And with Dametto given the green light to employ three mayoral advisers, The ‘Pie checks out a strong surprise suggestion to fill one of the spots.
More smoke and mirrors tripe from the Dudley Do Nothings, but The ‘Pie tells you why you’ll never hear a discouraging word about TEL from the Bulletin.
Chris’ Biffo’ Condon KO’s the cops …. again. It’s 10-nil to date. But the latest bungle raises some questions about the AFP’s motives for the spectacular failure of Operation Biffo.
And a touching pictorial farewell to our former mayor-for-a-minute and his testicle-kicking pal.
Plus the latest unbelievably crass week on Planet Trump, as seen by American cartoonists.
You can support The Nest with a much needed donation to help meet the blog’s on-going costs. The appropriate link to help out is at the end of the blog.
What Sort Of Shape Will The TCC Be In, Going Into 2026? Actually, Not Bad …
…that is according to an experienced researcher. The regular commenter known hereabouts as Southern Comfort, is accustomed to sifting through the entrails of local government, and has concluded the Chicken Little prediction the imminent collapse of Walker Street was way off the mark. This a lengthy report, but one worth the read as we gird our loins for 2026.
| Southern Comfort |
Submitted on 2025/12/05 at 4:53 pm | In reply to Bordeaux Bob.
I will say this, TCC does itself no favours when it comes to making information accessible. For the most part, a lot of the answers to questions increasing numbers of people are asking are already buried around a myriad of places via the TCC website. The problem they have (and this was apparent in Friday’s Special Meeting on the Advisors and committee roles) is they use some web service called Resolve, which is probably where a lot more anger and attentions should be focussed). Even Cr Dirou pointed it out at friday’s meeting that Councillors weren’t able to access the full document pack for the morning of the meeting via this system: So let’s have a look at some of the major areas where copncerns have been raised. -Debt – is well reported, and appears reasonably well managed through a Treasury report you will find in every second Ordinary Meetings doc pack in Resolve. It’s not searchable this way, but when you find it, and track it, as I do monthly, you find this fairly well managed, in line with all State Government guidelines and currently running at just 6% of TCC’s total market value equivalent. It’s not the dire picture everyone believes when you put it in context. $429m sounds a lot, but in context of what it’s covering, it’s just slightly under current market interest rates, and is being serviced well. (Magpie note: Many people get over-awed and intimidated by large debt amounts like that, but it must be remembered that we are dealing with in essence a billion dollar corporation, not a used car yard on Bowen Road.)  There’s action at the North Rail Yards: Brad Webb is a doer, not a yapper. -North Rail Yards – QAO flagged issues with the TCC SPV corporate entity. It’s being dismantled, and money from Brisbane flowing for site remediation. Given current property prices, and as Pie pointed out, Webby working hard on his side of the deal, I’d expect this to turn into a positive news story for TCC before to long. Haughton Pipeline  All pipes, but no pumps. -HS2 – This is the only item that really is lacking in good detail. Hunt through the site as you may, you will find it woefully lacking in current updated information. Reconfirmed statements from the CEO that it won’t cost TCC ratepayers more than $79m. But nothing on how. This is the pressure button that people should be pressing for answers. And transparent information from TCC is yet to materialise. One hopes this is where the new Mayor will deliver some Brisbane and Canberra monies to shore up the project. Whilst completion times have been updated this year, they already look like a joke. But the “money” questions are what needs to be answered. There is nothing apparent in the Treasury reporting that indicates that TCC are spending anything differently to their claims. But the project is late, and no matter how you cut it, late generally means more. So far you’d have to ask serious questions on who is holding those extra costs. They’re not on the TCC books.
-Lansdown is well documented and on plan. New loan put in place at the end of last FY, drawdown on schedule, and delivery appears to be consistent. This one seems to be more of a PR disaster than any other. No one has ever properly laid out the timelines in this project. It’s meeting them. But payback has not, and was not ever expected to start materialising until 2030-2032 timeframes. And this is a 20 year project. Not an overnighted instant success. TCC (and whoever you want to consider in the Mayors chair at any time) have been crap for years on communicating about this, and let everyone believe the holy grail is closer than it appears. It’s not. But it is on documented target. My two recommended takeaways: 2) HS2 is still where the answers aren’t. And the questions are. Now everyone is going to ask me to “prove it” and “where’s the link?”. And to that I go back to my issue 1 and the whole story. As you go through the TCC website (especially Council Meetings where a lot of this is in Officer Reports, you hit Resolve Red. The proprietary system used by TCC IT, built in decades past, And a PITA to work with. I post links, and they are likely invalid and dynamically regenerated in minutes. I have to use a range of different tools just to pull copies of the video livestream down to my PC to review. You’d think that when there is a nice camera style icon that you push, and the livestream plays (on a different tab or browser window than where you pushed the icon) that just getting a copy of the livestream for download would be easy. It’s not. Apparently TCC and Resolve are worried everyone will be pirating TCC meeting videos and the future of Netflix is at risk. If Netflix actually gave a flying…..follicle about TCC meeting videos. The information on 3 of the 4 main topics is readily available, once you know where to look. It seems to be constantly misrepresented (“Oh we’re teetering on insolvency” prior to budgets to soften everyone up for the state Rises, to “we’re about to deliver surpluses” when you have a Mayoral by-election – funny how the good news only comes out when it’s useful – or wasn’t in that individuals case). If I look at your list and want to hammer home the one point that needs answers, it’s HS2. That is the elephant (mostly now) in the ground. |
In The ‘Pie’s book, a fine analysis, in part because it completely lacked any party political commentary, which may be fun, but never gets anyone anywhere. But the TCC communication and tech issue is no sidelight if they are serious about transparency.
And a final thought. Financially, we may not be where we would like to be, but in the way of these things it is now no biggy, and as Southern Comfort says, it is being handled without stress. So why did Greaney, Richardson and Sewell, try to sell us such a pup on Strand parking meters, basing their misjudged call on the parlous state of council finances? Thank Christ Robinson and Batkovic weren’t as gullible or personally as fawning towards ‘our wonderful CE to whom we owe thanks’ as Greaney was.
You really are a dud, lady.
A Surprise Candidate In Line For An Mayoral Adviser Gig?
This is from the ‘strong rumour’ file
At first blush, as they say in court, it seems a very savvy possibility , but a closer look shows that nothing is quite that simple.
Miranda Mears, immediate Past President of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce
On Friday, councillors agreed their new mayor Dametto should have proper back-up, and that he is entitled to and needs three advisers. While that went through with a warning from Robbo not to try for stupid choices, candidates are yet to be put forward, and be appropriately vetted in the approved LG process. So a solid two-year run at the helm of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, with nary a ripple rocking of that boat, is an ideal CV entry to fill one of Mayor Dametto’s three adviser positions. So it’s now floating around among The Magpie’s usual unreliable sources (who, strangely enough, are so often right) that Miranda Mears might be tapped, or she may herself ask, for one of the spots. And on the face of it, she would be a well credentialed, well connected and experienced addition to the TCC wheelhouse.
But nothing ever that bloody simple in this town … or state. So councillors now need to resolve some ticklish questions, should Ms Mears be a candidate.
First the undoubted upside.
Mears has held prominent roles in regional business and innovation networks, including leadership in chamber-of-commerce structures and involvement with innovation precincts. This
positions her as a well-connected figure in North Queensland’s business and government-funded innovation ecosystem. She is also very tech savvy, something which we have already pointed to as needing urgent attention in Walker Street.
However, it is that bit about government-funded ‘innovation ecosystem’, (in other words, government work) why this could get tricky. You see, Ms Mears is the Managing Director of Australian Impact Group (AIG), a Queensland-based advisory consultancy focussing broadly on areas such as business strategy, cyber security issues, strategic innovation, entrepreneurship and founder support, AIG has been a delivery partner or subcontractor on various Queensland Government–linked contracts.
Now that all sounds tickety boo you beaut, but there may be some clarification needed when AIG sub-contracted some former Labor state government work on cyber security from a crowd called Cryptoloc. The Crisafulli Government nixed that Labor-granted contract in January, wondering not only why the contract jumped from $5m to $15m, but how the extra money suddenly migrated on receipt from Cryptoloc to the personal bank account of Cryptoloc’s founder and big Labor donor Jamie Wilson. He’s since gone bankrupt, and AIG appear uninvolved in any hanky panky, and seem to be more stranded business victim of Wilson’s fall from grace. To be absolutely clear, The Magpie is not suggesting or has any reason to believe that Ms Mears or AIG have done anything illegal or unethical, but if there is any lesson to be learned from the Thompson debacle, being up front, taking charge of the narrative from the outset and clearing the air is the only honest, sensible – and successful – way to go.
So the point is AIG and Mears have done business with the government, and for all The ‘Pie can discover, may still do. AND THAT is what raises a possible question of conflict of interest.. So the The ‘Pie guesses it falls to him to ask these questions, because the Townsville Bulletin still think ‘proactivity’ is an Swiss energy drink made by Red Bull.
Questions to Mayor Nick Dametto
1 What selection process will be used to appoint the three mayoral advisers? Will the
positions be publicly advertised with clear merit-based selection criteria?
2 Have any individuals already been approached, shortlisted or informally sounded out for
these roles, including Miranda Mears or Australian Impact Group?
3 Will any adviser roles be filled via consultancy contracts with private companies rather than
employment contracts with council? If so, which companies and under what procurement
process?
4 What safeguards will govern conflicts of interest for advisers who have existing commercial
relationships with state agencies, councils or regional precincts in North Queensland?
5 Will advisers and their outside interests be disclosed on the council website, including any
company directorships and current consulting clients in the region?
Questions to Miranda Mears / Australian Impact Group
1 Can you confirm whether you have been approached or are under consideration for a
mayoral adviser role at Townsville City Council, either personally or via Australian Impact
Group?
2 If appointed, would you take the role as an individual employee of council or through a
consulting contract with Australian Impact Group? Why?
3 What measures would you put in place to manage conflicts of interest between your
advisory role and any ongoing or future work by Australian Impact Group for Queensland
Government, councils or regional partners?
4 What lessons did you draw from Australian Impact Group’s subcontractor experience on the
Cryptoloc cyber-security program, and how do those lessons inform your approach to
governance and risk?
Questions to the TCC Chief Executive Officer
1 How will council ensure procurement and employment processes for mayoral advisers
comply with the Local Government Act and associated regulations, particularly on political
activity and conflicts of interest?
2 Will the CEO or an independent panel oversee the recruitment and vetting of adviser
candidates, and will councillors be given adequate detail to exercise their oversight role?
3 What policies are in place to prevent advisers (or their companies) from later bidding for or
receiving council contracts in areas where they have had influence over strategy or
program design?
With Those Questions Put, The Pros And Cons In Summary:
And please forgive the buzz word blather.
Miranda Mears’ expertise lies heavily in innovation ecosystems, accelerators, founders, digital skills and
government-funded programs. If she becomes one of only three key advisers, there is a risk
that strategic attention within the mayor’s office could skew towards programmatic,
grant-driven initiatives at the expense of more mundane but politically salient issues such as
core service delivery, rates and long-term governance reform.
• Supporters may argue this expertise is exactly what is needed to reframe Townsville as
“open for business” and attract new investment.
• Critics may counter that it entrenches a particular “innovation precinct” worldview that has
not yet convincingly delivered broad-based civic or financial improvements for ordinary
ratepayers.
If Ms Mears think it appropriate (although unlikely she will) The Nest will be happy to publish unedited any response she would care to make to the above.
Like The ‘Pie said before, nothing is simple in this town … but neither should it be, the TCC is not a mum and dad corner store.
STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS (as we oldies used to say)
Sunday Dec 7 10.30am
Miranda Mears has provided a comprehensive reply to the above this morning. Go to comments to read her response.
Why You Won’t Hear The Bulletin Support Calls For A Close Look At Townsville Enterprise
The ‘Pie has again noted this highly questionable relationship between Townsville Enterprise and the Townsville Bulletin.
The Bulletin is listed as a partner on the Platinum membership level, which costs an eye-watering and totally wasted $100,000 p.a. In the paper’s case, it would almost certainly be entirely an ‘in kind’ quid pro quo arrangement. While on the face of it, this looks like responsible community involvement, it is anything but. Anecdotally, the amount of actual advertising for which TEL uses the newspaper wouldn’t get anywhere near a hundred grand (not even at Murdoch’s avarcious rate card asks) , so it’s reasonable to believe that the membership quid pro quo is lots of uncritical stories about TEL and the occasionally empty simperings of Claudia Brumme as an occasional columnist.
This is a deeply unethical position for the paper to allow itself to assume, especially when any professional media organisation should be an observer, not a player participant in any area of the community that could come under criticism. Even if the Bulletin ran a story about calls for a re-think and restructure of TEL, (and pink pigs named Asif to that happening) why would anyone believe whatever they reported (which would certainly be an anodyne nothing-to-see here report)?
It becomes more apparent by the day that the Townsville Bulletin is part of this city’s underlying problems, and it’s lack of professional standards and self-serving ‘ethics’ are certainly not part of any solution.
Will The Bromance Survive?
This just missed last week’s Nest, so let’s give it another run from comments.
And there’s really not much more to say on this subject.
Speaking Of Mates … The Dudley-Do-Nothing’s Annual Smoke And Mirrors Rort Is On Again.
What has become the equivalent of a vote-buying exercise using public money is back again … only it’s not votes TEL are after, it is a basically a bribe using taxpayers money to counter the growing disapproval of this pointless money pit that continually refuses to be accountable. Have a read through this upside down back to front load of hot cock.
Boy aren’t there ever a couple of prime quotes in there that give the game away. First from that vacuously-grinning oaf Lisa Woolfe, who noted last year, this subsidy ran out in less than a week. “We love bringing back this campaign – both times it has sold out within days of launch. Locals love a sale, but more importantly they love supporting the local businesses that bring our region to life.” So that settles one issue: this isn’t about attracting out-of-towners – you know, like TEL’s remit stipulates, tourists with out-of-town money – because visitors will not have the time or inclination to make the hike to this neck of the woods on the basis of this offer. So if this is primarily for locals, why the fuck is TEL involved at all? Oh, that’s right … they’re in it because the Townsville Council chucked them a big chunk of government lolly to do whatever they liked with it. And please do not confuse the largesse for we locals with that million plus earmarked to attract major events. Ms Woolf’s abilities were held in such high regard that they had to hire a separate someone else for that gig, which has already slipped into a comfortable non-accountability posture.
And our new head honcho Slick Nick confirmed this popularity boost using public money when he said , “We’re proud to see locals supporting locals, so it’s a no-brainer for Council to get behind this campaign once again. The success of the previous rounds shows the real appetite for locals to experience our city like a visitor and support Townsville businesses at the same time.”
Locals supporting locals? Whether we want to or not, in a give-away discount lottery? This is like we are a city of cafes selling each other cups of coffee. Now, folks, don’t start thinking that The ‘Pie has gone into Grinch-mode, it is great they we can get some respite from the often grim grind of local politics, not to mention some material get-back, but The’Pie’s point is this: you are actually shouting yourself a discount with this offer (presumably the discounts on offer are returned by the council via TEL to the businesses partaking in the scheme). Because the TCC … through TEL … are using government funds … which come from where? Yes, you, the taxpayer.
Look, if that’s what they want to do, it’s a great chance for the ordinary Joe and Jenny to be self-subsidised into an enjoyable break. But for Townsville Enterprise and the Woolfe ninny to make it out as some achievement is … is … well, it is about par for the fucking course with this mob.
BIFFO CONDON 10 – THE POLICE 0.
Oh, dear, a policeman’s lot is an even unhappier one this week.
The dropping of weapons and other charges against Chris Condon chalks up another win for the serially charged show ground boss. Perhaps more significantly, it also chalks up another abysmal face full of egg for police, in this latest case, the AFP.
During a raid on Condon’s show ground offices in 2020, the Feds said they found a pistol, two silencers and ammunition for which Condon did not have the necessary permits to possess. Although no charges seem to have been lodged, the bluebags also took possession of $11000 in cash.
As is the way with these things, when the police prosecutor dropped the charges, he offered not even an evasively worded reason for the blunder. All the property is to be returned to Mr Condon, which raises a few questions.
The Feds seized the money and charged Biffo with some sort of fraud on the government, but that charge were dropped in 2022 …. so why did they continue to hold the money for another three years, and not return it then and there? And will it be returned with suitable interest added?
And if the weapons and ammo are also being returned, that surely means Condon was in legal possession of them in the first place. The ‘Pie wonders if Biffo’s lawyer, the canny Andy Telford, might be sniffing a juicy defo case?
Over the years, The ‘Pie has followed the Condon v Police saga with bemusement. Suffice to say, in that time, nine matters (usually to do with weapons) were brought before the beaks, and all were dismissed – mostly for sloppy evidence – one way or another (including a spurious assault case of assault against a nutter Condon smacked around the ear for trespassing on show ground property – a biased Townsville jury found Biffo guilty, he appealed, got a new trial in Mackay and was acquitted). Back in the noughties, there were clear indications that some of the charges were driven by the personal animosity of a senior copper, who has long left the city.
So yesterday’s latest pantomime nicely rounds off to ten -nil the Condon v coppers saga.
But if Andy Telford is wringing his hands in anticipation of a damages claim, the Bulletin better keep an eye out.
Of all the dozens of file photos of Condon (including a couple The ‘Pie himself took way back when) – like the one above that ran in the online edition the junior boofhead in charge of click bait decided to use the one pic from the Covid era that subtly suggests Condon was a bit of a mafia-looking crim.
It was otherwise nonsensical to put up a pic that clearly made recognition impossible. Unless the paper was trying to say something subtle.
Something subtle as a grenade in a bowl of porridge
Oh, For Cod’s Sake, Bulletin!!
Memo to Iditor Jill Poulson: Do you really think it’s a good idea to encourage this sort of headline?
Even you yourself have publicly ‘fessed up to the Bulletin’s continual grammatical shortcomings, Jill, so is it smart to attempt this sort yuk-yuk-yukery in a headline? Or will it make readers just think it is a sloppy, ignorant mistake? And add to that the fact that ‘plaice’ is a northern hemisphere fish that does not live in Australian waters, let alone be served at the quite highly commendable C Bar.
AMERIKA
The deadly excesses of the Orange Abombination continue apace (and, oh, I say, Donald, how’s that bigly beautiful peace deal going in Gaza … Bibby sends his love.) The ‘toonist’s have had field week, if there is such a thing.
What A Bloody Wonderful Name!!!
Regulars around here will be aware of The ‘Pie’s interest in names, particularly those that are ‘aptonyms’ … names to suit the owner’s work or profession. A favourite has always been the Gold Coast City Council staffer who worked in the drainage area, Dwayne Pipe. The ‘Pie also loves accidental blunders, like the Melbourne Peacock parents in Melbourne who called their son Drew. Even good inventive joke names … back in the day, The ‘Pie was always hoping that starlet Tuesday Weld would marry Fredric March the Third, which would make her … ta da … Tuesday March the Third. During his court reporting days, the ‘Pie kept a list of interesting names that popped up in proceedings, Jimmy Starlight, the Bumble sisters from Mt Isa and the magnificent (real name ) Throsland Jupiter, also from out west. The ‘Pie suspects may have some connection to Jupiter Mosman, the first bloke to discover gold at Charters Towers.
This twilight ramble down memory lane has been prompted by a name that has been popping up on The ‘Pie’s social media beakings around the internet, especially twice now being suggested as a suitable ‘friend’ or contact. The urgings coming from a FB bot, not the lady herself.
Now as much he would be happy to, interact with no doubt delightful Ms Mckissock, The Magpie cannot see any mutual benefit in corresponding, and he may even run the risk of being labelled DOM, given the age disparity.
But what The ‘Pie wants to say is, what a bloody magnificent name, it deserves wider recognition than just languishing in our humble town, unknown to the world at large.
EBONY MCKISSOCK is a moniker worthy of a beleathered Bond heroine/villainess, tempting James into hard thought as she stands akimbo in her high-heeled kneeboots, whip in hand. Or perhaps a more demure role as the brilliant forensic scientist in a TV show ‘Mckissock M.E’ .. ‘Police medical examiner Ebony knows death’s dark secrets and where they hide’, This wonderful name lends itself to all sorts endeavours that demand a strident individuality, from a lithe beauty stalking the fashion catwalks of Paris to an acclaimed novelist of deeply insightful content. Or an archaeologist uncovering the secrets of past civilisations, (The fabled Mckissock Tablets of Upper Volta), or maybe an architect of acclaimed new buildings that revolutionise the whole concept of design, the Mckissock Style.
Ebony, The ‘Pie knows nought of your hopes, dreams and abilities, but please don’t settle for obscurity and a hum drum life … your name, and the world, deserve more.
But While We’re Speaking Of Names
When will one of those manufacturers of obscenely huge and pointless monster ute/trucks, like the RAM range, come out with an honest model name like ‘The Compensator’? This question occurred when The ‘Pie spotted this number plate in the Coles car park.
Well, he said it, and maybe a more honest TINY WILLY was already taken. Chances are the owners name is Wayne Kerr.
………………..
That’s all in the penultimate Nest for 2025, just one final council meeting to come. Catch you again next week for The ‘Pie’s final burnt offering for the year. PS Nest bills don’t take a holiday period, the donate link to help out is below.
Magpie this might answer some questions about councillor advisors
Councillor advisors
Only 15 councils are permitted under local government regulations to employ councillor advisors. This includes the larger category 4 – 8 councils (as prescribed by the Local Government Remuneration Commission) and Brisbane City Council.
Requirements for councils include the following:
must vote to pass a resolution to create councillor advisor positions (except Brisbane City Council) and must state the number of advisors up to the maximum allowed
must not appoint a close associate of the councillor
appoint advisor, at the discretion of councillors and only until the councillor’s term ends, unless re-appointed by a new councillor
must have a written contract of employment with the council providing conditions of employment, functions, and key responsibilities, and when disciplinary action may be taken
must report the number of councillor advisors appointed by the council and the total costs of councillor advisors to the council for the year in the council’s annual report.
Requirements for advisors include the following:
must submit registers of interests on appointment and update it within 30 days of any change
must follow the Code of conduct for councillor advisors in Queensland (PDF, 335KB)
must not assist with a councillor’s campaign for re-election in a capacity as a councillor advisor
must not direct council staff
must comply with the local government principles and
must have employment terminated if found guilty of an integrity offence.
Examples of assistance that councillor advisors may provide include administrative support, coordinating media activities, event/function management, policy development and office management.
Advisors can also download the code of conduct supporting information (PDF, 139KB) to help comply with their responsibilities under the code of conduct
https://www.dlgwv.qld.gov.au/local-government/for-councillors/councillor-information/employee-support-for-councillors
Code of Conduct for Councillor Advisers can be found here
https://www.dlgwv.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/2103450/code-of-conduct-for-councillor-advisors.pdf
Great edition Pie.
More insightful than a years worth of Townsville Bulletins.
Thanks Doug, but mate, as you would know, not hard, really, eh?
My favourite name to occupation is the 2018 Queensland Speedway champion, Hugh Skidmore. Also, the leading cleric of the Phillipines, Cardinal Sin.
I received the heads up that I made the magpie this week and after reading have decided to respond.
Your rumour mill must certainly be different than mine because I certainly have had no tap on the shoulder. Although I think the New Mayor will be a breath of fresh air and he got my vote. He made the effort to come down to our Uptown Festive Flinders event on Friday one way we are trying to activate the CBD an not only did he show up he stayed and talked genuinely with everyone on concerns of business , the CBD and anti social behaviour.
From the rest of the comments I would just like to clarify a few things about AIG (Australian Impact Group) and my experience. I have 25 years in business – building from the ground up a Cyber Security Company in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that rolled up and IPO’d I have had an Registered Training Organisation and like all small business owners have had highs and incredible lows. I am passionate about supporting economic growth, adapting to emerging mega trends and supporting the development of skilled workforce in emerging Skills. This is what AIG does. Less than 10% of the organisational income comes grant funding and of that we probably invest that again in labour to support these initiatives whether they are founders or additive manufacturing, cyber security and digital skills. We work with schools, defence primes, local government and state government. I am a member of the Innovation Advisory Council and on the Industry Reference Groups for ICT, Business and Cyber Security. These are just fancy terms for volunteering to give government the realities of what it is like for business and industry. Like the Townsville Chamber of Commerce where board members volunteer their considerable time I am often the only person in the room giving advice that is not being paid.
Also just for reference the Australian Impact Group is pretty grass roots and pragmatic. We also have a property service and maintenance business in Townsville Elite Edge Property Services . Saturday, I spent the day with my husband cleaning for a get ready for sale house on Castle Hill thanks to staffing (like many small businesses face.. Tomorrow I will get back to building risk and governance and simulation training packages for my defence and council Clients and reviewing a sustainability strategy survey for a school . Certainly not skimming the Government Gravy Train.
In regards to Cryptoloc. I can’t begin to even express how that personally affected both my business and my mental health and how badly I feel let down by the Government. This contract was awarded to Cryptoloc by the Miles Government One Day before Caretaker Mode. I had only met Jamie at this point once and was recommended through a contact who I delivered as the highest performing subcontractor to the Queensland Government for a Digital Future of Work Initiative as someone who was both passionate and experienced in both cyber security for small business.
Having been having the same frustrations for 25 years and businesses still no better prepared or understanding of the risks saw it as an amazing opportunity. I also went for this tender but did not get it.
What I now know which I didn’t at the time was when this contract was awarded to Cryptoloc Jaimie was already being sued by the ATO for tax fraud. Where was the due diligence Mr Miles.
This was the same government that was not remotely interested in the concerns I raised about the wholly owned LGAQ Local Buy having the Same CEO and infrastructure as the wholly owned LGAQ Peak Services who competes against our local businesses. I raised this in detail with several ministers and directors and not one was interested in doing anything other than burying it.
It was I that alerted the Queensland Government (post the election) that I had serious concerns about Cryptoloc – it all happened very fast. I was working on the project on a Sunday when suddenly their website and emails were down. I called the Queensland Government early that morning expressing my concerns . Jaimee and his other director Mellisa never acknowledged, spoke to me again or gave me any heads up that there was an issue.
Personally I was out significant funds, not just on unpaid invoices but on the work that I turned down to take this engagement on because I was passionate about supporting small businesses with a solution that would actually shift the dial rather than just someone rolling into town saying cyber security is important.
Currently Cyrptoloc and Jaimee are being investigated and I am a witness for ASIC and have been supporting them with what evidence I have. I have never been approached by the Government for any level of support as a small business to see if I or the business was OK . I get it that mud sticks. It sucks when small businesses get screwed over through no fault of their but for me all I can focus on is letting my work speak for itself.
At the moment I am enjoying putting a little more effort into my own businesses post my Chamber Role. I am still heavily involved in uptown and other initiatives to revitalise the CBD as an important corridor and pride of our city . I will also continue as alway to advocate for regional and small and medium businesses – particarly in my focus areas of digital, knowledge skills and additive manufacturing.
In regards to conflicts, this is a usual manner of doing business to manage and these these along with questions such as engagement structure are moot as the opportunity is not one that I am not aware of.
Thank you, Miranda. Clear, comprehensive and candid, a refreshing sort of CCC. However, Miranda, in respect of your last line, you have now been made aware of the opportunity to help the council get back on track. So will you, perhaps through a contract for AIG, apply for a position in Nick’s office? You certainly appear to have exactly the skills, experience and contacts that would greatly benefit a council in sore need of stabilisation.
But overall, your reply – and The ‘Pie is sincere when he says he is flattered – is an object lesson, a text book example of taking charge of a narrative that could otherwise be twisted and distorted by opponents, critics or business rivals. Or rumour mills.
Again, thanks.
Thanks Pie
If the opportunity came across my desk I would do what I would with any business decision and weigh up the opportunity cost , risks and benefits.
I love Townsville being a returnee and thinks it deserves better but I have been positive in seeing some of the shifts of late .
It just needs a city to work collaboratively at all levels with informed intent and an agile approach to addressing the small right now wins as well as working in parallel on the big picture
Astonisher missed another fishy headline given the owner’s name is Alan Pike.
And the reporter was Holly Fishlock?
A class mate of mine (years ago) was named Ivor Woodcock!
Continuing on from last week’s blog re North Rail Yards. Remember a few years ago the ‘Railway Enthusiast’ group were kicked out of their place at NRY and all their restored rail memorabilia. Well Webby saved them with a place to temporarily store their stuff. Now that he is full steam ahead with the NRY development, there could be a spot back there for a ‘Railway Museum’
Very appropriate.
And going back to a Magpie suggestion years ago … a decade maybe … for the rail yards site, it would be just the spot for a motor museum. Townsville is chocka with wonderful examples of all era vehicles, and indeed, Mr Webb himself has an immoressive collection at his palatial estate above the Bohle Webbsville. It would certainly enjoy massive patronage during the V8s, but could be a year round attraction.
In council terms, that beautiful mansiion was known as ‘Poo Palace’ as it overlooks Mt St John STP.
Yes, might as well let webby have the old rail site. He’s getting the dollars to develop it. He also taking it in from the millions being given for the numerous rental properties tcc are renting on webb drive. Also the dollars being the chairman of the water commission and overseeing the pipeline project. Not a bad lurk, sitting on top of turf hill looking over the little empire taking shape
He’s actually putting his own dollars in, too, and why shouldn’t he make a quid out of it, he isn’t doing anything underhanded. You want him to do it all for nothing?
And what are you up to these days, by way of progressing Townsville forward, MDog?
Trying to survive bird.
A question on HS2. I’m sure it’s been discussed before but here goes anyway; it is mentioned that currently it is all pipes but no pumps. When the pumps are fitted how will they be powered? Turbine or solar powered? Coal or gas? I wonder what energy generator is budgeted for this project and whether or not this is reason for the cost blowout or lack of information on the process of the project.
On that subject, isn’t the plan to upgrade the grid connection to the Clare weir pump site? Then a possible solar farm associated with one of the Lansdown developers can come later. It could be years before the pipeline is actually needed. The cost blowout, which goes back months, is surely between the contractor and the state government? No good asking TCC about the HS2 budget. We’ll find out about that when the Crisafulli cabinet decides its priorities. If it wants to finish the whole project now (when it is not actually needed either for Lansdown or to bolster the RR dam sitting at 70%) then they, not TCC, will have to find the dough. What’s the bet it’s mothballed?
The pump station, and therefore power supply, at Clare is obsolete since Stage 2 came along. The pump station is now being built at the Burdekin River so will require power supply to that intake location.
The original project, now known as Stage 1, was so far over budget that all the allowance (and probably more) for the pump station was spent installing the pipes – this is why Stage 2 was even conceived. Nothing to see here… we’ll tell everyone we’re doing Stage 2 because it’s the best option and get more State funding. The truth is it may well be the best option, but in reality it was a cover up for the poor budget control of Stage 1.
Now the project report on the TCC website suggests that the “Tender Costs received for the pump station were significantly over budget” which from my experience is code for – they don’t have the money to build the pump station (again)! The report goes on to say they’re exploring a low cost pumping solution, whatever that could look like for a pipe that size.
Interestingly all references to Stage 1 seem to have disappeared from Council website, but I’m sure would be available through FOI and would confirm that a pump station and power supply was included.
The term white elephant comes to mind
As far as who pays for the cost overruns goes, it isn’t a fait accompli that the State will wear those costs. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the State funding was a fixed amount, as is often the case, and Council would have to go back to them cap in hand or carry the overrun costs.
Long neck, not sure I understand your concept of Stages 1 & 2. If Stage 1 was built as a stand alone it would have had a 1.8m pipe with a larger pump at the Haughton River (at the northern end of the Haughton irrigation channel). But it would also have required a $50m enlargment of the Haughton channel to deliver the increased water supply AND a bigger pump on the Burdekin River at Clare weir to lift that increased supply into the channel. There’s a 2020 Infrastructure Australia report about that. The argument for Haughton 2 was that having a 1.8m pipeline all the way to a single pump at the Burdekin River / Clare weir would save the $50m proposed to alter the channel (and stay out of the irrigation scheme altogether). It would bring us a step closer to the absolute dreamland which is extending that pipeline from Clare the 30-50kms up the wild valley of the Burdekin to the actual dam itself and being able to gravity feed direct to the Ross River dam. That would cost billions so forget it.
Bob,
The original project was called the “Haughton Pipeline Duplication” (HPD) and was, as the name suggests, to duplicate the existing pipeline with a larger pipe and larger pump system. The name may be deceiving as the pipeline doesn’t actually come from the Haughton River. This project was (and essentially is) the duplication of the pipeline that was built in the late 80’s and runs from a pump station on the main Haughton Channel of the Burdekin irrigation scheme.
The HPD (now known as HS1) is 1.8m pipe and the budget for this project included allowance for a supply inlet and pump station at the same location as the existing pump (actually it’s 3 pumps in one pump well) that supplies the original line.
You are correct, there was also upgrades required to the irrigation channel to allow for the addition volume, there was also to be a power supply line and substation built at the same location to supply the new pump station, however to my knowledge these weren’t part of the project budget.
I hope this clarifies how the HPD morphed into HS1.
The bottom line is that we have now had 2 project stages – both of those stages had a pump station in the budget. Both are now complete and we have circa $500 million of pipe in the ground with no way of getting water into it and no plan for how we will ever get water through the pipe.
Long neck, again I question your facts. When it was decided to build Haughton2 several components of Haughton1, which had not yet been started, could be deleted from the program – including any pump station in the vicinity of the Haughton River and the $50m augmentation of the Haughton irrigation channel. Instead there would be a single pump for the entire pipeline and it would be located on the Burdekin River at Clare. If you look on Google maps you can see the construction site on the Burdekin upstream from the Clare weir. Apparently the budget has blown out to the point where the pipeline is in the ground but has no pump station constructed. Since there is currently no Townsville ‘water crisis’ there is no urgency to find the money to complete all the missing bits of the project but perhaps they need to pay the contractor for the work to date. BTW, the Clare Solar Farm is already a thing and is located right there.
Bob , I don’t care whether the RRD is at 70% or even more. Get the project done & dusted now at the quoted price. You sound like a typical ‘public serpent’
Ala, ” . . . get the job done at the quoted price”. Hahahaha. You think your budget = my quote. That went out with the Sydney Opera House and you know it.
Only just noticed that TCC put out a Haughton pipeline Update on 30 October 2025 which stated in part:
“The current agreed funding for Stage 2 of the pipeline is split $195 million from the Queensland Government and $79 million from Council which was committed in 2021.
That funding is enabling works to continue to complete the majority of stage 2 of the pipeline and investigation works into a lower cost pumping solution.”
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/news-and-publications/media-releases/2025/october/an-update-on-the-haughton-pipeline-project
It has been reported many times that the Haughton will eclipse $500-600M. The pump station has not been factored into the costs, then there is the sand traps / filtration issues and leaks recorded in HS1, at every join. Once complete, how much will we lose in water when it pumps, HS1 was completed by Webby. The pipes are the problem.
There will never be a well deserved inquiry into this massive cock-up, because every level of government will have some responsibility for the fucktangle. And that includes the rush to glory by Mayor Mullet, keen to steal Jayne Arlett’s initial idea without a thoughtful examination of type of project, including gravity feed, that was best. With The Mullet in Townsville and Labor in Brisbane, it was a showcase vote catcher for both … and then political egoes made it all go expensively pear-shaped.
Bollocks, Magpie. And “leaks at every join” – where did you hear this tosh, Steve? No one, not even Arlett, Hill or Phillip Thompson (when his PM promised to pay for it), ever planned to build a ‘gravity feed’ pipeline from the Burdekin Dam to Townsville. The cost of modifying the outlets on the dam structure and the monumental undertaking of bringing a pipeline down the valley from the dam past Dalbeg to Clare (it’s about 100kms) renders it out of the question for all time. There will be a solar-powered monorail to the Burdekin Dam via Mingela before a gravity pipeline is built. It’s just insane drivel.
Bob, it’s a well known fact, and please feel free to ask any councillor, or executive, watch how quickly they move away from the subject. There have been many comments online for a long period, and people who worked on the line know this, the council were informed of this by the old guard, then again by Peter (old business manager before being sacked by council). Feel free to ask, if they deny, make sure you get it in writing, that way we can do an RFI, and complaint, there are witnesses to the leaks. Additionally, the pipes degrade in the sun, and it was part of Chris Poulsen’s campaign for mayor, people only want to know the good news Slick is bringing, not the truth about this diabolical mess, that is a political football. Now TEL, the deputy Premier and TCC are involved in funding it behind closed doors, we will only be told of the real costs after the fact, when it’s completed.
Bob, But they can built CRR at $7.6 billion and rising and not a whimper from the labor government when this was all being planned.
If Queensland is to realise it’s potential as THE leading state of the future, shucking of the lazy dig it up and sell it overseas a the only way to wealth and full employment, we need visionary leadership that will push through two vital projects: hydro from a raised-wall BFD, and a no-tinkering filling potholes Brisbane to Cairns overhaul of the Bruce.
Great informative blog this week Malcolm. I did have one thought regarding swinging dick Nick’s new advisors. For the purpose of transparency and accountability and remaining informative to the community, perhaps Nick could publish a monthly brief executive summary, dot point format if need be, showing what tasks the advisors have undertaken. An outline of any advocacy undertaken, meetings with businesses or governments and their agencies and include names of politicians or bureaucrats etc. It doesn’t have to be any commercial in confidence information, but enough information to satisfy the ratepayers who are funding these people. There is no legislative requirement for Nick to do that, but it is best practise and would show that he is serious about openness.
I’m sure he’llput your idea to the Premier.
PrinceR, if you really, really want that level of ‘transparency’ spelled out in detail monthly or whatever, one of the three advisers (probably the most expensive one) would need to spend heaps of time trailing around after the others taking notes. Imagine the sludge of bureaucratese they would produce to describe the plotting and scheming that would be their workday. Don’t you remember what happened in Mayor Hill’s office?
Prince, Instead of calling the position Executive Assistant’, just rename it to Personal Assistant’. That would be a lower pay scale.
The suggested reports would need to be accurate, given it is in writing, and may be used against him. This council, and councillors have shown they are prepared to pounce on errors, and statements made, after the last debacle. Any report should come from operations, given all three have to report to the CEO anyway. As far as Uptown goes, I see a lot of banging he drum and still no real movement aside from that, that was already coming, over inflated egos, and businesspeople looking for attention, they forget the public are the ones who choose to support the city centre with trade, and many are not. That is why firms are moving to outlying areas of the CBD, they don’t want to be anywhere near it. It might be time to talk to some serious money, not players, about regenerating the city. Sure, there’s millionaires, but we need more than that to accelerate the city. Webby is on the money, he handpicked the project, squeezed Joe for $21M in infrastructure credits, and the state for $35M investment, Webby’s input, ‘Build it and they will come’ is the smartest move of the lot. 2 towers, museum and markets trade, simply brilliant. Maybe the people with money should work from the outer to the inner, it seems to be working. Theme Park, Webby Land, New Hospital (When it’s done) etc
The Agenda for Wednesday’s Ordinary TCC meeting is up on the website – including, at Item 11, a Treasury Report which details the Debt and itemised stuff about Lansdown, HS2 etc.
Proving that you really CAN go lower than a sidewalk. Beetroot joins One Nation. A match made in heaven. A redneck and a redhead.
Ducky – they are both red head rednecks. Not a shock that he is going to try for a senate seat at the next election.
Excellent point
Ducky, the Beetrooter has a damaged ego. Hasn’t been enjoying the backbench under Littleproud, hence his jumping ship. Just another self-centred selfish politician looking out for his own interests above that of the needs of the constituents. He is just buying time anyway, couple of years left to suck on the taxpayer teet and then it’s off into retirement with his generous parliamentary superannuation war chest.
So Pauline has appealed to the man on the street … the literal one. But while there is no doubt he’s gone from the reps next election (The ‘Pie is from the New England area, and those folks value loyalty above everything else), the ABC is reporting he will stand for the Senate, where he stands a chance of getting bup because it is a state-wide vote.
“The ‘Pie is from the New England area, and those folks value loyalty above everything else.”
Loyalty to who or what? That federal seat had Independent Tony Windsor as its Member till Joyce came (back) to town. They didn’t show much loyalty to Windsor. But they might be in love with Joyce now that he’s embraced Pauline and her bigotry and populism. Trouble is, One Nation has entertained clowns from every angle including the turncoat Mark Latham (Labor opposition leader). Political opportunism knows no bounds.
FFS read your history before you make as ass of yourself. Loyalty is strong for the Nats in the region, but they value loyalty in whoever is elected to speak for the. Windsor retired on health grounds in 2013, , but came back for another tilt three years later, but by then, Barnaby Beetroot was well established in the seat and was deputy PM.
Beetroot Head is damaged goods. Who can forget his farm video where he claimed god was punishing us with droughts. I s’pose things could be worse, he could become a state politician with KAP.
Or mayor of Townsville.
Pie, I hear on the ABC AM this morning that now Barnaby is joining ONP Pauline is entitled to a 46% pay rise plus additional staff if she requests it.
I wonder if Barnaby knew of this. Anyhow he only has a couple of years to go.
He has a large family to support. Lots of children. To his current and ex wife. Poor man. He needs the extra tax payer funding.
Blah blah blah Snake Chalmers reckons there are budget pressures so they are going to axe the $300 energy relief component next year. Maybe if they stopped sending e-Karen’s to UN wank fests at a cost of $100k to deliver a 7 minute fucking speech, the budget would be in order. Assholes.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/treasurer-jim-chalmers-confirms-energy-bill-rebate-wont-continue-in-2026/51421c51-ba76-4107-bea7-3dd9c8bb3421
Well, yes, but it was taxpayers just giving themselves back a rebate for electricity. Not really a sustainable policy.
That’s another one for the ‘Harrumph!’ file, incidentally, ‘Pie. So much of the reporting about this (and every other) instance of rebates / subsidies refer to how “the government” will cut (x) or increase funding for (y). I don’t know why the reporting isn’t more honest as to who’s really providing this temporary / artificial hip-pocket relief: “The Taxpayer”. I’ll bet if more reports referred to it that way, people would start asking a lot more questions about where all their tax money ends up going. As you rightly suggest, I’m fine with having some of my own money handed back to me, but I’d much prefer that so much of it wasn’t taken off me in the first place.
Regarding the energy rebates in particular, and all of the commentary that’s swirled about how it should be continued, and how it isn’t enough, etc, I haven’t seen a word anywhere about another really good way to reduce one’s energy bill that wouldn’t cost the government / taxpayer anything: use less of it! Back in the 70s, Jimmy Carter in the US spearheaded what I remember as a really effective campaign to at least get people to think twice when reaching for the thermostat. I get that some people have a genuine need for fully climate-controlled interiors, and that everyone needs certain basic comforts that some folks outright can’t afford, but it seems like in the past few decades the entire population has just become accustomed to having everything they want, and if it costs too much, then Big Daddy in Canberra and Brisbane will (or at least ought to) ride to the rescue, and get pilloried if they don’t.
I’m certainly no Greenie, but this is even more confusing given the push to cut emissions: if all you do is hand people rebates so (in this situation) they don’t have to turn the a/c down to Medium, what message does this actually send, and what hope is there of reaching these reduction targets that have been set? Harrumph!
One reason, CHF, is that many people who are struggling see an energy rebate as one of the few opportunities to get a piece of the handout pie that so many others seem to be hogging. They look at the middle income earners next door with their ‘investment property’ and wonder why do they get a handout for doing fuckall other than taking out a second mortgage? It’s not as if investment properties don’t cost the taxpayer. Here’s some info from the Budget Office:
Cost of Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Discount – Estimated annual value of revenue foregone due to negative gearing deductions and capital gains tax discount
2014-15 $6.8 billion
2023-24 $10.9 billion
2034-35 $22.8 billion
https://www.pbo.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/Cost%20of%20Negative%20Gearing%20and%20Capital%20Gains%20Tax%20Discount_0.pdf
Oh, if I were king, Bob, negative gearing and the CGT discount would be the first two policies over the side, and damn the consequences. I well remember the 2019 election, when Labor seemed to have the field to themselves, and I actually had the radio on the morning Chris Bowen said, “if you don’t like it, don’t vote for us”…and I remember my jaw dropping, and thinking, ‘you arrogant asshole! Not only have you just cost yourselves the un-lose-able election, but no one else will dare touch this again for at least a generation.’ Oh, I’m with you foursquare on negative gearing / CGT, believe me…but my main point was that rather than (or, OK, perhaps in addition to) an energy bill rebate, it looks as though a golden opportunity has been missed to get a conservation message out there. Not outright social engineering (which I’m awake to and despise at least as much as you do, ‘Pie), but a gentle, common-sense nudge in a direction that might end up less harmful to the budget bottom line.
negative gearing is cheaper than public housing.
Only if it ins’t given over to Air BnB.
Back, almost lost in the mists of time, an “independent committee” was formed under the chairmanship of Webby to examine the best way of of getting water from the BFD to Townsville.
The Mullet had stridently advocated the duel pipeline which would guarantee our water supply for 50 years. Other proponents argued going for the originally designed raising the dam to its full height, including hydroelectricity and guaranteeing a water supply for 100+ years.
Sure, it would initially cost more, however, in the long run, it would have been less expensive.
So, surprise! The “independent committee” decided in line with the Mullet’s wishes, that the Haughton pipeline was the best option. Coincidentally, the day HS fiasco was decided and announced in the Astonisher, there was another two para mention that TCC had awarded Webby another contract for something.
Just another coincidence.
So now I read in this blog that Webby secured, with inside knowledge, the contract for HS1. Does he have any connection with HS2?
The ‘Pie is often saying this about you amongst others, Jeff, but do not believe everything you read in comments in this blog.
The prevalent notion by many commenting here that developers and doers are all involved in underhand dealings to get contracts has become a bit tedious. The ‘Pie has not heard credible evidence that people like Webb, Tapiolas or Honeycombe have somehow used illegal, unfair tactics or some sort of quid pro quo insider trading-type tactics to get things done. (Much is made of Webb getting council rental contracts on much of his Bohle development – well, DUH, why the fuck do you think he built it in the first place? With his own vision and money? And has it damaged someone else, a rival, the ratepayer? This really does get tiresome.
Magpie. FFS.
” The ‘Pie has not heard credible evidence that people like Webb, Tapiolas or Honeycombe have somehow used illegal, unfair tactics or some sort of quid pro quo insider trading-type tactics to get things done.”
Thats one of the most naive things you’ve ever written on this blog.
You may not have heard it. But its most definitely out there.
OK, Ducky, you’ve called it, now show some evidence. Beyond what Wocka in the front said after his fifth schooner. Or did cousin Elsie’s overhear something at Dazza’s BBQ from Barry’s mate, Chocka?
And why is The Magpie naive when he says he has never heard something? The ‘Pie is a liar now?
Pie, you’re losing it mate. I’ve been well connected in this town for many more years than you. You are obviously Webb’s number one fan!! Sheesh
my comments on Webb are based on what evidence is available. Not your green eyed blather, which is the in-bred curse of this town for thos ewho’ve been here years longer than The ‘Pie.
If you’re so fucking well connected, start backing your vague innuendos with some veriifibile facts.
Magpie I didn’t write that. I’d never claim to be well connected. What kind of wanker does that?
And I’d never accuse you of losing it. I might think it, but I’d swear at you and call you a stupid old fucker.
Join the club, Ducky.
And as pointed out before, you can always password your name.
And I certainly never use the term “Sheesh”
Yep, very teen sitcom-ish. Which the ‘Pie suspects is not your demographic.
Magpie, you are dead right. Webby built Bohle into wat it is now, and TCC has taken up residence there, as has the QFRS / RFRS to name a few. Webby’s money, Webby’s vision, and so what if he gets some rent roll, no other developer stood up and put their money where their mouth is like Webby. Webby gave back $1M on the ring road construction, no one mentions that too much. The man took on a contaminated site, put his concerns to the TCC and State Government and secured $2-3M in seed funding to get it moving, under the poorly designed TCC development structure, he then put his legacy plan out, Housing Tower, Office Tower, Museum, and market / shops precinct with a boardwalk, by subdividing the block into 4, and building better access. All he asked council for was credits ($21M) and he would do the rest with infrastructure on the site. Webby has done it all, and he is now manufacturing his own roof sheets and much of the refurbished ‘heritage’ parts of the project, the bloke should be an Australian of the year for what he has done for this city in the past decade alone. Yes, he was awarded the HS1 stage, he advised the TCC about the joint concerns, as it does have leakage, QA is on the shoulders of Mullet, Prins and Seren, the old guard. The best thing Joe can do is come good on exactly where we are and just finish the project with State money. But the thought Webby has done anything but been a good citizen is a joke.
Yep, anything negative about Brad Webb is classic tall poppy syndrome. And the politics of envy from those still sitting on their arses watching others on their feet.
Using my memory (sometimes needs work) The 1st stage of the pipeleine H1 was Project Managed by Premise (Townsville) and Engineering / Design was by GHD. The pipes were supplied by council and installation was let in various packages by tender. I think they were 6km sections but stand corrected if they were different. The install sections were let to various contractors about town and I don’t think Webb were involved in the install..
The original requirement for the pipes was cement lined steel pipe with a design life of 100 years. Council awarded the pipe supply to Iplex, using GRP pipe. (Glass Reinforced Pipe) that has a design life of 75 years. GRP was a lot cheaper than the steel. Iplex as part of the award agreed to re-open their plant at the Bohle that had been reduced in size around that time.
H2 uses the GRP pies as well. They bounced the ball on H1 in 2018, so they have used 7 years of design life (over 10%) without it being in use.
Sounds like the panel was wise to not endorse the foolish dam raising proposal.
One imagines the word ‘foolish’ will garner some informed response.
BM, BFD2 was all about raising the dam wall to 14.5M with hydro. A no brainer at $1.1 billion, but with all the bulkshit that stopped it, it is now about 10 times the cost. Talk to Tony Manning.
The government had “foolishly” bought all the land in preparation for the dam raising many years ago. Not like TCC and the bungled access deals with land holders for the pipeline.
Dear ‘Pie, tis the Christmas season of peace to those of good will, and a pox on the aresholes.
Here (I hope) for you and the Nest is a fair dinkum Aussie Christmas Carrol from a couple of blokes who, if not National Living Treasures, should be.
Barry The Elf https://share.google/xgiYD5PMfo6TpnCx7
Willcox had his big trailer sign outside the mini mart at Queen’s Rd Hermit Park yesterday. I just rechecked and the boundary of Dawson is still Ross River , Annandale and Murray. The redistribution is deferred till late next year when they decide on how many new seats and senators there has to be.
It’s not his electorate. Fuck off. As it is he gets them to remove others from the side of Abbott st at oononbah on the grounds it where the cop radar parks, then whacks his trailer back at election time when they go.
City culture is supposed to displace hick culture and not the other way round.
‘Pie, I had no interest in the “tall poppy syndrome” regarding Brad Webb. His Bohle enterprise is news to me.
I’m not a “local”. I’ve only been here for 33 years, never had kids go to school here, nor did I ever have parents buried by Morleys. Ergo, I’ll always be an outsider. As such, I make my contributions as an outsider.
My observation that Webby’s advocation for the pipeline, in line with the Mayor’s, and his subsequent apparent (i don’t know for sure) receiving the contract would have attracted comment elsewhere.
However, in my 33 year stretch here, I’ve seen lots of very strange things happen
in govt circles that other people accept as normal.
Let it go at that.
Yes, you let it go at that.
It’s strange that nothing gets done in Townsville without quid pro quo. Yet nobody can find any yet. Others may use subsidiaries , shell companies or legally pushed it through other state branches under disclosure caps in increments. But without a detailed analysis of company and banking records nobody will discount the possibility of legally donated but obscured quid pro quo.
That’s not just in the development area.
Tony Mooney’s quid pro quo was evident when he left office, and his lucrative jobs were hardly justified even for a Labor insider lobbyist. We’ll never know what he did as mayor to deserve such largesse, but you can bet there was something. (His hospital gig was/is a pure Labor ‘mates’ job.)
Jeff, it’s disappointing to me that even after 33 years living locally you don’t appear to have followed local events but still have strong views about them or their proponents. There’s stacks of written material online about the pipeline, the dam/s, the floods and all the workshops and reviews over the years. Why don’t you read them? The Magpie has raised questions about raising the dam wall at the Burdekin (whether 2m, 6m or 14m) at some stupendous cost, then adding hydro or a ‘gravity feed’ pipeline to Townsville. There’s a whole library of material available if you really want to know. Quoted budgets double in a few years and then are simply not mentioned any more. Here’s an example from 2023:
“The state government will spend $1 billion on increasing the capacity of the largest dam in Queensland by 150,000 megalitres.”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-13/burdekin-falls-dam-raising-funding/102471860
Bob, how does ‘get stuffed’ sound? I don’t need to read every document produced regarding a dam wall extension. This town is filled with rednecks and unless you were born here and have served on Council, you are treated as an outsider. Absolute redneck mentality.
Jeff, originally you observed that, ” Webby’s advocation for the pipeline, in line with the Mayor’s, and his subsequent apparent (i don’t know for sure) receiving the contract would have attracted comment elsewhere.” You don’t know for sure because it didn’t happen. If you bothered to check before you spout bullshit you could have found, in about 5 seconds, that:
“Stage 1 of the Haughton Pipeline was delivered by several contractors and businesses under the oversight of the Townsville City Council, with major construction firms including BMD Constructions, NQ Excavations, and CivilPlus Constructions undertaking significant work. Design & Engineering such as AECOM and GHD were involved in design and planning. Iplex Australia secured a $51 million contract to supply the 1.8-metre diameter Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) pipes for the project.”
Brad Webb’s name is NOT on the list. Your argument is baseless.
Brad didnt need his name on the list. He got some special recycled sewage pond at Mt St John for his services to the community by advocating for the pipeline. Ask Adele Young and former General Manager Water and Waste Scott Moorhead.
Also Civilplus had to go in and redo the work on the pipeline the others fucked up.
Bob, that was some arsehole masquerading as me. They have neither the guts, nor the imagination to create their own identity.
And The ‘Pie has to say, Jeff, (and Bob), neither do you have the imagination to password your comments, as a dozen or more regulars have done for ages.
Slick Nick’s first council meeting done, with no major hiccups from anyone, staff or councillors. It was clear there was a more collegial atmosphere, dare one say even a lightness of spirit, throughout proceedings.
These was evident when there was a motion to dismiss four outstanding OIA complaints between the council and Troy Thompson that were no longer valid because TwoNames is no longer in office. It was as gratifying to The ‘Pie as it must have been teeth-grindingly galling to the con man that no one discussed him at all, the matter dealt with in a minute or two, with the final word going to the new mayor, who said words to the effect ‘There’s nothing more to say on this, so let’s vote’. It was an apt and unanimous end to a damaging period in our history.
Dametto looks like he will quickly slip into a commanding but inclusive mode, even Joe McCool was enjoying a joke or two with councillors and staff. Both Batkovic and Robbo again led the way for others to make sensible queries and comments on a number of matters.
And there’s always a language slip or two … best one today was Nick, who exhorted everybody next year to keep their’ shoulders to the grindstone’.
OUCH!!!
For the record, ‘shoulder to the grindstone’ is a malaphor, a mix-up between two sayings. Let’s hope he meant ‘shoulders to the wheel’ otherwise he is going to a cruel taskmaster indeed.
Thanks for the update Pie. I agree, it’s good to see Twonames receive no attention. He has been relegated to the history pages. A fart in the breeze that is here and then gone quickly.
With Twonames now part of history, I will also be retiring the blog user ‘Toy Thompstain’. It’s been fun and it’s been frustrating but the least that we recall Twonames activities, the better. But don’t worry, I will still be lurking around the place. Farewell and god speed.
Been fun from you, thanks.
Bit like the old bird out having lunch with her high and mighty girlfriends and wanting to impress them, fancied the quiche on menu and said to waiter “I’ll have a quickie with a light salad’ !!
Lucky she wasn’t dining with you …you’d never be allowed back in that restaurant again.
So fucking shameful they all applauded far right Dametto at the swearing in before the last vote counting day with 40k missing votes and Dametto’s pro ‘Australian’ Nazi conduct
Got a link for the 40K missing votes comment?
Percentage of enrolled electors counted: 72.04% counted
Enrolment: 142,775
100- 72.04 = 27.96
27.96%×142,775=39,919.89
40000 missing votes
https://results.elections.qld.gov.au/TCCMayor2025/072/preliminary
You’ve probably deliberately used a loaded word ‘missing’ to heavily hint at something underhand. What if they just decided not to vote? Or even if they did vote, in the utterly stupid (and truly undemocratic) PVO arrangement, how would anyone know that their vote is missing – all those who sent in their vote will think they were counted.
PVO was truly a disastrous cynical call by the ECQ and the government, but given the field, there was always only going to be one candidate going to win. And he did.
Yeah “missing” isn’t the right term here. Turnout for local government elections are always low.
Last mayoral election we got 79.21% turnout, the 7% less this time are the real “missing” voters and show the PVO to be a massive failure.
B.R.,
Yes PVO was a massive failure, but it will never acknowledged as such by those who make these decisions.
Mea culpas in the political class are as rare as rocking horse shit.
Foodtrucks Greaney has chucked in the Deputy Mayor role. Maybe she can read the tea-leaves after all.
Meeting 1.30pm this Friday to elect a Deputy Mayor.
Has Donald Trump given his approval?
Be careful what you wish for. Youve already got Slick Nick spending more time in front of cameras in the last few weeks than he has doung any actual work. And we’re likely to get one of the boy wonders, Brodie or Brady. They both like a good media opportunity and seem to be firmly attached to Nick like lampreys.
It depends on who nominates … on performance, Robbo or Batwoman are the most appropriate. It would be difficult for Dametto to start trying to coerce councillors into his choice (if he actually has one) into what in the end if a pretty powerless position unless he falls off a bar top doing the hucklebuck. He’ll be happy with his thgree advisres and his boss in Brisbane.
Brodie, or Robbo seem to be his front runners. I think Brady offers too much LNP influence (as he will go for mayor 2028). Can’t see Suzy going for it, she has too many board roles and basketball items on her ticket already. Robbo is the most logical, and if he is working with him at disaster management, it would be a good strategy.
Brady Ellis will run for mayor in 2028?!? Well, the best of British with that idea. Good division representation doesn’t translate into city-wide popularity.
Suzy unlikely to be interested in the deputy doo-dah spot, but the reason being she puts her young family light years ahead of any political ambitions. However, she has shown solid community roots and analytical intelligence in all her council meetings.
Robbo is the councillors’ interrogator in chief and would be the ideal person to step in when Slick Nick has slid off to Brisbane for riding instructions. Nothing gets past Robbo – his secret? He reads every fucking thing. He would be The ‘Pie’s pick for a steady hand on the helm when needed.
Brodie Phillips may be lurking, but being in thick with Greaney at the table and might not have the firepower to get the vote.
Jacob i damaged goods, and like Dirou, probably too loaded down with Labor connections, dynasty’s child Mooney too young and probably hampered by his name, especially with the featherbedded but fucked up job his father is doing vat the hospital. Rehbein unlikely to offer any qualifications that would make him an attractive candidate
The real sleeper here is Kristian Price … and I mean sleeper it literally … this bloke looks like he’s dozing right through meetings, and has contributed exactly SFA in recent months, if ever. In last Wednesday’s meeting, the only thing he did was ask for some leave, then went into his usual bored-as-shit mode, looking like he was wondering why he was there. Funny, The ‘Pie was thinking the same thing.
And while we’re around his bend in the river, we are forced to ask our daily question, what the fuck is up with this paper?
Now, if someone steps down from a position that has had it’s share of controversy and criticism, or even if it hadn’t, what’s the first thing that would come into the mind of even a mildly intelligent person? Wouldn’t the first thing such a person would ask be – why?
Not the Bulletin, not a hint that they even tried to get an answer, even if it was a no comment or the usual ‘we have reached out to Clr Greaney for comment’.
So we’ll never know if it was the burden of in-grown toenails, being slagged off in The Magpie’s Nest, or a self-realisation that she ain’t all that popular with her colleagues.
SteveJ, “Brodie, or Robbo seem to be his front runners.” The way you put it implies that the Mayor nominates who he would like to be Deputy Mayor. Actually, the Mayor doesn’t get a vote. The other councillors, excluding the Mayor, nominate and vote on who they want to be deputy.
Yes, well duh. Your point is?
Mr Pie, in your brief form guide analysis for the Deputy Mayor job, you mentioned big Suzi and said: “ she puts her young family light years ahead of any political ambitions”. I first thought you were talking about Anika Wells at that point.
Droll.
And pretty sure Suzy doesn’t have a travel expenses issue, and pays out of her own pocket to take the kids to Billabong Sanctuary.
Bob, the mayor gets a vote and has held meetings with all the candidates, you can bet he has encouraged them to put their hand up. His vote is the determining factor if it is 5 votes are tied, either way, the mayor votes like any other councillor on the deputy and acting mayor roles.
SteveJ, I stand corrected. “The deputy mayor is appointed by a resolution of the Council”, where “Council” refers to all the councillors including the Mayor.
Does Food Trucks resignation indicate tension now and in the future between her and Slick Nick of Townsville?
No.
She should have picked up the quivering bottom lip and dealt with it. An extra 30K per year is going to come in handy come next election when she is booted.
And I believe she was the only one to vote against the Mayor’s three extras. Meeeow!!
Robbo is the right person for that job imo.
Greaney said she was in favour of advisers in principle but thought that two-only (Chief of Staff and policy adviser) should be sufficient given that councillors had made cuts to programs so as to bring in a ‘surplus’ for this financial year. She implied that the cost of advisers salaries would blow the surplus. No one else, including Robbo, seemed to be bothered all that much.
We need to get bothered – if p- merited after we know who these advisors are. Two versus three is not a biggy, and if one salary is going to blow the budget, we’re fucked anyway.
The local government laws and electoral changes were tabled in November using the by-elections as cover. Closing dates for written subs is Tuesday 16 December at 12pm FFS https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=267&id=6557
Lawyers are still making a mint out of Lehrmann rape cases and now Sofronoff has had his appeal against the corrupt conduct findings dismissed. Ho humm.. play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-11/walter-sofronoff-loses-appeal-against-corruption-finding/106126878?
The issue surrounding Anika Wells is very important. She, Albo, and others have stated that she did nothing wrong, which is technically true because she acted ‘within the rules’. However, ‘the rules’ ARE A FUCKING JOKE!. These grubs fly their families and themselves business class to sporting and other events. What an absolute con job and a drain on the taxpayer. What is it that makes these parasites different to anybody else?
Pensioners living in cars, people having their electricity supply cut off, others living on baked beans and toast while the other half, the politicians, live it up. These rorts, fiddles and Connon’s need to stop.
Here it is. The changes to ‘streamline’ Qld environmental laws and council conduct , declarations of interests and smaller gaol time for electoral offences etc in the local government/electoral changes have set the scene for Crissafulli getting rid of the developer ban , and raising caps . They are also trying to overturn the high court case of Roach , which said there is a constitutional right to vote, that this applies to prisoners too. The high court said you could only constitutionally ban prisoners under sentence of 3 years or more from voting. Crissafulli is bringing it down to one year. That will be challenged. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-11/political-donations-qld-property-developers/106130862
No committee link with the date for close of submissions yet but the bill is on the legislation page here https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/bill.first/bill-2025-044
Committee link up now. Submission deadline 2 January 2026 here https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=0&id=6560
Disagree with prisoners having any right to vote. In breaking the law, they forfeit not just their freedom but also their freedoms, which includes voting. And while they’re in there, getting passed around in the showers so often they don’t know a fart from a yawn, they are not paying tax.
A very long time ago when studying the subject of Citizenship I learnt there were three classes of people not entitled to vote;
Lunatics, Criminals, and Peers of the Realm.
I remember that as it always gave me a chuckle that the then Queen being lumped in with the other two categories.
Classic tautology.
The Queen, or King, are not a peer of the realm. They’re the sovereign.
They can’t vote because they’re not citizens of Australia.
Just as well, gold lame voting booths are just soooo expensive.
What has paying, or not paying, tax got to do with it? Nearly half the adult population does not pay tax. If you are thinking that voting is a privilege, a right or a freedom that can be taken away as a form of punishment, how does that square with voting in Australia being compulsory? Anyway, what’s the logic in allowing ‘minor’ criminals (ie. those serving sentences less than three years or now proposed in Queensland one year) voting rights but not ‘major’ criminals? The whole thing seems arbitrary and loaded with fake morality.
The first part of your comment is totally illogical an shows both a poor knowledge of English, and a poor attention to what The Magpie actually said.
That last bit, however, highlights the desperate posing of this government on this very minor issue.
Roach v Electoral commisioner 2007 https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/HCA/2007/43.html
Gleeson was a right winger too hey?
The hysteria is welling over aboriginal deaths in custody with the ABC already talking about the high suicide rates.
In fact, the majority of their deaths, in technical terms from an RN who worked there, “Their guts are fucked when they come in.” Years of alcohol and drug abuse, tobacco, along with poor diet choices have done the damage. Custodial sentences may even have prolonged their lives.
Indigenous deaths by suicide were in line with other races and mainly committed by younger prisoners along much the same rates as mainstream society.
But watch out, here come the activists.
That is a disgraceful rationalisation, Jeff, but that is not to say that there is a gross overstatement and false victimhood from the aboriginal industry. These people are again calling for a double standard law based on racism and the twisting of stats … and no on ever suggests that high indigenous incarceration rates might be more due to greater propensity for law breaking that for a certain amount of police racism.
‘Pie, are you a trendy lefty who agrees with everything the aboriginal industry spouts?
You been reading this blog very long, mate?
TEL do it again, they simply can’t add up, rounding up seems to be their biggest skill.
From TELs page!
Advocacy Alert: Yesterday, the Crisafulli Government announced more than $15M
▪️ Burdekin Shire Council – Duplicate Water Main for Home Hill: $720K
▪️ Burdekin Shire Council – Ayr Town Drain Upgrade: $1.2M
▪️ Charters Towers Regional Council – Reservoir & Water Main Duplication: $8M
▪️ Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council – Manbarra Road & Infrastructure Upgrade: $3M
Claudia, it’s $12.972M, not $15M, is it any wonder you round up your visitor numbers, project and advocacy investment, biggest scam in Townsville. Nick won’t do a thing about it, his mates are on the board!
Here”s the media release.
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/104163
Magpie a leftie? Wow, welcome comrade
As The ‘Pie has always said, he’s an issued-based voter, and has never been a member of any political party. And that’s the principle on which he makes his personal comments in the blog … he has never felt some need to belong anywhere. Not fashionable, but hopefully honest.
Memo commenter Neeta Choudry.
Link or pic, cannot see anything remotely like that.
Maybe it’s a typo, and its an appeal from the Pakki cricket team “Need a Choudry”?
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-meetings/meetings-agendas-and-minutes
Nope, doesn’t show any such thing, not that the ‘Pie can see.
With regard to previous comments re: HS2… this from Nick’s Facebook page 3 November:
????It’s time to put an end to the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 debacle. You deserve to know how much this project is going to cost you as a ratepayer and when it will be finally delivered. #dametto4mayor #townsvilleshines #allinfortownsville #townsvillenorthqueensland #townsville
I guess we’ll hear something soon…
Yes, but that doesn’t mean it will be not more buzz word vague obfuscation. Let’s hope not.
Gotham gets its Batwoman to offside Slick ick.
Suzy Batkovic was elected unanimously this afternoon to fill the role. She was nominated by the mayor, and councillres were quick to praise and support the choice.
The ‘Pie came a bit late to proceedings but noted there was no Greaney present. Was any reason given?
Good to see a unanimous decision in the chamber. Greaney took holiday leave, not sure she’s back in office until January now.
The Mayor announced that Greaney was absent (we could see that), nothing more. It wasn’t clear at all whether he knew beforehand.
Congratulations to Suzy! I hope she keeps asking the hard questions when necessary and ‘Slick Nick’ isn’t counting on her vote every time.
The mayor made a generous and sensible atgument that Suzy’s national sporting profile will be invaluable in making the most of talks regarding those Olympic events which Townsville will host. And an Olympian of her national popularity being elected to a leading community position will be widely reported, and will be at last a positive mention for our poor old town.
Ala…Ahhh The Ghost of Hill. Will we ever be free from it. Big mistake. Still waiting to hear her true pecuniary interests, including trusts.
You’ll need more than regular cyclone supplies for that wait.
I hope Slick keeps a step in the car when they have photo opportunities
He’s already asked Tom Cruise if he can have one of his old ones.
Reminds the ‘Pie of the true story the movie directors who used to have a trench dug for leading ladies playing romantic outdoor scenes with Alan Ladd.
No surprises here since shes LNP and Crisafulli would have approved/encouraged/engineered this. Let’s see how much further he can stack NQ.
So basically, you’re saying the Clr Batkovic hasn’t proved her responsible attitude through her intelligent questioning of council staff in meetings, she’s just a pliable pick from Brisbane? That she doesn’t bring a certain value with her background to the council proceedings and processes? And she’s LNP?
A knee-jerk, sour comment unworthy of you, Ducky.
I assume you think she’s Labor?
Why that assumption?
You question it. Besides we both know Crisafulli has engineered this since Dametto nominated her. Dametto hasn’t got two brain cells to rub together. Suzie is needed to keep the business of council of track while party boy is off at photo shoots.
How is Suzie an LNP / Chrisafulli engineered puppet?
Wasn’t she a Jenny Hill pick?
What a load of crap Ducks Nuts. You really are an idiot with no idea.
A typical response from a ‘true blue’ labor supporter.
I don’t think Suzy is either LNP or labor. She is an independent thinker and the best councillor we have had in this division for years.
Mt. Spec Road update. Government adds another layer of red tape to make travelling that little more difficult. From Monday they are introducing a vehicle escort service, for travellers up and down the range. Vehicle escorts will leave on the hour, every hour, so your wait at the gate could be up to an hour long.
Not sure what happens if some of the convoy get held up on lights change.
Night time from 27/12 If the locals want to travel at night due to work commitments, then they have to pre arrange a vehicle escort.
The permit system also stays in place.
What a change it has been all of a sudden in Townsville. We’ve gone from Thompson/Greaney to Slick Nick and Batwoman. Foodtrucks is gutless and bailed before they had a chance to cast her aside. One thing his certain, we now have 2 energetic Councillors leading the charge. Time will tell. They have 2 years to put Townsville back on track and we are all watching.
While The ‘Pie agrees with your general sentiment, Mopsey, he again wonders why everyone is stalking about the council having ‘two years’ to do something or other.
Why a two year deadline, it’s not as though there is likely to be a major upheaval in the offing at the next election? Nick himself said something similar, which was just gum flapping horsefeathers, he didn’t explain the self-imposed deadline … unless he’s not running again.
So Pie you think Nick Dametto is Mayor for the long haul?
You don’t think one of our three LNP local members will be given a tap to make room for Crisafulli’s old mate?
Maybe and no, in that order.
So Foodtrucks throws in her deputy role the day before the councillors are to vote and she then takes off on holidays. What a gutless move. It shows what she is really made of and I hope Townsville remembers this. But anyway, no loss.
Probably a precusor to her not running in ’28.
Perhaps she’s lined up a job with the girls at TEL? Or because she’s so loved on Maggie Island, she may become the MI Development and Food Trucks manager.
The Townsvillians blocked by Troy Thompson page on Facebook has pulled up stumps and won’t be operating after this weekend. They, like the Magpies Nest, have done a fantastic job in outing Threenames for the conman that he is. Everyone has done exceedingly well in exposing the underside of local politics. Now that Threenames is gone, thy no longer have a purpose to exist. Sad but exciting. Farewell Troy you arseclown, have fun earning an income from hiring out your “studio”.