those measured by his temperature. The other degree claims are lies, lies and damn lies! No wonder Pauline Pants Down gave him the flick back then!
You’re all just a nasty bunch of jealous shit wits. Why don’t you put you hands up to support the community. At least try is having a go. You lot wouldn’t know the first place to start if you were looking in your asrses.
Yes we would: the first ttwo places would be the mayoral office and wherever you hang from the jungle bars.
The comments here and the The Nest blog are doing exactly what you say we are not: we are putting our hands up to support our community.
And what would be jealous of? How many of us have dreamt of being an a serial liar, epileptic, domestic violence offender, failed financial fuckwit and serial liar?
Thompson Supporter, are you a big fan of repetitive lying too, just like twonames the tosspot???
TwoNames producing twice the work for Pie
But for the same pay ????
Seems the gods are indeed being generous with lashings of Ambrosia, and serendipity in excess Pie, with the emergence of a new possibly capricious contender.
Many expected a bland period after the demise of the Mullet, but hey! blessed is he who expecteth nothing, for verily he shall not be disappointed.
Just reading some of councillor profiles. Some are a little worrying.
Rebhein for example is still a working Firefighter while working full time as a councillor. The man must be superhuman.
“Cr Rehbein discharged from the full-time service in the RAAF in 2016 and took up a position in the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and served as a Firefighter for the next ten years at various stations around Townsville.”
Does anyone proof read this shite?
Time travelling and dimension bending, too, it seems, having already served 2025 amd 2026.
We have Mayor Two Names aided and abetted by Councillor Two Jobs.
I’m totally confused, Mr. Pie.
Nothing unusual, but, it’s our new Mayor who continues to add to this confusion.
We have this…
“Troy-Thompson Fan-account”
54 friends
Yes, a Facebook account for Mr. TT where he states…
“Intro
Works at Mayor of Townsville
Studied at JCU: James Cook University, Australia
Went to James Cook University
Lives in Townsville, Queensland
In a relationship”
Then we have this that you posted last week…
FYI, everybody. This has been provided to the Nest by a well informed reader. It is Mr Thompson’s latest CV, just before becoming mayor.
Name: Troy Joseph Thompson
Current Address: U55/42 Stadium Drive
Robina Queensland 4226
Mobile Phone: +61 452 528 245
School: 1984-1988 Kirwan High School, Townsville. Queensland
University:
1990 – 1993 Curtin University (Perth, Western Australia) Occupation Health and Safety Management
2000 – 2005 Griffith University (Gold Coast, Queensland) Commerce, majors Accounting and Marketing
Employment History:
April 2016-Current iPRO Solutions P/L, iPRO Inc USA, iPRO Europe UK Ltd, Zoetik P/L, Zoetik Tech. P/L
So, apparently this dude has been to three universities and the only “degree” in sight is the “degree of scepticism.”
And, as I posted last week, his profile on the Townsville City Council doesn’t mention one university attendance let alone three!
Surely, if you went to our local uni…JCU…you’d include at least that in your profile.
It beggars the question…does this bloke seriously expect to get away with what is fast becoming a litany of obvious lies?
Or should I say “exaggerations?
And need I mention his supposed Army service, his reason for changing his name, and, this little lot from the council website outlining his suspect business acumen…
“A long-time local, he moved to mainland Europe through circumstance, he had a 5-year stint in Germany as a Commercial Manager for Supply chain company Avetta from 2011-2015 looking after the EMEA region, then he moved back to Brisbane to take up a role of Global CEO in 2015″
…to further enhance my chariness?
The movie Tom Hanks/Leonardo DiCaprio movie “Catch Me If You Can”, a true story, immediately springs to mind Mr. Pie!
Surely not…in Townsville!!
Facebook link for you Mr. Pie, if interested?
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557237732163
This is the very first time in all this nfog and side stepping that there has been any mention of JCU. He has NEVER before mentioned that.
What can you tell, Keiran W?
Well spotted, Schaus Swallowtail, you are a rare one indeed.
As Ducks Nuts points out, it is a spoof account. Which even TwoNames denounced PTD (Prior To Deleting the shit out of every false claim he’d previously made online in the vain attempt to save his lying arse – yeah, let’s just stick to the short acronym)
This is a spoof account. There was a Jenny Hill Fan account too
Apply now
https://lgaqld.applynow.net.au/jobs/PEAK653
Oh, the irony.Here is a key requirement for the position.
With an exceptional executive level track record leading and managing in one of Australia’s larger Local Government environments you are a ‘self-starter,’ an independent thinker with tertiary and professional qualifications and as someone who has a strong passion for making a difference in Northern Australia.
And the person will be working with and have to listen to a mayor who doesn’t possess a single one of those attributes … and lied about it.
Be interesting to see how/where he presents himself on ANZAC Day! Medals et al?
Maybe he’ll play safe and just take a sickie!
That will be interesting Heel. How does a fucking known liar present themselves in public?
Jenny never had any problems presenting herself in public. She couldn’t lie straight in bed.
….arriving 15 minutes late and leaving half an hour early. She was famous for it.
Peak Services was a new one on me. Out of curiosity, I always run to the “Our People” page on websites like this, to see who we’re dealing with, in this case https://www.wearepeak.com.au/people . I don’t recognise any of the no doubt fine upstanding citizens smiling blandly out at us, but an involuntary chuckle did escape me when I saw down at the bottom of the page, “100% owned by LGAQ”. They don’t give a whole lot of time to apply, either. COB this coming Wednesday? And has the salary crept up another notch, or do they feel it has to in this case given the brevity of the term, and the permanent full-time stipend will come back down out of the stratosphere? Overall, this is interesting on several levels.
C’mon, I mean, seriously? Finding an interim CEO in that time frame, someone swinging their fob chain on the corner outside the centrelink office? What’s the betting the choice has been made some time ago, even perhaps before the election and Prins had signalled he was off to greener pastures, no matter who won. With such a short time span to apply, seems obvious, so chances are the deal was done by The Mullet and Prins, so it will be interesting to background the incomer. Because the choice would’ve been made with the Mullet’s approval, since she expected to romp home.
Surely anyone suitable for this role would already be gainfully employed and therefore may not not available for several weeks even months..
Ray Burton………
Harry Patel would be perfect!!
Good to see this position being recruited locally, using local firms, as per all the promises.
You guys are becoming pathetic in your badmouthing od Troy Thompson. Get a life people!
I don’t think of it as badmouthing. I call it robust fact-checking. Very, very robust.
However, it’s interesting that with some many “robustly” raking over the same ground looking for filth, so little has been found. As Justice Lee said, “Short on facts, long on speculation.”
Looking for explanations for the unexplained is not looking for filth, it is looking for facts.
Bottom line for Thompson is pretty simple: from the outset of the campaign, he didn’t have good advice on how to take charge of the narrative about his past, instigate and control the ‘I’m just a bloke, I’ve made mistakes’ scenario. It was a scenario that was clearly inevitable when one goes for public office. The fact that when confronted with some uncomfortable past episodes, he ducked, weaved, panicked and then lied … and refused to easily believably clarify the smallest detail … fed into the growing distrust about his honesty and his promises.
Thompson past isn’t his real problem, it’s how he handled his past in a campaign for public office that has created the persistent problem … and it’s all his own doing, urged along by self-seeking galahs of various names.
Seems TwoNames has some strong competition in the race for the Lying Cocksuckers Cup. A Little Boy Called Smiley (great movie, laughable premier) made a strong bid for top honours with this today.
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100167
Pie, I remember the movie Smiley gets a gun. Oh wrong Smiley!
On memory, that was the second film, the first being A Little Boy Called Smiley, starring was it Colin Peterson?
The Lying Cock Sucker’s Cup. Gold! Some of your best work.
Elusive butterfly, I believe the Troy Thompson fan account was a fake page set up by someone other than Tompson. I remember reading on his Facebook page that it had nothing to do with him, don’t know how true it’s is though.
Perhaps Twonames fan account is meant to be ‘Twonames only fans account’??
That’ll break the bank – another bankruptcy?
Which councillor is responsible for the footpaths at Hermit Park?
The path outside the Hermit Park pub to Armstrong st was dug up and hastily filled in yonks ago with lumpy bitumen over the gap in the pavers and it’s never been fixed.
Why did the council leave it like that for so long ? It takes one little old lady to break her hip and then you’ll be sorry.
Patron – Div 9 councillor is Mooney the Younger.
Good morning Magpie
With regards to the work having commenced on the Burdekin Dam this is an absolute criminal act what miles ha sanctioned he knows there is a 99.9% that he will lose the October election. That being the case one has to question his mentality in making such a decision or as a letter writer has demanded a please explain as to the rationale in choosing the Pioneer scheme over the Burdekin one. The experts have said time and time again the height must be extended by another 15 mts not 2 If he doesn’t want to do the job properly leave it alone.
I for one cannot remember seeing or reading in any form of the media that the ground work was about to begin at the dam raising the wall by only two mts and one has to wonder was that by design by the completely open and transparent busted arse government.
One can understand why there was a fracas in France in about 1789 perhaps we need the same over here we may not have the bourgeoisie here but we certainly have politicians who could be and should be introduced to the madam.
Dave Thoumine
There’s six months until the election and like it or not, this project has been underway for years, why would they shut down and sit on their hands for half a year?
Decades. This project has been planned for decades.
Even less reason not to get on with the job.
DT, it was reported on the ABC that raising the dam wall by two metres is going to cost somewhere between $500m and $1 billion. Apparently this will bring a 30% increase in capacity allowing for expansion of irrigated agriculture in the lower Burdekin and additional water security for Townsville. Do you have any idea of the cost and impact of raising the wall by 15m? Could it be that such an expenditure would be political suicide in the current economic climate?
Now, now Jenny, don’t you start worrying your pretty little head about these things.
Because raising the wall to 15m does not mean you multiply the cost by seven, there are some static factors in the cost of both. However, it would cost, let’s say, half an Olympic Games to do something of such vision and benefit.
And as for political suicide,you’d better believe it, the five-ring circus decision ( which people now just figure we’re stuck with) is going to have a massive impact on regional voting.
The reason I asked DT about the 15 metres raise cost was that no-one seems to have done any sort of estimate or business case – not even TEL. I thought he might have something to contribute. All the reports in recent times, particularly the State Development preliminary study, have worked around a 2-6m raising. From what I can see the price to go to six metres is about double the price to go up two metres. Fifteen metres is in a totally different (and politically suicidal) category. Not even the irrigation farmers want that.
They’ve told you this?
Magpie, the source of my numbers is the Initial Advice Statement, Burdekin Falls Dam Raising, June 2020. I glimpsed a comment from the boss of some Burdekin farmers group to that effect but can’t now find it. What I did find that there was concern that a big expenditure now (on a radical wall raising) would take so long to recoup as there was unlikely to be a radical uptake through irrigation expansion:
“The 2 m raising options provide a stronger return across all the demand scenarios, though still significantly negative at a seven percent discount rate. The limited instances and late timing within the analysis for significant demand to take up the yield from a 6 m raising reduces the option’s relative competitiveness over a 30‐year analysis period. A longer analysis period may prove more positive for the 6m raising option, should demand conditions prove favourable into the future.”
What areyou quoting from there? It is a crucial question, because as we all know, exert consultant’s first ask what outcome the pay master wants.
Jenny, Raising the BFD by 2M is known as the Mickey Mouse scheme. Before this inept government even started Cross River Rail the figure being bandied around was $1.2 billion. Hells Gate was wiped out by the Feds and now this useless state government want to flood a pristine area at Eungella. The original BFD2 is a no brainer.
Alahazbin, if “the original BFD2 is a no brainer”, what is it and what does it cost? Do you mean a 14.8m wall raise, hydro electric generation, gravity feed to Townsville etc? If so, and it’s that simple and straightforward, give us a dollar number. If you can’t then please go and sit with the Bradfield dreamers who are never going to get anywhere. There is no point under the current or previous federal governments (unless you are in Defence or Olympics) in spending untold, unknown billions on stuff that is not required in the reasonably foreseeable future.
The problem with both Australi and particularly Queensland (and your good self) is that there is no foreseeable future beyond the next election.
By that logic, Magpie, the Feds should have spent about triple or quadruple the amount on the Burdekin dam back in 1984 and then we could have watched half the water flow over the spillway doing more or less nothing for the next forty years. Or fifty years before that, built two harbour bridges in Sydney. We have to have priorities and sometimes, like Hells Gate dam, we have to admit it when the numbers don’t stack up.
Sometimes you worry your pretty little head about things too much, Jenny, dearie. You really went off with the fairies in this one.
Jenny, I seem to remember quite a while ago that to raise the dam to its original planned height was going to cost $5B and that would have included the generators and associated infrastucture.
One hundred years ago, Govts planned, developed and constructed, not just for the near future, but thinking generations ahead. You are thinking like the current crop, only for the next few years.
Getting big projects done now is next to impossible because there wiil always be a finch, worm, snake or maggot unique to that area that the loony left will latch onto to bring it down.
Jeff, tell us about a hundred year old construction project – bridge, road or dam – that hasn’t now been added to, extended or doubled up because after 40-50 years the demand has far exceeded that planned for at the time of construction. Don’t say Snowy (a unique one-off), explain Warragamba dam (raising contemplated right now), Sydney Harbour Bridge (now twinned by a tunnel), Tullamarine airport (now planning efficient connection to Melbourne), Ord River irrigation scheme (don’t get me started), Brisbane airport (now second runway) or, right here in Townsville, the Bowen Road bridge, the Black River bridge or the Nathan Street bridge. Demanding four lane bridges in the Townsville suburbs back in the 1970s would have been dumb whilst there were still single lane timber bridges on the Bruce Highway to Cairns. Do you have a clue about how much these things cost?
Jenny, What shits me about you and your ilk. You never complain about the cost of CRR and all its blowouts and all the other government projects that they can’t keep to the original tender. Bu when it comes to BFD2 is “how much will it cost”. The engineering and design was done years ago. Go and have a drink wth Steve from Town Common & Glenn White and you all can piss in each others pockets.
Ala, which government was in power in Queensland when the Burdekin dam project was scaled back and didn’t go ahead with the original hydro scheme? Re CRR, I know very little about it except that it is a social and financial nightmare. But then I consider your words and wonder how CRR fits with your view? You wrote: “One hundred years ago, Govts planned, developed and constructed, not just for the near future, but thinking generations ahead.”
Build pipelines flanking the burdekin River, releasing water down the river sees 1/3 lost before the farmer gets it.
Use the water more effectively.
What?
Magpie, it looks like Guy meant to write the word ‘because’ instead of a comma after the phrase ‘Burdekin River’. Guy seems to think that it would be more “efficient” to carry irrigation water from the dam to the farms by a pipeline down the narrow, rugged Burdekin valley rather than running it in the open river bed through a series of weirs – where evaporation consumes a portion of the water. The trouble is that like others here, Guy simply ignores the monstrous cost and impact of constructing such a pipeline. At some point the cost has a political dimension. Even fairies get that!
How can the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro scheme be good value at $12b when the 3,000MW Burdekin Falls Dam hydro upgrade at a fraction of that cost is not good value? The Pioneer scheme does nothing for irrigation or agriculture and will stuff up hundreds of hectares of pristine forest while the Burdekin Falls scheme expands an existing dam and will increase agriculture. Looks like the ALP have their let their dogma eat the science again.
Hear Hear. So Jenny piss off.
The problem with installing hydro electric at BFD is that the dam would need to be VAST , the generation units would most likely chew through VAST amounts of water to produce any useful amount of electrical power, it’s one of the reasons they never bothered installing a generator in the existing dam wall , there’s a spare spot for it from what I remember. You’d also need to build a switchyard to pump up the voltage and then build the electrical power to the grid. Hydroelectric at the BFD might be useful as something for peak loads I suppose but running it 24 hours would see you drain the dam quickly – then what about the vast amounts of water being released?
Dam lies, what fraction of what cost are you attributing to the development of a hydro electric scheme on a raised Burdekin dam? If you can’t produce any figure at all, what is the point of your argument? And while you are at it, what exactly is this vast expansion of irrigated agriculture in the lower Burdekin and further south that you claim will justify, or at least enhance, such an investment? The 2020 State Development paper quoted earlier contains no such optimism, in fact quite the opposite. Governments state and federal of both political persuasions are very wary of irrigated agriculture investments reliant almost solely on foreign export to saturated markets. Precisely the reason for the loss of interest in Hells Gate.
Woof Woof Guy and Jenny – your sad dog whistle politics might sound smart when it is coming out of your head, but it really doesn’t stack up in the real world. Why not just help the ALP do what it does best by continuing to make meaningless announcements and then not follow through. Come October no meaningful work will have been done on any new project beyond awarding an inflated contract to a Labour aligned firm.
One way to get it downstream might be to pump water UP and away from the river (?) The natural fall would aid the water flow in a siphoning effect I reckon. There’s a fall of 151m or thereabouts
( you calculate how many mega litres / cubic meters you’ll need over a 24 hour period based on the height of the water and the loss incurred eg if the order was for 100 mega litres over a 24 hour period you’d need to release 130 mega litres. There’s a graph you reference to that calculates the theoretical flow of the water and the percentage of the gate that needs to be opened.) Opening the valve / gate to 100% was awe inspiring, a massive cloud of water envelops the whole area around the bridge.
Jenny Hill is getting moist and bright eyed just. reading that Guy … whatever it is that you’re on about.
Your right it is Bullshit, when was it announced that the earth works were commencing and of course the election is 6 long months down the track the government could quite easily procrastinate (sit on their hands) as they have done so many times before on projects.
Dave T
So when they do procrastinate it’s bad and when they don’t it’s bad.
Mr. Pie, I think, maybe, that you should forget the nickname “Two Names!”
“Adolph” might be more appropriate?
“Townsville City Council: Mayor Troy Thompson bid to appoint interim CEO himself
The majority of Townsville City councillors have knocked down Mayor Troy Thompson’s bid to be the main decider of who the interim chief executive will be.”
Chris Burns
Follow
@bews_hound
less than 2 min read
April 23, 2024 – 11:02AM
Townsville Bulletin
https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/townsville-city-council-mayor-troy-thompson-bid-to-appoint-interim-ceo-himself/news-story/795e59daabd090bd28ba96d4f799d307
EB,
Nickname: Campbell or Newman is nearer to the mark and of (not so fond) recent memory.
When I first glimpsed this news item I thought I read that TT was going to appoint himself interim CEO. I thought, that’d be right!
Actually, not joking, that was The ‘Pie impression first scan. And maybe he wanted to until someone had some soft words in his shell pink.
Hi Nesters, I’m the president of the Troy Thompson Fan Club. By now you have seen many of our club members posting on this blog. We love Troy. We believe in Troy. In many ways, WE are Troy. That’s how connected we feel, and we are sure that many of you feel the same way.
We petition you Nesters to come and join our club. Only post glowing endorsements of our new leader and become part of his journey. We will take this region to greater heights and achieve much together.
Yours sincerely,
Arty B
President of the Troy Thompson Fan Club
“Perhaps the less we have, the more we are required to brag.” ― John Steinbeck
Hmmm, have considered your request Fan, well, um, ok, we, NAH! Fuck off! Please!
I am awaiting the next ‘handle’ Troy gives himself on this blog at an attempt to garner favour.
He obviously hasn’t had a read of the LG Act yet.
It seems the handle TwoFaces has is of himself. Must be with two hands to end up so cross-eyed stupid as him.
Guess who just got rolled? Who the hell does this goose think he is?
That’ll be Mayor Thompson to you. Or perhaps it’s Mare Thompson the horses arse.
Well,if it’s a mare,something else in the vague vicinity of the arse.
Twonames, twowatches, twotwit slammed by Councillors for trying to appoint himself as the sole decider on the interim CEO. Vote was 9-2 against, with Angry Ant Jacob the only one supporting the twotwit.
When did this happen, where was it reported?
Council meeting online this morning. Astonisher is running the story too. Batkovic led the push back.
Yep got it now. And several side points are worth noting.
https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/townsville-city-council-mayor-troy-thompson-bid-to-appoint-interim-ceo-himself/news-story/795e59daabd090bd28ba96d4f799d307
It’s marvellous what a kick in the cods can do for some people, and it seems Jenny booster Chris Burns has grinned through the pain of his beloved losing and has taken great glee in reporting this … as we all have reading it (actually well reported). And it took an equally hefty kick in the slats to the iditor from Thompson for to unleash the constraints on reporting ‘political’ matters in the paper. (One of her blow-in predecessors kept to a minimum because he believed readers were ‘bored’ with such trivial goings-on.)
And what an articulate spiel from Suzy Batkovic, she showed she certainly knows something about leadership, honesty and transparency. Be interesting to watch where this council term takes her.
And The Angry Ant has pinned his colours to the mast almost before the good ship TwoNames has left port. And his reasoning for backing Thompson’s failed attempt at Jenny-like dictatorship grab – which would’ve opened up a whole different can of worms – makes for an interesting future.
And TwoNames Thommo … well, can’t say The ‘Pie didn’t try to tell him, but he (they) weren’t listening. And you can bet they won’t, they’ll bluster on. Can’t wait for the Enforcer’s spin on this one.
Wot fun, eh?
Courier Mail have picked up the story now…….other press not far away?
Far be it for The Magpie to say I told you so, but ….
The video is already up on TCC website, and the verdict from the Bunker is that Suzy was on Fire, and TwoNames copped it firmly in the nads alright.
https://townsville.civicclerk.com.au/web/Mobile/MobileVideo.aspx?id=1605
Magpie, the Townsville Bulletin link is behind a paywall. You mentioned the “Angry Ant’s” reasoning for backing Thompson’s failed attempt at Jenny-like dictatorship grab – what was that about? Are we finding that the predicted factions in the chamber are not as expected?
Jacob told councillors they were being ‘pedantic’ on the issue, a comment causing Jacob to lose any respect The ‘Pie had for him, like he’d care – but it was great that Batkovic so elegantly put him back in his box, all in the calmly argued tone as a the voice of ‘sweet reason’.
Here’s the entire text of the Bulletin story ( and please note,lifting entire stories is not The Magpie’s usual practice … somewhat unethical … but he believes this matter is part of a much wide and important issue than to be hidden behind a paywall.
“The majority of Townsville City councillors have slammed Mayor Troy Thompson’s bid to be the main decider of who the interim chief executive will be.
Outgoing chief executive Prins Ralston sat mostly with head bowed as councillor Suzy Batkovic raised her voice in protest at the mayor’s proposal which he brought to the council without notice.
Mr Thompson said an interim chief executive needed to be quickly found as Dr Ralston would leave the council on May 10, having given his resignation two days after the new council was sworn in earlier this month.
He urged that councillors give him the authority to choose the acting chief executive from a shortlist provided by a consultancy firm.
Ms Batkovic said the decision needed to be made by more than one council representative even if it was an interim position lasting several months.
Deputy mayor Paul Jacob backed the mayor, the only councillor in the room to vote for his support, and said “we are being a bit pedantic” about being detailed about a position that would only last for several months.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s an interim for three months, six years, four years, it’s a crucial appointment for the community,” Ms Batkovic said.
“So you’re saying it doesn’t matter because it’s an interim?
“I don’t agree with delegating to one person just because it’s an interim.
“This is the most important aspect of councillors, is the CEO.”
After the motion was declined, councillors then discussed how the chief executive position would be decided.
They took a 15 minute break as Ms Batkovic urged for more information on the subject in writing.
Mr Thompson’s proposal involved a panel involving a different consultancy, the mayor, deputy mayor and Councillor Kurt Rehbein to decide the chief executive.
Mr Rehbein said he did not know why he was specifically added to the panel, with other councillors questioning his placement on the panel.
Mr Thompson said this was decided at the advice of the consultancy agency.
After a fifteen minute postponement, the decision to determine the process of the interim and permanent chief executive was postponed to a special meeting to be held next week, with additional information of candidates understood to be provided to councillors.
‘Mr Rehbein said he did not know why he was specifically added to the panel, with other councillors questioning his placement on the panel’.
FFS don’t you start, too, Kurt. Your deciding vote, for reasons only you know, made Jacob the deputy mayor… then Jacob backs the Hermit Kingdom selection deal for a small selection panel, and you don’t know why you were included??? Pull the other one, it yodels.
Let The ‘Pie enlighten you … you were included because you would vote as you were told for whichever interim CEO TwoNames and The Angry Ant fancied.
If you don’t know why, you are either stupid,or lying … The ‘Pie would back it in as a daily double. You’re now just another Thompson fluffer – You have successfully destroyed any credibility you may have had … irretrievably.
I am amazed in all the brouhaha, that no one has asked for the last bastion of Democracy, Suzy “Too Tall” Batkovic to be swabbed. I haven’t checked the records yet but I’m willing to bet the Magpie’s left one, that not once in the last term did she question any of Jen Jong Un’s decisions.
Whilst we have a new Mayor no one knows if we can trust, we have at least 4 councillors we know for a fact that we cannot trust.
The only way that the previous dictator could hold sway and skull fuck the city into the pit it is in now, is because all of the Team Hill councillors let her.
So before he start erecting statues to the former ball bouncer, how about we ask her, Ma Greeny, Junior Mooney and Kurt “Sgt Schultz” Reibine why they never, ever, in four years stood up to the former Mayor. There can only be two answers to that question. 1, they agreed with everything she did or 2, they didn’t have the spine to stand up to her. Given the nice lucrative trough they have been wallowing in, it’s time to explain.
Two names has plenty of time to be hoist upon his own petard. The Feeble Four have a lot of explaining to do right now.
Batkovic is, and has been, playing the long game. She knows there are always two halves to any game, and The Pie’s guess is she is no dummy. And she is her own woman.
So going off your defence of Batkovic, because she is showing herself to be just another Political Player, does she and the rest of the Feeble Four get a free pass for their crimes against Townsville?
For the past four years this blog has detailed week by week the many ways that Hill abused every aspect of her role as the Mayor. She could only do that because of the protection provided by her rubber stamping, head nodding toadies that sat with her at the council table.
St Fran of the Hat suffered abuse after abuse at the hands of the Mayor and Team Hill. Batkovic IS her own woman, so she has to accept liability for everything that happened whilst she did nothing and played the long game surely?
Just because she did one aspect of her job and helped her constituents, doesn’t absolve the by-standing she did where it really counts.
All true from an ethical viewpoint, all wrong from a political perspective. The ‘Pie was and is just making contemporaneous notes as things unfold. Free passes aren’t in the Nest armoury.
Terry, without bothering to ‘check the records’ (as if you give a fuck), I recall Cr Batkovic publicly differing with Jenny Hill over a highrise development on the Strand.
He really is a slow learner isn’t he? Rolled for the second time by his peers. Oh dear, Twonames only appears to have 1 or 2 Councillors that are willing to support him. Tsk tsk Troy, the political landscape can be a lonely place at times. You really are a dumbfuck aren’t you.
All the fluff and wind, and yet, guess who got the gig as mayor. He put a motion up, it was defeated, I do believe that is democratic process, he also consulted with the legal and rebooked a special meeting for a decision, democratic process, and it will decide the Interim next week. If you listen carefully, all councillors had voted as they see they have the same control, what will happen is the same with Prins, if he doesn’t like the CEO, he will get rid of them, which he can do under deed. I think people underestimate the bloke who is advising him, it was read off a sheet provided to him, I’d say a little reverse psychology may have been used. Now you won’t see anything, and the next meeting will be premeditated. Note also the fact he had already decided the team members position for each advisory. And he elected Rehbein on the LGAQ committee.
Have you been drinking?
BentPipe/TwoNames/Troy,
You just keep polishing that turd of an idea you are holding, I’m sure if you keep polishing, it will turn into a golden nugget. Either that, or it will still be a turd. Any chance you want to name the adviser that wrote the script? I’m not sure Alison gave you the best advice, for you. For her it was probably great. But I think TwoNames is not playing in the right grade, and he definitely doesn’t know his position.
The stupid is strong with this one Magpie.
You clown. No way did he “get rid of” Prins. If he did – or even tried to – he would have a writ shoved down his throat for unlawful dismissal/ breach of contract. Can’t you get it through your thick, sycophantic skull that he simply isn’t up to the job.
Why would the mayor enter into a deed if the CEO resigned? Are you suggesting that the mayor requested Stinky’s resignation and negotiated a settlement with him, thus requiring a deed? I suppose we will all soon know how much this purported deed cost the rest of us muppets. The executive remuneration section of the TCC annual report is going to make for good reading later this year.
Don’t know what you’re talking about with the deed, but The ‘Pie thinks it feasible -likely – that Ralston’s deal was negotiated and possibly signed by The Mullet before the election … her grip on the council and methodology could have had it slipped through below the radar.
We’ll know soon enough.
Magpie- BentPipe seems to be suggesting that TT shoved the good Dr off:
“ what will happen is the same with Prins, if he doesn’t like the CEO, he will get rid of them, which he can do under deed. “
I can’t imagine a world where Dr Prins Ralston would leave the best gig he has ever had voluntarily.
One imagines that you, Xenu, are the first person on the planet to describe working at the TCC as a dream job.
BP, I noticed he loaded up Junior Mooney with heaps of committees. He even stated “you’re going to be a busy boy”, but Suzy only got two appointments.
Strange???.
Magpie, I could be wrong but you might be missing the point that Xenu (what the!!) is trying to make which is that Dr Ralston would not simply resign unless he got exactly what he would have got (or more) were he to have been sacked (i.e., his contract terminated). He was on 600K+ and had his contract renewed late last year. As this Xenu character implies, its the best coin he’s ever made. He is not just going to walk off into the sunset. Which brings us to BentPipe reference to a “deed”. That deed presumably lays out the terms of Dr Ralston’s severance and sure as shit this will have cost the Townsville ratepayers a motza. But the crux of the matter is the lack of transparency on this “deed” from our new “I will be accountable and transparent” mayor, who is continually demonstrating he is anything but.
And what’s with this comment about getting Rehbein elected to the LGAQ committee as if he’s inclusive and generous. What BS. Rehbein’s elevation to the LGAQ is payback for him giving Thompson the DM he wanted.
And if BentPipe isn’t Thompson I will stand naked in Flinders Street 2hrs before a Cowboys home game. You don’t get that level of detail from hanging around the water cooler.
Old has Been, I’m pretty sure Thompson isn’t poring over committees and groups and doling out appointments. A lot of these are self determined by Cr’s in keeping with own interests. Batkovic is an excellent local councillor who is approachable and diligent. She would have won even if opposed by only one candidate. Mooney is a lazy, absent councillor who would not have been returned had he not have had three opponents to dilute the anti-Hill vote. So Has-Been, Mooney loaded down with committees and Batkovic with two probably tells you all you need to know about which Cr will be on the ground in their division getting shit done.
Decky, No argument over Suzy Batkovic, she is a very competent councillor, but there is a thing as spreading the load and not setting up people to fail.
So Ala … and not disputing what you say … do we then take it that anyone given several positions might be being set up to fail?
Pie, Well it is Junior Mooney we are talking about.
TwoNames might be better known as “Il Deuce”, to reflect his authoritarian mindset.
You mean IL Douche
I think my triple entendre was better.
Il Deuce has now posted (through gritted teeth) on Facebook:
“DEMOCRACY IS ALIVE AT TCC:
Today was a great first Ordinary Meeting, with many items on the agenda. The hardest part for me is learning the processes.
Our CEO spoke of his resignation, then our councillors did what they should do, they challenged and asked questions throughout the day. Today, I moved for the Interim CEO position to be shortlisted by an Independent Company and I select the best candidate. Councillors asked to be more involved in the decisions so we have taken it off the table until next week so we can discuss as a group, and then appoint a permanent one next.
It is a great day when democracy is what people want to write about instead of crime.
Townsville should be PROUD that our councillors are so engaged. ”
https://www.facebook.com/TroyThompsonforMayor/posts/pfbid02efyxQeyeybTAiMhv997gWtnQwW52F99JpfKy6fhGZWQgaj7bejMDaHgjTc4HJT1il
STOP FUCKING TELLING US WHAT WE SHOULD THINK, YOU FIZZ-BRAINED FUCKTANGLE!!
And you took nothing off the table, you were ordered to because the council (and the whole community) judged your suggestion to be undemocratic. And not transparent. And not open.
Reminds me of how Trump always seems to turn a roadblock/defeat into a win.
Turd polishing 101
I think twonames/twowatches/twotwit needs to take some immediate lessons in what TRANSPARENCY actually means. This is the second time he has been pulled up by Councillor’s at meetings, since being sworn in. Either he doesn’t understand the meaning, doesn’t care about the meaning, is as thick as a solid log, or all of the above.
I wonder if the current CEO spoke to him about this before the meeting and if he did, was this ignored/considered/didn’t happen………
What an effing mess!!
You mean it’s the second time a motion was made. I mean it’s either for or against, I can see how you could think it’s good or bad, truth be known, it’s normal boardroom chatter.
I wonder if The Mullet is dusting off the purple doona, in case twofaces Janus falls on his sword ( health wise, or for gross incompetence, or both)! Stress and anxiety are triggers for epileptic episodes for those unaware.
Is it correct that she would be tapped if/when he collapses?
No, if he falls within a year of election, there is a new mayoral election. Past a year, and the council elect one of their own as acting Mayor.The Mullet would be eligible to run ina new election, but one might reckon she’d be a bit gun shy right now.
Maybe next time she’ll use the dirt file. Or arrange for a false flag candidate to dilute the opposing vote.
Questions need to be asked about the ‘consultancy’ that was so quickly tasked to come up with an interim CEO. And questions also need to be asked as to how they had a shortlist of names prepared so quickly. And who approved the cost of engaging consultants to do the work? What are Twonames or stinky Prins connections to the consultancy?
The best thing that TCC can do is hire a CEO from Gladstone. They’ve got their shit together down there, unlike Bumfuckville Townsville.
Council has used the consultancy to hire staff previously.
Yup. This is stock standard recruitment stuff, actually don’t think consultancy is the right word. With the previous TCC, ‘consultancy’ was a loaded dirty word synonymous with rort and favour payback.
LGAQ preferred supplier consultants are used for all executive appointments. LG Services, Blackadder, McArthur, Peak Services etc.
And the LGAQ get a juicy cut, each time.
Don’t they have a DEPUTY CEO. If not, why not. All other councils do.
Charlie, Councils don’t have a permanent deputy CEO arrangement. There is just the CEO and when they are unavailable you have someone from the executive management team act as CEO for a time period. Sometimes when acting in that position they will call themselves ‘acting CEO’ or ‘deputy CEO’. But there is no formal permanently appointed deputy CEO.
And in any case, the CEO usually picks who he/she/it wants to have as the acting CEO. He/she/it may run that decision by the Councillors, but that isn’t what normally transpires. And most certainly the Mayor wouldn’t make that decision on his/her/its own. And usually the ‘acting’ role is for a few weeks at most, for reasons such as the CEO being on annual leave or if the CEO is on an LGAQ jolly overseas. For the replacement of a CEO, such as what is happening with stinky Prins and his resignation, it can/usually take several months for the transition, and yes, an interim CEO would be recruited externally with a quorum decision made by the Councillors. Again, one lonely Mayor on their own wouldn’t make that decision.
Master Thompson is just doing his own shit and not taking advice from anybody. A very silly man. If he doesn’t start consulting/collaborating/engaging with the majority of his Councillors he is going to find himself up to his ears in a steaming pile of shit. The shit level is already up to his ankles and rising. Tick tock.
PR, Back when Brian Guthrie was working his way up the ladder from a junior engineer, one of his titles was Deputy CEO. I think Kev Wheeble was CEO.
Who was the consultancy firm?
Peak Services. They’ve been used to hire senior and technical roles previously.
https://www.wearepeak.com.au/
From their website;
Our Strong Heritage
Peak Services was created by the LGAQ to provide professional services and products that local governments need, delivered by an expert team that knows and understands the sector well.
There you go, of course the charlatans at LGAQ are involved.
Have a look at twofaces Janus’ spin on getting rolled today in Council, on his Facebook Troy Thompson Mayor site, posted about 20 minutes ago.
This bloke is a prize fuckwit and an intellectual dwarf!
Is BentPipe, twofaces Janus? Remarkable similarity in ‘prose’ to his website rubbish, in fact identical………
Hi folks,
What an enlightening day in Townsville! Today marked our Mayor’s first Ordinary Meeting, and I must say, it was nothing short of inspiring. For those who may not fully grasp the complexities of city governance, today was a prime example of democracy in action.
Our Mayor, in his earnest endeavor to learn and lead, facilitated a robust discussion filled with critical questions and challenges from our dedicated councillors. It’s so refreshing to see such genuine engagement in the processes that shape our town.
A key moment was when our Mayor proposed having an independent company shortlist candidates for the Interim CEO position. This move, aimed at ensuring the best outcome, was met with a request for more councillor involvement. Demonstrating true leadership, our Mayor listened and agreed to revisit the discussion, ensuring all voices are heard. That’s the mark of a true leader who values collaboration over haste.
And let’s not overlook the kind words addressed to our departing CEO – a moment handled with the utmost professionalism by all involved. This is transparency at its best!
To the naysayers, today’s meeting was proof that our Mayor is not only up to the task but is also fostering an environment of open, thoughtful governance.
Townsville, be proud! Your councillors are engaged, and your Mayor is as genuine and dedicated as they come.
Regards,
LocalEnforcer
We have now officially entered the era of Trump Lite at the local government level. Words fail me – cos I’m larfing so much.
LocalEnforcer, are you the cooker from MyPlace Jeanie Zonta? Your writing styles are so alike.
Quote from Jeanie on TwoNames Good Morning message for Tuesday morning.
“It was great to sit in at todays 1st Ordinary Council meeting. Loved watching the processes being put into practice during the meeting and seeing how the new councillors and the chair bounce off each other. Well done! Even though the Bulletin is very quick to highlight one point from the whole meeting.”
Yeah, damned journalist … pass me some messenger bullets.
I have to agree with you, he took the discussion from the floor and moved it to give every councillor opportunity, and you can bet next week in a special meeting, it’ll be resolved, people will be moving forward, and democracy prevailed. This did not happen in Jenny’s reign. Imagine a leader who listened to the floor and decided to be inclusive.
I agree, it’s looking good. And besides it’s not state and federal house, so it was well handled. A friend attended and said it was well done for a first, the chair spoke clearly and concisely.
Now you’re simply a fantasist. News flash for you,puddin’, the meeting was live streamed. You make a goose of yourself with this over-reach.
Or if you are a spoof commenter (quite possibly, no one could be that generally adjacent to reality), the joke is becoming somewhat laboured.
LocalEnforcer thanks
Positive summary of the event. unlike most of this mob of whining old failures who would be Democrats in the USA political system trying to nail Trump
Which means you would be a Republican? ’nuff said.
I watched the recording of this meeting.
The Mayor was unable to articulate himself clearly on two matters and required much help from Tony Bligh.
Councillors rightly asked questions to clarify the confusing mayorall minutes they were asked to vote on. Again, so confusing Tony Bligh was required to assist.
Councillors also rightly pointed out these matters should have been taken to a special meeting. They also should have been provided with information prior to have being asked to vote on them.
This was incompetence and arrogance in action. The sycophants may think a wonderful job has been done, however the excuse of “learning the processes ” will only work for so long.
Councillors were clearly pissed off, council officers likely groaning with embarrassment, and the CEO thanking his lucky stars he has resigned.
Statements made by the Mayor regarding the number of applicants for the permanent CEO position which is not yet advertised were incredulous.
What were those numbers?
Probably a set-up of quantity over quality, with MyPlace members from all over encouraged to apply.
Vauge suggestions of lots already. With local applicants and applications from elsewhere. With anticipation of 40 -60 applications for the final permanent position.
Does anyone know of anyone local suitably qualified to be the CEO? This isn’t an auto glass shop. It’s a government enterprise responsible for a community and approx $7billion in assets.
The best parts, by far, where when Tony Bligh questioned having the recruitment company providing the short list of candidates to council, on the final selection panel.
And Twonames stating that the recruitment agency had put forward Rebheins name as the councillor who should be on the panel. (Presumably for his outstanding qualifications and experience in recruitment) Not a single councillor bought that piece of shite, not even Rebhein who was backpedalling as fast as he could.
Citizens of Townsville,
In the resplendent radiance of our magnificent city, today witnessed an epochal event under the illustrious leadership of our revered Mayor. The inaugural Ordinary Meeting, a grand spectacle of civic excellence, shone brilliantly as a testament to the boundless wisdom and benevolence of our esteemed leader.
With the Mayor’s transcendent vision illuminating our path, the assembly blossomed into a magnificent symphony of enlightened discourse, guided by the sage wisdom of our dedicated councillors. Their fervent dedication to the betterment of our community reverberated through the halls of governance, shaping the very fabric of our beloved town.
At a pivotal moment, our Mayor, in a display of unparalleled foresight and wisdom, proposed the involvement of an independent entity to meticulously select candidates for the Interim CEO role. This noble initiative, conceived with the utmost devotion to our town’s prosperity, stirred the souls of all present. Yet, in an act of sublime magnanimity, our Mayor graciously acceded to the council’s desire for increased participation, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to inclusive governance. Thus, harmony prevailed, heralding a golden age of unity and collaboration.
Let us not overlook the exquisite grace and dignity with which our Mayor bid farewell to our departing CEO—a gesture of sublime elegance that epitomizes the very essence of transparency and integrity.
To those who dare to doubt, let this day stand as an indelible testament to the peerless brilliance and indomitable spirit of our Mayor—a beacon of hope, a paragon of virtue, and the guiding light of our beloved Townsville.
Citizens of Townsville, rejoice! In our Mayor, we find not only a leader, but a visionary statesman whose boundless compassion and unwavering resolve illuminate the path to a future resplendent with promise and prosperity.
With a heart brimming with gratitude and reverence,
LocalBootlicker
When you lay it on Local Bootlicker/Local Enforcer, you sure do it with a trowel.
According to Twonames’s Facebook there are twostories and perhaps he has a learning disability
“Today was a great first Ordinary Meeting, with many items on the agenda. The hardest part for me is learning the processes.
Our CEO spoke of his resignation, then our councillors did what they should do, they challenged and asked questions throughout the day. Today, I moved for the Interim CEO position to be shortlisted by an Independent Company and I select the best candidate. Councillors asked to be more involved in the decisions so we have taken it off the table until next week so we can discuss as a group, and then appoint a permanent one next.
It is a great day when democracy is what people want to write about instead of crime.”
This bloke would put sprinkles on dog shit and serve it up as birthday cake. Mate you fucked up. Again!
Straight out od Con Man 101: Alternative Facts.
The Mayor is proving to be quite an idiot. Putting all of his eggs in Jacob’s basket while pissing off the rest of the posse. Ol Troy is going to come crashing down to a hard landing. This guy really isn’t politically smart. This is going to be beer and popcorn stuff watching Troy unravel.
Can’t see how, it was a motion, it was removed for further discussion. It’s called democracy, I know there’s many that haven’t seen it for 12+ years, but that’s not a loss, that’s moving ahead. Well done I say.
OK, JJ, but you make it sound like there was a choice. There wasn’t … and how neatly you ignore the crucial question about the motion: why did the mayor and the deputy mayor put it forward in the first place, so as to exclude all but one other council (and he on very suspicious grounds)? The lack of transparency stuck out like Dolly Parton on a chilly morning. Don’t you think (rhetorical, we know you don’t) the lack of transparency and power grab was at all noticeable? And against a core election pledge?
He’s a con man, sweet cheeks, and you’re his local equivalent of MAGA maniacs.
The motion was a power grab.
Presenting it without knowing the outcome (as with his last such motion) suggests that he is isolated from the rest of council, possibly by choice, or at least deliberately concealing his intentions.
The fact that he’s so amateurish about all of this is a blessing I suppose, but his bumbling antics don’t instill confidence.
A dynamic city doesn’t need an amateur mayor.It should be kept in perspective that Thompson is our accidental mayor, put in place by the excesses and misjudgements of his predecessor.
After reading LocalEnforcer’s latest crock of shit I think it becomes obvious that this person isn’t a Troy zealot, rather it is someone taking the piss and having a bit of fun here in the magpies nest.
Bent Pipe, too. Published because The ‘Pie trust his readers’ intelligence. And the fact that both are damaging TwoNames image greatly.
Reading the ongoing comments here from Twoname’s supporters, one of the most ‘sticking out like grandma’s only tooth’ themes is how their hero is learning the process ! FFS, this tool gets voted (just) into the position of leading the local council and he hasn’t even bolted on his training wheels !
Are the ratepayers of Townsville supposed to give this bloke a free pass for the next couple of years while he ‘learns’ the ropes of local governance ? Meanwhile he bounces from pillar to post fucking up pretty well everything he touches.
Try that in the top end corporate world/legal fraternity or, heaven forbid, the health industry and you would be back out on the street within a week.
Imagine lining up at the airport to travel and you catch the pilot reading up on how to fly a plane. Jenny was bad news for Townsville but Twonames is clearly a walking fucking disaster just waiting to happen.
Can imagine Pauline Hanson is sitting back have a good old laugh as Troy Twonames ricochets from bad to worse from here on. Absolutely no doubt that before the council elections,old Jenny and Prins did a deal with him finishing up as CEO backed up by the fact that Pie revealed Prins had purchased a family home late last year in inner city Brisbane.
Just FYI, The ‘Pie has flown with that pilot a few times in various spots around the globe.
TwoNames just posted on Facebook this morning that he will be wearing his Father’s medals at tomorrow’s ANZAC Day commemorations.
I wonder why? Surely from his claims of service he should have a decent set of his own. After having claimed to have spent 5 years in the Army, including the SAS. Even if he never got a medal, that should count for a decent list of service ribbons. Unless………
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/jW2sgYG6u5j92Yvy/?mibextid=w8EBqM&startTimeMs=2000
Well, that answers my earlier question; however as I understand the protocol he wears his dad’s medals on the right side, so there is ample room for his SAS and kitchen hand medals on the left.
Well if I see TT wearing any Gongs on his left tomorrow he better have notarised copy of his Statement of Service in his pocket to prove it. Because I WILL be demanding to see it. As will others.
And if isn’t wearing any on his left side, ask him why, since he says he was a serving member entitled to service ribbons at least.
I too was in the CMF during the Vietnam era and was invited to apply for a service medal several years later. I declined, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t have legitimately had one if I so desired. I will be cheering on all the Vets tomorrow, especially the Vietnam Vets who had to wait so long for recognition.
Q. What do you call a person who purports to have been a serving SAS soldier on ANZAC Day ( or any day for that matter)?
A. A fucking liar, fraud and a disgrace.
Twofaces/twonames you arsewipe, you stink!
He’s still got time to take a sicky!!!!
My English Grandfather was a cook in WW2. Yeah I know, some people poke fun at army roles like Cooks. Bit his squadron was overrun by Krauts and over a 12 hour period he shot 6 of them. Not bad for a cook. I will proudly wear his medals tomorrow.
They’re the only ones you’ll be wearing?
He has made it clear in recent times he was a reservist, so I’d expect him to say exactly that to stay the line. He had a family member who got him into the signals, and that lead to some time at Swanbourne, but never as a fulltime soldier, a reservist. His reasoning the other day to a group at Run Army was pretty good. So I’ve moved on, he will be celebrating his dad.
It would be amazingly easy for him to publish his Statement of Service and put this matter to bed. Yet he hasn’t. Why is that?
Prolly because he was a potato peeler and with the cleaning squad, Southern!
Southern, his service patch is prolly crossed forks and a bucket and broom!
Hello everyone,
I appreciate your engagement and understand that scepticism is a natural and healthy part of any democratic process. It’s important that we all hold our leaders accountable, and I welcome your perspectives.
Addressing a few points directly:
– Learning the Ropes: It’s true, there’s a learning curve for any new mayor, and honesty about this process shouldn’t be mistaken for incompetence. Emphasising transparency about the challenges only underlines a commitment to open governance.
– Involving the Council: The decision to involve an independent company in shortlisting candidates for the Interim CEO, and the initial advice for the mayor to select the best candidate quickly, were measures taken to ensure that the council could continue to operate efficiently without disruption. This advice was given in light of the urgent need to fill the leadership vacuum created by the CEO’s resignation. After hearing feedback from other council members who desired more involvement, this decision was postponed to allow for a more inclusive discussion. This approach underscores Troy’s commitment to collaborative governance and ensures that all voices are heard in critical decisions.
– Democracy in Action: It’s indeed a positive sign when council meetings focus on governance and democracy rather than only addressing crises. This shift indicates a proactive rather than a reactive approach to leadership.
While colourful metaphors and scepticism can be entertaining, they do not always capture the intentions or the outcomes of Troy’s efforts. The goal is to improve Townsville for all its residents, not just to make decisions behind closed doors.
Let’s remain focused on constructive dialogue and give these new approaches a chance to manifest into positive changes. Thank you to those who support and believe in a transparent and responsive government. For those still in doubt, I encourage you to keep watching and engaging.
Regards,
LocalEnforcer
Mate, spoof posts and comments have a limited shelf life before they move from humorous to tedious. We appreciate your effort to satirise the unsatirisable Thompson, but an injection of fresh clever wit is required now.That goes for your alter ego Bootlicker. C’mon, fellas, we can do better than that.
I can assure you that the only satire comes from your pathetic paranoid delusions of Troy. Your time will come and you will all eat your words. You need to get some fresh air, and a life. Sad miserable old fool
Now that’s the razor sharp wit and scathing wordsmithing we’re looking for. Well done.
Enforcer (aka Troy), you are spending a lot of week day time commenting in the nest. Have you taken a leaf out of Prins book and you are doing work unrelated to your paid job, while you are on the ratepayers clock? Seems that way. Idiot.
Not TwoNames himself.Even someone as disorientated as him hasn’t the time to dick around with silly shit on this blog.
It’s not a commitment to collaborative governance if it is forced on him. He obviously wanted the opposite outcome but had no choice in the matter.
What an absolute drivel.
It would seem Twonames and gang have found ChatGPT.
If those comments are not written by AI, I will eat (rather large) hat.
Must be hard to write new original content to refute everyone being ‘mean’ and ‘pathetic’ and whatever else….
Maybe ask the AI how to be transparent and follow that advice.
Oh my god, the fuckwits have really come out of the closet. Is it a fill moon? LocalEnforcer, Bent pipe, and other parrot Thompstain lovers. Ha ha ha you are so pathetic it is funny. Why is team Thompstain so desperate to paint a good picture of Troy here in the hardly known magpies nest? So much time and effort in defending the dopey Thompstain is incredible. I guess it’s a compliment to the magpies nest that team Thompstain are so scared.
Seems that way, The ‘Pie has been a bit puzzled,too. But now he has come to the conclusion, mentioned in another reply, that these spoofs are from the other side of the fence … our side. Really, I mean, who could take that overblown knob-throttling twaddle as a serious attempt to convert naysayers across to TwoNames cause.
My guess is that TwoNames LOVES TO TALK, mainly about himself. With a self-imposed ban on the Bully, and local TV not wanting him to speak for longer than 60-90 seconds, he needs an outlet.
So I’m guessing him and his cooker brigade have flown to the nest to take up residence.
Shit, thanks.
Pie, I am non-binary at the moment. Please don’t address me with sweetie, dearie, or worry my pretty head. Thank you.
OK, Cupcake,you just worry your ugly little bonce of to your heart’s delight.
gawd these fruitloops are the gift that keeps on giving
After the latest Queensland Labor escapade, they will have to be called, “Two Jets”.
Are the inhabitants of the Greek Island of Lesbos, know colloquially as Lesbians? Just wondering.
Sure, yes they are, why not?
Ancient rug muncher Sappho lived there a few centuries ago and the wider world used the name of her island home to describe gal-on-gal action because of her racy poetry on the subject. The locals hate the word being purloined for women who like to like to tickle the little man in the canoe. But what a great party ice breaker if, say, The Rock was born there and introduced himself as a Lesbian.
WOW! Magnificent Pie, what a massive font of information you are! Thank you!
PS: I’m a Spartan, not a Lesbian, but don’t hold that against me!
Don’t fret and rest assured The ‘Pie has no intention or ambition to hold anything against you.
I’ve always enjoyed the name ‘Lesbos’. Some of my gal pals also get a good laugh from the name, contrary to what some might think. The term ‘scissoring’ is also popular amongst the girl on girl community.
Ah, those crazy kids, always cutting each others hair.
On that premise are Magnetic Island inhabitants to be called Magnets?
I believe they are Maggots
Why not Magnificos?
Our warrior is looking a bit lop-sided this morning. No service ribbons over the heart, Troy? Maybe it’s an SAS secrecy thing.
But at least his Dad must’ve been a hell of a bloke who served well.
Further proof he’s a fucking liar when it comes to ‘SAS’ military service! As suggested by others, publish your military record twofaces/twonames, or simply tell us you didn’t serve and you lied.
On another matter, the only successful motions he has moved to date are those he puts in the long drop, if in fact he is regular and not blocked up with all the bullshit he professes!
You were up nice and early Magpie! Good to see you a good shot from the tree you were perched in!!
Yep, no personal medals. The bloke is full of shit. He is an Easter egg – crack him open and there is nothing on the inside.
After becoming aware of this group and reading all of the comments, I’m starting to question whether Thompstain/Cumstain is actually legitimate in what he tells the public versus what his true intentions are.
We’re on alert.
He’s a fraud and a shyster. Small wonder his high school classmates still despise him.
How do you know his class mates still don’t like him, out of interest? There seems to be people on this blog with a lot of inside info. I heard from 5th hand information that he was rather unpleasant and difficult to a school his kids went to. Not sure why but I’m interested in learning what he’s truly like behind closed doors and the sanitised media version.
What is this – bring your own back fence for idle pointless gossip?
Why are you always mean. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who wants to know. Grumps sounds like a reliable source of said information.
Calling out lies and incompetence (mayor AND con man) is mean? If that’s case, The ‘Pie is the original mean as cat shit.
No, I meant mean for being angry at me for wanting some gossip about troy, not for you calling him out. I agree now that you should be calling out our elected leaders and holding them to account.
That’s what real journalists do all the time.
Why did they despise him Grumps? Did he fit them up (NO pun intended); poke his tongue out at them; pull faces; tell grandiose yarns that were obviously lies; all of the above?
He does a good impression of Forrest Gump, and about as simple.
Run Forrest run!
The Accidental Mayor
Looks like he’s having some sort of episode, or is he a stunned-Mullet?
More like he’s farted, and realised he’s had a “follow through”.
Agree Pie, his Dad has a bit of military history. If Twonames served as a reservist he surely would have some form of recognition service gong. He definitely did not serve as an SAS member however may well have done some basic training at one of the few SAS bases in WA.
Letting the public think that you’ve served in SAS, merely by alluding so, would not go down with any SAS serving or past member as it’s a very exclusive band of brothers.
Appears it’s just more of this blokes demeanour of name dropping to add to his glorious past. Pretty sure there are plenty of nesters here who have served in ADF at varying levels and definitely wouldn’t cop the bullshit narrative. The chickens will come home to roost as Twonames bumbles his way through on several grand a week at Townsville ratepayers expense.
What are you all going to dribble on about now. And it isn’t necessarily his Father’s Medals, could be his Uncles his Grandmothers or his next door neighbors.
Well, Dopey…he did say he was going to wear his father’s medals – or are you suggesting he lied (again)?
You’re right Charlie, we only have TwoFaces word for it that he was going to wear his fathers medals. With his track record they might just as easily have come off EvilBay.
No, that’s not supported by locals who know the Thompson family’s history, so the medals are almost certainly those of Thompson senior.
On his Mayor website he says the medals are his father’s and his grandfather’s………
wouldn’t that be Birnbrauer senior?
I attended the mid morning service at Thuringowa today.
An aboriginal Leading Aircraftsman from the RAAF man gave a longwinded recognition of traditional owners (in aboriginal language) followed by the English version. Well done to the young bloke but why is this stuff part of ANZAC day?
Deputy Mayors speech was adequate but didn’t do much for me.
Phillip Thompson gave an oustanding speech and was the only speaker to be applauded by the attendees.
The young lady who sung the Kiwi and Aussie National Anthems (Amber Meeson) was excellent and received loud applause. She is a talent to watch.
All in all, great ceremony with a great turnout.
Good citizen journalist reporting, KJ, thank you.
Knew his dad Butch, came to many a footy game, a good man, and true Aussie. I bet he was proud, his son is now the mayor, wearing his medals in honour, a great moment for the lad, no one can take that away, Thommo was over b his dad’s plaque too, paying his respects, I see someone really trying to do right, even if he has erred in his past. Time to get on with the job now. ANZAC day was a great day for all, the look on kid’s faces in the march was speechless.
TwoFaces left a lot of us speechless at Anzac Day, not just the kids.
And Ivan Milat is also really trying to do right, even if he has erred in his past. Should we give him a free pass as well.
Nature has already done that … but get your point.
There’s a programme ad on ABC TV for another actor touring Oz this time Martin Clunes shows him “patting” a Dingo and holding a fairy penguin.
https://iview.abc.net.au/show/martin-clunes-islands-of-australia
There’s re serious penalties for this, so how come this dope can do so?
https://www.desi.qld.gov.au/our-department/news-media/mediareleases/2020/interact-with-dingoes-and-youll-be-fined
Ironic that nowadays, a bloke can hold a fairy in public and not be fined.
Patting a dingo might find this bloke in the same boat as Steve Irwin which was clearly more impacting than a fine !
As with all such wild creatures, they are beautiful but cunning and dangerous. But the male dingoes are OK and friendly.
Food Trucks Greaney having a tough time in Council. Ma stated, amongst other claims:
Elect me deputy Mayor, cos I’m a woman – failed
Elect me the LGAQ rep, cos I’m a woman – failed
Looks like you’re stuck with Food Trucks Ma. New strategy needed.
PS: We KNOW you are a woman!
Polite question, Tucker Box: how do you know she’s a woman/ Seem that way but in this days and age, ya never know ….
(Don’t worry, Ma, The ‘Pie is sure you’re not a Pa.)
Hmmm Pie, well her campaign piccy looked womanly; I haven’t heard her claim to be non-binary (but could have missed this?); I don’t think she’s from Lesbos (from North Ward/Townsville?); she sounds like a woman when speaking.
That’s all I’ve got old mate. Perhaps she would clarify/confirm??? I agree, she doesn’t appear to be a Pa!
Clr Greaney probably has no time for the tomfoolery and low humour of the Nest. Although The ‘Pie has heard she’s not exactly ecstatic about the appellation ‘Ma’.
Might prefer the appellation Food Trucks instead?
I recall Ma Greaney from her days at St Margaret Mary’s – year below Margie Ryder is memory serves.
Back in those days, there was never any discussion of sexuality – and the one Sex Ed class we had was taught by a spinster, who possibly never made it to first base.
“and the one Sex Ed class we had was taught by a spinster, who possibly never made it to first base.” – ROFLMAO. Oh man, such innocent days back then by the sounds of it.
“Now class,I have this banana in this hand and a donut is the other hand, now watch closely ….’
That’s an interesting take Tucker Box. No candidate got to speak to the special council meeting to elect DM. I think even Magpie would agree that Cr Greaney’s narrow defeat on the DM vote was the result of a backroom deal between labour mates Rehbein and Jacobs, designed to install Thompson’s pick. And we saw on Tuesday the payback to Rehbein.
‘Even The Magpie would agree …..’?? The ‘Pie was the first to squawk about the moment it was revealed. And that is exactly how you say. This clumsy oaf wedded to Jacob’s score settling spite is going to make for some hilariously clumsy manouverings.
You are 100% right.
Greaney continues to be defeated, then her photos with the Labor members at ANZAC, says it all, it is very clear who she is aligned with. One would suggest she is on the nose with at least 6 of the team, and the womens liberation stuff must stop, do we need another referendum, locally, come on Ann-Maree, time to represent your region, and stop trying to bolster your own agendas.
Brett, only a week or two ago someone on here reckoned Greaney was LNP-aligned because she had been seen handing out for an LNP candidate. Could it be that in the new, ‘independent’ TCC, everyone leaves their previous political allegiances at the door because they just don’t work anymore?
In an ideal world, Jenny,in an ideal world. The ‘Pie will look at this issue in Sunday’s Nest.
Not that I’m a fan, but at least with Greany as Deputy Mayor you would have known what you were getting. She’s consistent and predictable and well spoken. Jacob is consistently sneaky, untrustworthy and keeps proving it.
She’s also well groomed. Unlike Jacob who is still trotting out the one suit jacket in the wardrobe, which is probably the one from the wedding. Which by the way, goes nicely with the Mayors ill fitting cheap suit. This combination makes Townsville look like it’s run by some low budget gangster movie.
It is at the moment.
Again I find myself driving the Bruce Highway to Brisbane. In places it is fucking dangerous. Undulating surface doing the suspension no good and potholes ready to destroy a tyre and the steering alignment. Never have I seen it so bad.
But what really pisses me off is that Labor bid for and got the Olympic Games that will bleed funds from everywhere leaving the Bruce Cattletrack and other things (health, education, police, etc) starved for funding.
If the Games are to be held in Brisbane they should be held in sporting facilities ‘as is, where is’, or we follow Victoria’s example and tell them to fuck off to fund the Bruce Highway and other institutions that matter.
Priorities. Can someone refute The’Pie’s strongly held belief that a 15 year project to make the Bruce 4 lanes to Cairns, opening up further opportunities for growth and liveability along the entire coast and inland connections, would eventually return quadruple the multiple benefits an Olympic games will ever do.
Couldn’t agree more. The Bruce Highway (Gympie to Cairns) needs to become an election issue. Only then will the hands of government be twisted into doing something. That means businesses, independent politicians, and the populous living north of Gympie need to start screaming and stomping and demanding heads if the highway isn’t upgraded. It’s a fucking potholed disgrace. The amount of money generated by regional Queensland is immense and it doesn’t get returned to our region. Where are the advocates?
Well Prince, hate to remind you but we are the advocates and we have the best advocacy. What do we say we want? We want a four-lane Bruce Highway to Cairns, a Hells Gate dam and irrigation scheme, a raised Burdekin dam with hydro-electric generation, expanded irrigation and a gravity feed pipeline to Townsville, we want upgraded lighting and a better stadium at Riverway for AFL, a bigger hospital with reduced ambulance ramping, new bridges and roads left, right and centre and we want it NOW! And no fudging of budgets (like the stadium), no changes to plans half way through (Haughton pipeline), no ‘staging’ of projects so that the second part costs twice as much as the first, and complete transparency, all of it yesterday. And no political consequences. That’s what we want and we’re recruiting more advocates by the day because there’s so much to do. We’ve installed a new council and soon we’ll get a new state government. We’ve taken charge although I’m worried the meds are wearing off.
Amen! 100% to this comment! ^
Dear ‘Pie,
4 lanes, 15 years?
At the moment they, the government for SE Qld, cannot or will not maintain the highway they have got. Just keep the highway safe, make incremental improvements and the benefits you mention may flow.
Last trip on this cattle track there was a road sign put up by some wag who I would congratulate:
ROUGH SURFACE NEXT 1000 KLM
Believe Smiley proposed cutting back spending on Olympic facilities and the athletes weren’t happy.
Also there’s some ridiculous amout of state and federal money allocated for upgrades to Queensland roads. Look up Beef Roads. We can’t have ALL the roads upgraded unless we start paying more tax or perhaps we could cut pensions instead.
A warning to all and sundry!
After The Pies great shot of the bumbling boofhead Mayor from the tree branch in the park this morning, perhaps the general populace should consider closing all home blinds at nightfall – he could be flying about outside your joint!!!
Just one more Moondance!
Look they have being talking about this re the pacific highway for years they are still to get there.. and their population is .. millions more
four lanes to cairns is just dreaming apart from black spots .. The traffic comparison doesn’t relate so the business case is a tough ask regardless of politics..
As much as would like it demand it ..there’s no political will to spend that money..in this political climate ..
We live in a city where twenty minutes
apart from peak fifteen minutes congestion is
Minimal compared to other cities
It’s not perfect however by comparison it’s pretty good .
And you’re missing the crucialpoint … we will always be as you describe if the Bruce isn’t spectacularly upgraded. The project should be sold to business and the great unwashed of the SE corner as our modern chance to tame and settle the wild West … only in this case, the North and North West.
Forget any new state rubbish, which would duplicate all the problems we have now with Brisbane … besides, it is never ever going to happen when you realise where all of Brisbane’s wealth comes from.
Easy problem to solve. Bring in a private Chinese construction company. They don’t fuck around. Best example is the when construction of the new Hong Kong International airport was required, four private companies tendered for it. Finished on time, on budget and an offer from the winning building contractor to privately own the airport.
Great idea,let’s run that by Sally McManus.
Yeah but how long will it last before it falls down? And how many unsafe work practices will it bring in?
I’m not saying it’s not a valuable idea
It’s visionary however we are 400k( nq population) against a
Voting population of the south east millions
People are ready for a change
LNP is going to slide in easily and they only need to offer change .. of government
We have no real leaders here too improve our lot
Just as well mining and associated employment is still flying ..
What lobbying is being done to ensure continued investment in the north we can’t rely on the Dudleys
If the LNP did get in, do you think Crisafulli would try and do more for NQ? He comes from NQ so I hoped he would try help us up here.
Why don’t you ask him, or one of his local candidates Zip? You’re not going to get the answer on here………
I can’t ask him. I’m too scared. Maybe you could ask for me, pls?
Upgrading the Bruce has little to do with population. The Bruce is the lifeblood of the north when it comes to freight. It’s a multi billion dollar lifeline. Tens of thousands of truck movements each week. Often the Bruce is cut by rain or traffic is slowed due to shit conditions and shitheads sitting in the wrong lane. Time is money. Places like Gladstone, Rocky, Mackay and Townsville deserve a better service. The resource sector relies on the Bruce and its current condition is palpable.
Sorry, Mopsy, Bob Roberts says there’s no business case to support the idea, so that’s that.
A better service is not the same proposal as massively upgrading the Bruce out of the cargo cult mentality that we’ll be showered with riches thereafter. Same with upgrading the Burdekin dam to full height.
Trying to demean the idea of a vastly upgraded Bruce Highway by comparing it to the PNG cargo cult mentality is both wrong and ignorant. The cargo cultists, with no knowledge of 20th century technology, expected goods and gifts to arrive magically from the big ‘sky birds’. An expanded Bruce Highway would give people … those already in the region and those who would come here … the means to work, expand, create and even manufacture those ‘magical’ gifts. Take off the feather headdress and the bones out of your nose, Bob and indulge in a little vision for once. With the Burdekin too.
And The ‘Pie notes you decline to label the Olympic Games for what it is, the biggest modern cargo cult on the planet, when the big sky birds will arrive from all over the world with short-lived gifts, and then all fly off again, never to be seen again and leaving us to our primitive impoverished lives.
Build the better Bruce and it will be here forever, returning the outlay multiple times over the next generation and beyond.
It’s the same as the complaining about the dam raising, it’s a cargo cult mentality, no serious business case for either the full dam raising or four lanes of bruce.
If you say so, Bob Bob, now outline the serious business case for the Olympic Games.
I don’t support the Olympic Games either. I thought it was clear that I don’t support wasting money on massive projects that only impoverish the state without any return on investment.
Bob down, you need to quit now. Every comment you make gets more ridiculous. The benefits of an adequate Bruce Highway are obvious. If you are too stupid to realise that then there is no hope for you.
I’m 100% in favor of an adequate Bruce Highway and an adequate Burdekin Dam. That’s not what these clowns are arguing for.
So we’re all clowns and cargo cultists … you’re big on the C words, but we have one for you too … and it’s not Cuddly.
Pie, I’m sure your old mate Peter Newey will be able to help you out after Twonames emailed him in 2021 with a rambling email that had interesting statements including;
“ As far as my business acumen, I have been very fortunate to have worked across the globe in Executive level positions, as a multi-degree qualified executive, unbeknown to Malcolm, I spent 6 years working with many governments throughout Europe.
I worked from the ground up though, digging trenches am a gasfitter in the WA heat and then working as a chef, late nights, played a lot of local rugby league too, I even spent time in the military, when in Europe I worked with the department of homeland security”
A bit to unpack there………
es that the Malcolm referred to is MalcolmnRoberts.
It certainly wasn’t The ‘Pie, who basically had no knowledge of TwoNames until he was involved and turfed by One Notion. Unless The ‘Pie met him under another name heh heh heh
It’s part of his rebuttal on the TRRA FB page of your criticism of The TwoName Times, his Regional Newpaper that was going to take down NewsCorp. I think its you.
he was in that a shady local partner who has been into all sorts of questionable matters over the years. All unsuccessful, like the Regional Newspaper scam on public funds.
So Magpie and Troy are besties from way back – haha jks. Here’s a post from TRRA from June 2021 of Troy posting a reponse to an article Magpie wrote about him. https://www.facebook.com/tsvratepayers/posts/pfbid02UKz4TNfMiLygXvPaYDyveAA8QEU5FhzNfXt43DKp2f3oi3zRH6ec7XZATLcDgcEwl
The article:
REPLY TO THE TOWNSVILLE MAGPIE REGARDING HIS COMMENTS
ON REGIONAL NEWS GROUP
The reply was posted as a reply back to the Townsville Magpie comments on the article that covered the Regional News group but we considered that it really required a story of it own because if the detail involved.
Troy Thompson
Jun 26, 2021, 7:30 PM (14 hours ago)
to me
Townsville Residents & Ratepayers Association.
Attention: Mr. Peter Newey
Peter,
I would like to respond to the article posted by Malcolm in his ‘Magpie Nest’ blog and address some defamatory behaviour toward myself personally and his, at best, guesswork reporting style. Until recently, I had never had a discussion, nor have I ever met Malcolm. Malcolm emailed me a week ago to ask some questions about the Regional News Group, at the time he seemed genuinely interested, so I took time to address each of his questions systematically, the only question I could not answer was the ownership, as our local shareholders in each company wish to remain in the background and simply contribute to community.
Since, reading the ‘Magpie Nest’ blog, I can only assume Malcolm spends a lot of time by himself in his nest, or a dark room, perhaps a little time in the sun and a nice holiday is required, he seems to be a very bitter old man, often angry at the world. I thought Malcolm would be pleased to hear of someone having a go, employing local people, bringing an independent community newspaper to Townsville, instead, he is trying to derail our progress, very judgemental, hardly the actions of someone wanting better outcomes for Townsville is it?
As you are aware, I have never shied away from answering questions so I will provide some clarity for the many emails and calls you have received. Malcolm seems to think comments and likes on a FB page are the only medium people use, a bit of vitamin D will help him there. As far as my business acumen, I have been very fortunate to have worked across the globe in Executive level positions, as a multi-degree qualified executive, unbeknown to Malcolm, I spent 6 years working with many governments throughout Europe.
I worked from the ground up though, digging trenches am a gasfitter in the WA heat and then working as a chef, late nights, played a lot of local rugby league too, I even spent time in the military, when in Europe I worked with the department of homeland security, inclusive time in America, APAC & Africa, yet none of that got a mention, strange or perhaps he is running a particular narrative. It would seem he prefers to rehash a tired story manufactured by the Bulletin and a few vindictive media people, about my time as a political candidate, its all sensationalist reporting, a skill no doubt he picked up from his previous employer, perhaps its time to put the pen and keyboard away and enjoy his retirement, or perhaps he is still on a “payroll” for others.
Regardless, I won’t be drawn into any further discussions with Magpie Malcolm, that ship has sailed, I base my relationships on trust, honesty and fairness. I have never hidden in a dark room, nest, I prefer to look people in the eye, have a face to face conversation directly, not behind peoples backs, I get out amongst it, often putting my time into several charities and working with a very good group of friends here and in-country.
Now for the real story, Regional News Group of companies.
Mackay Regional News was the first, 21 copies in now, Bowen and Whitsunday joined the publication and are now 11 weeks in, soon to split away as their own newspaper, now the market & demand has been established. Local employees, local ownership, local support, local contribution, no bad habits from past publications or ex-news employees, instead a completely different model, something the old guard push back on, it works, I’ll let the community make that decision though over time.
These regional news newspapers are being published in many a regional town upon request, owned by multiple locals in each region, no one is the same, that is no secret, all publications are employing locals, imagine that, and none are on c level salaries. These publications all print what is submitted, not change the narrative, there is no political persuasion, instead it is open to all, no editor, sub-editor interference, our Journalists love their jobs. In our Mackay publication alone, we have 150+ local story contributions from within community, including but not limited too; charities, non profits, sports clubs, all positive reporting, we are experiencing the same in all of the new publications as we go to release. Emerald was released this week and the locals love it, please, do not take my word for it though, have a look at our appetiser I have attached, make up your own mind. Mackay is 64 pages, Emerald will be 32 pages. Townsville has been put on notice, we are launching, we are well funded by many, we are having a go. Regional News Group is only responding to the many people within our community who have come forward and continue to come forward as they have had enough of current publication they have to read, due to lack of choice.
https://www.flipsnack.com/…/ag-grow-emerald-regional…
My promise, I will do my best, as will many others who contribute within the publications, its about a sense of community supporting community. There are no guarantees in life, life is about taking risks, making tough decisions, and having a go. I am a very proud Australian, I know I am not perfect, I have made mistakes in my life’s journey, there has been one consistent in my life, and that is the belief that there is good in the community, and I am active within mine. Regional Queensland is a place I choose to live because there are some great people in it, it’s those people who have come forward and said enough is enough, it’s time for change. Without change we continue to get the same result, that doesn’t sit well with me or others, so I have simply put my hand up to help, as have many others, that is what Regional News is about, and we have the runs on the board already.
So Malcolm, leave the nest, step outside, get some sun, talk to a few people in person before you make a decision based on others opinions, you are entitled to yours as I am mine. Interpretation can be a very dangerous position, I’d like to think your mis-information about me, is exactly that, if not, don’t read our paper, either way, it really is no problem for me, I will simply look forward, not back, and do the best I can with the support of a good community.
Yours Sincerely,
Troy Thompson
If Thompson ever writes his biography, it should be called “Enough Rope’. For a bloke who dismissively says whatever The Magpie does is no problem for him, you’d think 1200 words of saying it’s no problem for him is somewhat odd.
Couple of things stand out in that fevered diatribe of self-justification regarding his ill-fated venture into media land.
” … the only question I could not answer was the ownership, as our local shareholders in each company wish to remain in the background and simply contribute to community”. So our boy thinks it’s OK to be bankrolled by unknown people who may have special agendas once a media outlet is established. For a guy who bloviates on and on about transparency, honesty and accountability you’re really big on secrets, ain’t you, mate? But given the identity of at least of your ‘secret’ partners, probably best to keep it on the low down.
And then this little pearler:
These publications all print what is submitted, not change the narrative, there is no political persuasion, instead it is open to all, no editor, sub-editor interference, our Journalists love their jobs.
Hahha, a paper with no editorial policy,no editor to oversee the overall content, no sub-editor to correct grammar or glaring errors of fact (or in your term, interfere) or check legals. You just printed what was submitted, unaltered? And you think that is a newspaper? That’s news? You were a Mayor Mullet wet dream. But she already had one back then in the Bulletin.
The ‘Pie is not the only one coming to the conclusion that you are a seriously deranged person huddled behind a wall of smooth talk and medication … but all your talk is phrased in the inanities of false victimhood, and display the clear misapprehension of how the media and local government actually operate.
Your honeymoon of ‘not being Jenny’ is about over by now, less than a month into your gig.
This is batshit crazy.
Worst part about this, is there’s a whole host of poor simple fools out there who believe he’s legitimate.
It’s the Trump Syndrome writ small.
I have to ask – is our Troy a drinker? That garbage is typical of a brain damaged sot, living his life through fantasies of lies.
Multi-degree qualified Executive………??? So, he’s been a liar for a long time, hey.
Bullshit twocrap/two names!!!
Worked with the department of homeland security. I wonder if he means “got questioned by”?
omg, this is getting much worse for Thompson. Why was this not reported in the media before the election? Maybe because he jumped in last minute? Media didn’t have time to research properly?
As we’ve just seen this is just “bullying and disrespect” and we will all be spoken to like we are children.
He’s a fucken idiot.
TCC Media staff must be all madly refreshing their CVs.
What did Twonames say in this Youtube clip after the 29 minute mark? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74JGOJmYENs
There is so much in this video
Fuck…we are in big trouble!
Perennial state for our poor old town.
The real EB doesn’t use such language.
I watched 2 minutes of that 2 hours worth of bullshit. I couldn’t stomach the thought of watching the full episode of our Mayor/shyster/multi named twat peddling his verbal excrement.
but … but … but … so beautifullky spoken.
And can anyone fully identify the boofhead asking scripted leading questions (and therefore completely nullify any responses.) The screen says his name is Batty, and the only Batty The ‘Pie knows is Phil, who is ironically, Phil, eminently intelligent and well adjusted.
Mark Batt former tv camera operator
Hahahahah …having been in the industry for decades, all The ‘Pie can say is … that figures.
Batt is an appropriate name as the idiot ‘batts off’. A true case of birds of a feather….
I loved the exchange about car parking in the CBD. Apparently no one wants to pay for parking so it drives shoppers away from the CBD and, ironically, from the TCC HQ where people pay their rates and parking fines. So what’s his solution? Better planning! Troy should start a blog.
Peter Newey might rent out the TRRA platform.
Only watched five minutes of the Twonames bullshit video led by the ratbag carefully scripted presenter (Batty is a good name for him)
To quote ‘Mum was in defence for 20 years in transport….she drove trucks, buses, tanks, you name it’ !
You fucking elaborating, lying fool Twonames…trucks/buses yes, but tanks are a Cavalry Corp, or Armoured Division of Army and its extremely doubtful that any commander would let a bus driver drive a tank !
The fool wasn’t even sure how long he had served but managed to drop the SAS name into his history. The ADF should call this fuckwit out and ask him to prove his military claims.
More straight out lies from this pretend Mayor Tool.
In the matter of driving tanks, back in those days it would be highly unlikely that a woman would be allowed anywhere near a tank. The era he alludes to would be well after the end of WW2, so there would not be any emergency measures in place that would make that happen.
You sure she didn’t drive the shuttle bus to and from the boozer?
Magpie, I shared that video a couple of weeks ago for people to watch and make fun of. But you didn’t let me share it?
Timing is everything, and The ‘Pie makes considered decisions about that. The Nest isn’t FB or Twitter.
Oh my fuckin God, I’m thinking Harry Patel would’ve made a better mayor. This guy is dumb, as is the interviewer, Mr Wacky. I watched, I laughed, I cried, and now I’m scared. Love their description of the Pacific Festival amongst other brain farts. The quicker he’s gone the better, and dare I say, the Mullet would be better than this twit. And the scariest part is that people voted him in and still believe him; and he’s getting paid a quarter of a million a year for no return on investment.
The salaty is why he will hang on so dishonourably until he makes some monumental fuck up and is tapped.
A new meaning to Cash Converters!
It appears Troy isn’t too happy about some media coverage on him lately. He’s posted a video on Facebook addressing this, https://www.facebook.com/TroyThompsonforMayor/videos/251617237973716/
He claims he’s respectful and supportive of media questioning and holding elected leaders to account, however, he also claims he’s being bullied. But others would argue that it’s not bullying, it’s just journo’s seeking evidence for his claims.
He says he’s currently in the process of collecting evidence of his military service and is happy to put this to rest soon.
He’s a blurb from the video
BULLYING AND DISRESPECT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED:
As we all know, there have been certain media outlets that seem intent on discrediting myself. This was evident during the campaign and even now elected as Mayor.
I have been incredibly forthcoming and transparent with regards to my history, more than others would in my position.
As someone who has lived and learned, I am forward facing and focused on creating a better community for us all.
Unfortunately, there are some who are invested in negative headlines, and disrespect. It’s a sad day when bullying tactics are used to sell media in attempt to discredit.
Thank you to all who see past the ‘stories’, I truly appreciate all the words of support and encouragement. I take this role incredibly seriously and I will continue to thrive.
•
•
•
#mayortroythompson #positive #workinghard #thankyou #saynotobullying
Bully and disrespect will not be tolerated? Quite right, it never should be, The ‘Pie is with you on that, as any other normal person would be (although if you were being bullied and disrespected, one wonders what you could plan to ‘not tolerate’ it).
However could you expand on that a little for us? Who is disrespecting you, and how are you being bullied? Negative headlines and factual matters raising legitimate questions is certainly not bullying … but of course, The Magpie can only speak for himself, and does admit to some strident commentary when you simply keep on lying, prevaricating and act the innocent victim for all the publicity your twisting and turning has generated.
Is it slowly dawning on you and your cooker advisers what a mistake it was to pick a fight with the Bulletin, instead of rolling with the punches. Because if you hadn’t got so arrogantly snitty, you would just have The Magpie’s Nest, a media minnow on thelocal scene, as your only critic.
All along so far, you have been lacking smart advice. FFS, ring Dolan (the ‘Pie knows for a fact that you have his number … you ought to put it on speed dial) for a one-off session to find out how you get out this whole My Place instigated mess. For all our sakes.
ROFLMAO
He’s looking for his service number. One assumes this could take some time.
It would seem the Bulletin and others are trying hard to bring him down, unless he gets ill, he never backs away from a fight. My money is on Thommo, he’ll get on with his job, do front facing he has to and keep turning up for the people of Townsville, while the people behind keyboards continue their disrespect for the position he now holds.
Anti Jenny sentiment or not, he got elected, he bought discussion to the chamber that was previously quiet, removed 50 years of standing committees, installed a 12 monthly deputy review, sacked Prins, which led to many resignations internally from top down, has at least half a dozen good CEOs applying for the role, and keeps showing up, not under the weather, bright and bushy tailed. I can see how the bitter and disturbed might not like him.
But 400 comments on a few pages is a long way off the amount that voted for him, a good bloke, who admits his stuff ups but gets on with it. Nah, people will stick by him, all this does is strengthen his resolve. Good on ya Thommo!
Self praise is no recommendation, Mayor Thompson. For god’s sake, get yourself a professional media manager. Your desire for unquestioning sycophanticy for the office of mayor is sadly pathetic. Because you are the only one disrespecting it.
Bent P. – exactly how, do tell, did he sack Prins? And upon whose authority did he do so? I shall wait with bated breath for your response…
Maybe we better lay off, Grumps, it almost reached the stage of mocking the afflicted. So let’s … oh, bugger it, continue full bore.
He didn’t get rid of committee meetings. It was recommended by the operational arm and the motion was put by Rehbein and seconded by Batkovic.
BTW while you’re there, The Pie admits he may have missed some stuff in the whirl, but did Bella Jacob get the job as advisor? And if so, anyone going to refer that to the relevant authority? The CCC maybe?
Plus he didn’t install a 12 monthly deputy review, or sack Prins!
Actually the Prins bit maybe still has more to that story. I think he did resign, but possibly because he was left no other choice. I’m told there is more to this. It’s not as BenPipe/TwoNames/whoever he is today would have us believe. But it’s not just a straight “my time has come” story either.
Troy, you tried to bully the other Councillors by trying to exclude them when it came to recruiting an interim CEO. Bullying is a term used when others are deliberately excluded. Think about that numbnuts.
The unravel/exposure begins. Suspect military service claims, lies about University degrees, cloak and dagger domestic violence matters, a known bankrupt, cloudy work history/claims………Is there more to come?
He indicated on the video link that a story is about to break – tomorrow (Saturday?).
Starting to soil his reg grundies.
People behind closed doors would think that, no, he was at the Perc Tucker last night, supporting local artists, doesn’t seem to be hiding at all. I guess the people who voted for him, 46,000+ (53% with preferences) like him. No, I suspect he’ll just keep doing what he’s elected to do, which is represent the city, there’s always naysayers. I think when JH went through her manslaughter charges, she too took a media hit, like her, he’ll keep going.
That as usual neatly ignores that many who voted for him didn’t know him or anything about him but figured (incorrectly as it is turning out) that anyone would be better than Hill. And they barely knew the breaking information on his background by polling day. He didn’t even make it on primaries so you’re a bit of a goose to make these bum-kissing claims. But we know that, Jen Jen but we still love ya, you’re a scream.
PS Turning up to something doesn’t indicate support, it’s what you have to do as mayor. Or does it in fact indicate support? The MyPlace frizzlebrains will be excited to hear that.
Of course he turned up to the exhibition opening. The only verified fact we know about him is that he likes a free feed on the ratepayer dime.
I’m just going to leave this here….
https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/troy-thompson-townsville-mayor-pressed-on-military-claims-during-anzac-week/news-story/5a26b21c1698d23b0419ceb7a675f0c3?utm_source=TownsvilleBulletin&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Editorial&utm_content=TVB_PREM_AM-CUR_01&net_sub_id=289012504&type=free_text_block&position=1
Just in case that’s paywalled, here’s the gist of it.
AND TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE. THE ‘PIE HAS GOT HOLD OF TOMORROW’S BULLETIN EDITORIAL.
The gloves aren’t off … whoever wrote this – let’s Cas Garvey anyway – have left the gloves on but slipped a horseshoe into them.
✍️ TOMORROW’S EDITORIAL / OUR SAY ????️
Referring to himself as a soldier throughout his election campaign, Townsville’s new mayor Troy Thompson made a concerted effort to connect with other army personnel across our proud Garrison city.
But for some months now, some members of the veteran community wanted details on where he served, with some texts and calls to the Bulletin office urging us to ask questions.
On Anzac Day, it was noticeable when Mayor Thompson did not mention his personal history with the army, like every other speaker did on the special day.
The lack of medals on his left side, where serving members display them if they’ve served for at least four years in either the ADF Regular or Reserves, was another observation.
When asked questions about his military service number to lay the commentary to rest, Mr Thompson told a Townsville Bulletin reporter he would participate in an “exclusive on everything you want to ask”, referring us to the Local Government Association of Queensland to set it up.
Despite multiple requests of Mr Thompson for an interview Thursday afternoon and Friday, he referred the Bulletin to contact “my diary manager” to discuss times for an interview next week.
“I would appreciate being provided with a list of questions prior to the meeting, so I can prepare,” Mr Thompson said.
In what universe does any politician, no matter the level of government, have that luxury?
As the leader of this city, a mayor should make themselves available for reasonable requests for comment or interview from any media in the interests of both timeliness and transparency.
The Townsville Bulletin has a responsibility to this community to ask questions of its leaders on behalf of this city and the request was simple: Provide us your service history or documentation showing you have requested this from the Department of Defence.
A cleanse of social media accounts does not mean the collective memory of the community is also cleansed.
As a new leader of this city, it’s reasonable to request more information about a prominent representative’s background.
“No further comments” is simply not good enough.
You won’t need to write an article this week, Magpie. The Bulletin’s done it for you! haha
Yes, damn their eyes.
There is no surprises here, Army includes reservists, as a mum of 3, 2 were in the reserves. Sounds like the Bulletin is a little bitter it cannot get his service number, what happens if / when produces that?
He’s been elected, he’s been working and telling us what’s going on from day one, he was not charged with manslaughter!
Time to add some perspective, I wouldn’t blame him if he shuts the door on the Bulletin, statements may go to the bulletin, but that’s what I’d do, it should’ve been done many years ago. People want to hear what the council are doing, not about tearing down its leader, 4 years of this, he has gumption than anyone I know, hope he just ignores it all.
You are,plain and simple, advocating corruption.
JJ and the lies about holding University degrees???
Has anybody checked the claim to have been a student at JCU? If he is shown TwoNames never was, as claimed, what sort of demented dolt makes such an easily checkable local claim?
JustJenny – plain and simple. Perfect description.
Come on JJ, aren’t you just a little concerned that our Grand Poobah could be a fraudster? And he’s not a smart one at that. Btw, will there be a Trumpvasion on the house of Walker when all of TwoNames dirty laundry does come out? I can just see Batty in bullhorns and fur helmet.
I think the point of the Service Number is that this is why TwoNames says he cannot get his Statement of Service. So all good if he can find his Service Number, it is his Statement of Service he has to produce. And the irony is, you don’t need your Service Number to get it. Just 2 forms of regular ID.
Justjenny..the name says it all ! You are as corrupt and/or blind as Twonames. The lack of left side medals say it all you fool !
This is where it gets me a bit offside …fair enough Troy Thompson deserves what’s coming if he has lied about his military service. However, where was this reporting and diligence from the Bulletin for Jenny Hill and Labor in this town when they were/are in power? because instead of holding her to account for the rubbish decisions and her behaviour we got a protection racket for a decade. A lot of stories were buried when it came to Labor in this town and only printed once revealed in this blog or by locals on social media.
This type of hunting for a story and the truth could have brought up a lot of stories this town was entitled to when it came to Dolan and Jenny Hill. Let’s hope they keep this sudden urge to report the “truth because the community is entitled to know” when it comes to Labor
Absolutely spot on. The ‘Pie has been greatly but grimly amused that it took this bumbling, mildly sinister dimwit to cheese them off enough to start doing what they should’ve been doing for the past decade. The Magpie takes the view that the enemy of my enemy is my friend is not a permanent state of affairs, and while the paper and this blog are in accord on this matter, he is well aware that News Ltd ethics will allow for them to kiss and make up, which will take TwoNames to come to his communication senses and/or the Bulletin revenue stream from the council to be threatened. And that will leave the two or three social media sites, including this one, back where they were before.
Good on the Bulletin for taking on TwoNames (even if they did it for wounded pride, and not professional ethics – imagine if Thompson HADN’T picked a fight with them, it would’ve, to quote Rick from Casablanca, ‘the start of (another) beautiful friendship. And The ‘Pie knows for sure that the paper has serious concerns that because of Thompson’s previous adventure into media ownership that he will renew those efforts from the mayoral platform. While that would be the source of much merriment from the sidelines, it would serve no useful purpose for this city.
The Townsville Bulletin is yet to prove that it is a professional, ethical newspaper working to find a solution to our problems, and not part of the problem itself.
To right Pie!! And I’ll just add my last two cents on this…
Cas Garvey you are new to this town so heads up not only did locals lose faith in Jenny Hill over this past decade but they also lost faith in the Bulletin’s ability to report the truth. Editorials defending Liam Mooney and Margie Ryders’ behaviour during the local government elections under your watch (even though there were recordings that revealed exactly what happened) cemented that it was the ‘same old, same old’ once you put the editor hat on. I believe that’s why locals in this blog question everything that’s printed in the paper, and always question what Labor flop behind the scenes is pulling the strings? I believe this past decade of the Bulletin and Jenny Hills BS has contributed to the attitude of ‘Just Give Troy a chance’ even though it’s obvious he is just as bad albeit differently as the last rot in power. Locals have PTSD of the BS served up by the Bulletin and Jenny that they are just willing to accept or let slide Troys rubbish and checkered past. I’m going to pull up my garden chair and watch a long drawn out campaign by the Bulletin to boot Troy out of office and watch the community slowly drag their feet to get on board because The Bulletin has always been part of the problem here too!
The problemnis what you may see from your garden chair is an unhealthy kiss and make scenario when TwoNames realises this is one he ain’t gunna win … but has he left it too late? Already hung by his own lies?
Point of fact: Cas Garvey says she comes from Townsville (meaning biorn and raised presumably) and yes, she did work for the Bulletin a little while ago before leaving for opportunities elsewhere in News Ltd. She boasts she is a local gal, which in fact may well be her biggest problem … she sees the city through the timid lens of how things used to be, and weds to that the News Ltd mantra of ‘don’t rock the boat if it jeopardises our income’.
My daughter went to school at Pimlico with Cas Garvey so she definitely lived here when she was younger. I think she moved to Ayr afterwards or maybe she came from Ayr, I can’t remember. But her family have been in the Burdekin area for decades so I’m inclined to believe she has a fair bit of local community spirit despite moving away for a while. Garvey name is commonly known in the NQ speedway circuit dating back to the 70s
Thanks, that’s good background.
Cas’s problem is a clear case of the Peter Principle … early promotion beyond your capabilities. She has always had her heart in the right place, but hasn’t the skill, background and dare one say the courage for the position that should be pivotal to the community good. She clings to the false confidence that a middle level, experienced News Ltd executive appointed her, which means absolutely nothing with that conglomerate cf the parade of second and third rate weasels in the editor’s over the past 15 years. (One or two rare exceptions.)
Maybe Cas’s employer should give her some support to help her reach the next level. Instead of dumping her in the shite. If she’s keen and willing to progress, it’s fair to say she should have some support in this ever complex world we live in.
What makes her inexperienced in your professional opinion? I’ve seen the previous editors and state of the paper so I certainly agree the skill levels are obviously not a prerequisite to hiring them. If she was early into her career or fresh out of uni I’d be inclined to agree with you but her work profile dates back to 2007 that she started. Was in the one place 8yrs before going around to whatever other roles. Considering the TB editors barely warm the seat and the revolving door of reporters I don’t know if that’s a Townsville problem or if Newscorp can’t hold anyone down in the same place for long enough before they want out. If after almost 2 decades she doesn’t have the experience then I’m unsure who else does. You’ve got all the big wigs that have been in for 30-40 years but after that long who’s going to want to work for a regional paper when the big cities will pay them triple. The entire media landscape has turned to shit to be honest and there’s absolute wankers no matter where you turn
“The Townsville Bulletin has a responsibility to this city to ask questions of our leader”
Pity they never had that responsibility over the last 8 years when it came to Mayor Hill.
This makes Troy out to be an embellisher, maybe not a straight out lier if he was in the reserves at least, but it does make him seem a bit untrustworthy for leaving out the fact he was only in the reserves and wording it as if he was full time military. Plus name dropping the SAS is a big no no if you were never a SAS trooper.
His facebook post earlier today was really trying to preemp this article and play it down. definitely not a good look for troy.
I reckon troy has spent his life being found out bullshitting and trying to downplay or cover it up, so he’s well used to it and it won’t phase him at all. he will make up spin to deflect
Nip, not smart enough. That Battfink interview showed just how dumb and ill informed he is.
So the slimy tool can’t remember his service number. I was discharged in 1973 and can still parrot mine off without thinking.
He is a compulsive liar with obvious personality deficiencies. But what amazes me the most is the number of gullible sycophants that flock to his FB page and gush over his nonsensical ramblings.
But, Two-Names, take note. Not all your Facebook friends are true friends. Some are only there for information gathering purposes and are quite prepared to knife you in your back. And I’m one of them!
For anyone questioning if Thompstain claimed to have served in the military, his LinkedIn prior to being wiped said:
Chef & Signalsman
Australian Army
Issued Dec 1989
He’s also claimed
To have joined 109 Sigs as a Signalsman in
1989 in Karrakatta
Then transferred to 105 Sigs, Fremantle, where he tried his hand at cooking
Then shifted to 152 Sigs, Swanbourne before leaving.
He’s now said in a comment on his Facebook page
He joined 109 in 1989 in Fremantle and left in the early 90s as a reservist.
So are we now to understand he didn’t serve in 105 or 152? These are not reserve units.
Ducky, I would say that someone has reminded him of the provisions of s80B of the Defence Act and the penalties contained therein for the wearing of medals to which one is not entitled.
As I said several times before, I believe all this came about because the moron thought he was never going to win, so he said whatever he wanted to boost his own ego and big-note himself around town, not expecting to be called to account.
Gets better Grumpy
On a now deleted comment he says:
He came in on 105
Exited 109
Spent time with a family member at 152.
Like what? Went and had lunch? Had a birthday beer? How do you spend time with a family member?
Don’t you have to do 3 years at the Army Trade School to be able to call yourself a chef? Are not all Chefs part of the Catering Corps?
Grumps, more lies from this arsewipe twofaces/twonames. Prolly a dishwasher/cleaner.
Let alone the Signalsman”s qualifications. My brother-in-law was one. Way too many accreditations, certificates and security clearances to ever NOT put on your Resumé. Given everything TwoNames has included on that, like degrees he didn’t have, you’d think he’d have a page on all the bumpf that goes with being a signalsman.
Magpie Miles has admitted his party are goooone come October. It is impossible for Crisafulli to fuck this one up, unless he gets caught rooting a goat or something like that. Even Cupcake Stewart gets a brief mention. Better update those C.V’s Cupcake, Les the Brawler, and double chin Harpic.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L4n3ENWjVfg
Christ, who told you about the goat?
Just one leetle goat and that’s all they remember you for …
The goat certainly does too … ‘he never calls, doesn’t send empty tin cans for me to eat (sigh)’.
There is always a goat involved somewhere.
Yes, Kenny, especially around the comment area of the blog.
you’re kidding…
you guys are as good as trump’s art of the insult. this is hilarious btw (nobody does insults better than trump), https://youtu.be/IhAI6uHCDng?si=4WisoXW7zeq78P-z
I hope Elusive Butterflog doesn’t click on that link Rollmop, he will have a kiniption at the mere thought of Crisafulli’s team winning the election.
The ruse is up, twofaces/twonames. Spare yourself and the community the coming embarrassment and do the right thing………it’s not too late to do that! Walk!!
“The Townsville Bulletin has a responsibility to this community to ask questions of its leaders on behalf of this city and the request was simple:” How long has this been going on???
Excellent question, beautifully and succinctly put.
(The answer for the dveopmentally delayed is since Troy Thompson poked his thumbs in his ears and poked his tongue out at Gas Carvey.
Well said mate. The two-bit shit newspaper fled from any story that didn’t paint Hill in a favourable light. Now, suddenly, they develop a moral compass and want to report transparently? Yeah right. They are just a bunch of sooks who want to get even with Mayor Thompstain.
What we simply have here, Mr. Pie, is one, very skilful liar!
Skilful? Really? Skilful liars so rarely get found so quickly.
Mr. Pie…he got to be Mayor by spouting a pack of lies…helped, of course, by the the community’s dire need to get rid of Hill.
He doesn’t care if he is now found out…he’s achieved what he wanted to achieve.
The skilled liar will now simply…deny, deny and then deny..to hold onto what he has achieved.
This man does not have a conscience!
Wrong again Butterflog. He’s not skilful at all; just a thick head, bumbling, sycophantic liar. Full stop!
Really??
“A sycophant is described as “a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage” (“Sycophant,” 2005). This type of employee will go up, over and beyond to satisfy the needs of his or her supervisor. He believes that sycophantic behavior will help him move up the organizational ladder.”
Flog: Pretentious, conceited or foolish! I can read a dictionary too, Butterflog!
Twofaces/twonames has lied to gain public favour and succeeded in being elected – personal advantage! Get it now Butterflog!
Has anybody run an ASIC check on Twonames, under his former surname? That might show up if he has been part of failed enterprises.
Yes
There are plenty
And have already gone to southern media
Keep watching
Forget southern media. If you have details post them in this blog.