The burning question is did David Sewell really resign of his own volition, or was he sacked? His departure more than a week ago is clouded in the usual Walker Street Hermit Kingdom transparency … i.e not a fucking dicky bird. The Magpie speculates.
Electrifying stuff: seems all mayoral hopefuls have discovered what we really want to know What They Think Of Each Other. Much of the campaigning week was taken up with exactly that, bitching and backbiting at each other while we the great unwashed waited for someone to say something that showed these buffoons had an inkling of what really bothers us. And in the middle of all this, the Bulletin mounted the most unedifying stunt of a highly restricted (you had to be a subscriber) yodelling contest that they called a candidate debate.
And those questions for the mayoral candidates … The ‘Pie has distilled the list, explains his thinking behind the questions and posts it for your final input before the email goes of to all candidates.
Tis the season to be wary. While all this was going, Crisafulli slipped in a story of LG changes briefly mentioned here last week, but it has subsequently shown to need closer scrutiny.
The DMR’s Mt Spec Road repair project descends further into farce, making the parroting in the Astonisher more out of touch than usual You ain’t gonna believe this …
This is the bit where you stop reading to go grab another beer, to avoid any guilt about accepting this weekly burnt offering for nothing. But you can ease the pang and the beer will taste better if you can help out with a few bob to help meet the ever on-going costs of producing The Nest every week … not to mention handling the asylum of comments. The appropriate link is at the end of the blog.
TCC Chief Legal Officer Falls On His Sword … Or Was He Pushed.
EXCLUSIVE: (read: The Bulletin hasn’t a clue about this.)
Former TCC Chief Legal officer David Sewell
A week or so ago, TCC CLO David Sewell cleaned out his desk, and marched out of Walker Street, with no fanfare and no announcement … and there has not been any confirmation or explanation since.
And before we go any further, the very first question The ‘Pie asks is this: has the CEO and executive tried to use the distraction of our mayoral election circus to ditch this bumbler, hoping no one will notice? Which means it was probably planned some time ago and the right timing was the only road block.The distraction of an election provided the answer.
What The ‘Pie has managed to glean is that it is said he ‘resigned’, but that word can cover more territory than Kippin and Greaney’s wardrobes combined. No one – including councillors, according to The ‘Pie’s information … knew of the departure prior to or for some time after (well, it was a matter solely for the CEO). The exact date of Sewell’s ‘horizontal defenestration’ is not known, but it’s certainly now well over a week. But still not even a lying anodyne announcement wishing goofy all the best, let alone any real reason.
SO not a single dickybird about the departure of the third or fourth most senior council bureaucrat. Like the song says ‘something’s going on around here’, a senior executive who has been so prominent in meetings and publicly involved in a number of high profile matters doesn’t just slope off because he felt like it or because he nicked someone’s packet of Ice VoVos from the executive kitchen.
It is exactly this sort of behaviour that makes The Townsville City Council one of the worst advised councils in the state (and looking at a couple of others, that’s really saying something). It virtually begs for speculation, which The ‘Pie – unaccustomed as he is to such activity – will happily supply.
So several things spring to mind. Sewell’s inept handling of presentations to council meetings, including his stumbling, bumbling attempt to dishonestly sell the idea of delegating significant councillors’ powers to the CEO, and his equally inept ‘expert’ support for Greaney’s Strand meter misadventure, may have been a hay bale too much for the council camel. There are other matters but mostly in the peccadillo province.
But for The ‘Pie, he’d bet that Sewell has become a victim of the Thompson tomfoolery, not by Thompson directly, but maybe by the atmosphere the grub has created, an atmosphere that makes all TCC executives about as calm as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Did our boy do something rash like nosing around where he shouldn’t when seeking to protect himself from threatened Thompson legal action? And has been found with his hand in this legally off-limits cookie jar?
Trespassing on the secretive CCC turf is the surest way to get a judicial kick in the cods. So it’s a good bet Mr Sewell is nursing his bruised testicles, although there’d always been doubts about their existence. If, of course, this conjecture is correct.
It is now that The ‘Pie was about to look like a smarty and give a clever Shakespearian quote like ‘the truth will out’. But on reflection, with the Queensland CCC, the Queensland Government and this fucking council, the truth has no fat fucking chance.
The Campaign: Let’s Get Off To A Rollicking Start
Rollicking? Maybe, but perhaps one candidate is thinking more about a bollocking … for the paper.
Ann-Maree Greaney penchant for the Hill habit of photo bombing stories with which she has no logical connection has suddenly brought her an hilarious cropper. This from yesterday’s comments.
GASP!!! WHEEZE!!! CHORTLE!!!
CAUGHT IN THE ACT??
THIS CANNOT BE ACCIDENTAL … The Bulletin whistling and looking innocent as they lampoon a mayoral candidate.
And serves her right for trying for some free campaigning not open to other candidates. She adds absolutely nothing of value to the story, except hilarious misinterpretation.
The reason this seems a deliberate jest is the increasingly apparent shift in the Bulletin’s affections away from Greaney, as evidenced in this weekend’s iditorial.
Putting aside the weird use of the phrase ‘played into the hands of many North Queenslanders,’ a phrase which actually means one has been duped by another person or group, the message from iditor Jill Poulsen is pretty clear to all other candidates … ‘we love this policy, you should adopt it’. Thereby nullifying even the damning with faint praise of Greaney. Poulsen might have her nose out of joint because of the paper’s cock-up regarding that woefully uninformative ‘candidate debate’, which forced this climb-down on Thursday.
Poulsen declined the opportunity to expand on the fact that Greaney had lied/fibbed/ or the sanitised ‘misspoke’, which may have highlighted the sloppy fact checking. And it never seemed to occur to the paper, which seems more hell bent on pursuing Thompson that providing the community a broad base of candidate information. By severely restricting access to their ‘debate’ (you had to be a subscriber to the paper to get the live stream) tells one all you need to know about the Townsville Bulletin. One smug snot from the paper suggested it had been selling news for more than a hundred years, (questionable in itself in. recent years) and they were entitled to restrict the ‘debate’. Which laid bare the attitude of a multi-billion dollar corporation to a community in a leadership crisis. Poulsen, or more likely the paper’s avaricious GM Suzanne Wilson lost the chance to claim any community leadership … and besides, technically, the whole hootenanny it was a resounding technical disaster.
Now it seems, the Astonisher is gravitating to another candidate, the only one with a campaign war chest that can accomodate the swingeing Bulletin advertising rates. From this weekend’s edition (ad rates are higher for the Saturday paper.)
It’s clear that the Premier’s boy is the cashed up favourite in the race, and is bombarding us with the usual anodyne bromides – seems Back To Basics Blitz has been around the block a couple of previous elections … meaningless pap.
And being so cashed up tells a tale in itself when we look at just who has donated to Dametto’s campaign, whacking the wallet to back a bloke with both KAP and Labor connections.
Nest reader Pat Coleman, who is a whiz at digging out stuff, made comment during the week about this. You can see Pat’s entire comment below last week’s blog, but here is the guts of wha he submitted.
Rodney Arthur Battle donated $5k to Dametto on 16/10/25 This is associated with Nortrans which is trucks and buses in Ingham .
On 22/10/25 Ranjit Singh donated $2k to Dametto. When you google that name he comes up as a Partner with Holding Redlynch and a previous CCC investigation into a $150k loan to Councillor Manning in Cairns . Developer and developer representatives are banned from donating .
GRAHAM JOHN ROLAND WHEELER and DESLEY FAY WHEELER donated $5k each to Dametto on 23/10/25 . Coincidentally , other people with the Wheeler Name , Peter and D Wheeler donated to Jenny Hill in 2016 . Those names are associated with Colliers. In The Townsville Bulletin 12/7/2018 “Development fight over’ The name Graham Wheeler was associated with the Willowbend development at the time . The council had an objection to this development at the time of the donations and election and it went to confidential court mediation/settlement and got approval.
BELINDA JOHNSON donated $3k to Dametto on 13/10/25 That name comes up associated with the KAP and One Nation. Former Cleveland Prison Officer.
PETER BRADSHAW donated $2k to Dametto on 8/10/25 His name is associated with Aurizon . He donated to Jenny Hill in 2020 and 2024 $2k each time .
KENNETH JOHN WILLING donated $1k to Dametto on 7/10/25 That Name is associated with Civilquip
Peter Keen donated $5k to Dametto on 3/10/25 That’s AZKEEN Industries with is earthmoving.
What interest Aurizon , civil construction and earthmoving companies have in local government, I don’t know .
…. nothing dodgy but very interesting.
But Wait, There’s More …
Another Nester, independent of Pat’s information was particularly interested in one name on the list.
Well, a few hurdles to clear before we get to any accusatory stage, but while The Magpie emphasises he does not accept that anything untoward is going on, best remember that nobody, but nobody, donates money to a political campaign from the Christian charity of their pure heart. There’s always some sort of reckoning. Just like Jesus tells us.
But Barely Any Candidate Is Cutting Through
This is all so tired and disappointing. The time wasted attacking each other may be standard campaigning practice but right now, personality politics should take a back seat. We have all sorts of frivolous stuff, from Keune’s ‘let’s paint the town in heritage colours’ call, and her whinge about postal only voting (pointless, it’s not going to change) and Greaney’s back flip call on dump vouchers … you know, the one’s she voted to ditch in the first place . It’s probably a good idea but hardly an election tipping point (pun intended).
Kippen seems to think it’s enough to tell us his style of management is that he’s a bully and a bore; his ‘I stand in the doorway until I get what I want’ is among the most unedifying bits of slosh so far. Dametto is playing the safe game, banking on ‘I’m a steady guy’ approach to get him home, but most of his stock standard waffle so far is like painting by numbers, predictable, safe, colourless. Jacob just doesn’t seem to have heart in it.
So as promised, The ‘Pie has put together a few questions with a view to looking at some of the more intangible issues about which any prospective new mayor should be clear. These preliminary questions avoid the parochial ‘there’s a pothole in my street’ stuff and are more at the big ticket, money sinkhole matters that urgently need to be addressed. As said, they’ve been kept down to just a few, and they are only preliminary. Readers can suggest tweaking or pointing out ones The ‘Pie may have overlooked. Once the final line-up is agreed, this is the email to sent to all candidates.
Dear Candidate,
I have taken the liberty of sending you this list of questions on behalf of the many readers of the Magpie’s Nest blog.
Your replies will be published unedited if not too lengthy, otherwise fairly summarised. These questions address many overriding matters of interest across the entire city that have been of concern to Nest readers for some time.
Attacks and even justified criticism of opponents will not be published, as we do not believe your opinions of each other are matters uppermost in voters minds.
1. There has been a great deal of concern about public service attempts to erode and diminish the meaningful decision making duty of of councillors elected to be the voice of the electorate. If elected, will you lead the councillors in endeavours to ensure that councillor independence and decision making powers are not diminished, delegated away or otherwise infringed?
2. Do you believe that the council should involve itself in projects as a developer, no matter what ‘arms length’ company arrangements are put in place, or do you think this is a valid way forward?
3. Are you satisfied with the current level of council financial support for Townsville Enterprise, or would you review the arrangement between the two bodies, including mandatory KPIs?
4. Would you support or oppose calls for an independent forensic investigation of council finances over previous years?
5. Would you support attempts to reintroduce parking meters to The Strand?
6. What priority and council financial responsibility towards attempts to rejuvenate the CBD, and will the expenditure be justified in whole city terms?
7. What order of priority do you place on rectifying the dangerous and socially untenable Wulguru sewerage debacle?
8. Do you believe that Magnetic Island can be better leveraged to grow as tourism destination?
9. Do you see it has useful in the interests of transparency and integrity to seek a review of the use of the Commercial In Confidence provisions which have been badly abused in past years?
Finally, can you name two policies, projects or solid costed innovations you would bring to the office. We are not seeking vague mission statements or campaign rhetoric but something tangible that will move the city forward and help repair its unfairly tattered reputation.
Yours Sincerely,
The Townsville Magpie, on behalf of his readers.
It would be appreciated if readers seeking further input to this email could send in their suggestions to comments by midday (or so) by Thursday … that’ll give you time to get over your losses and hangover from The Cup on Tuesday. Good luck on all fronts.
What Little Regulatory Nipple Twist HasThe Kid Got In Store For Us
Sometimes, The ‘Pie ponders whether he should change the name of The Nest to the Uh Oh Times. Because ‘uh oh’ has been the reaction of the old bird to so many issues over the past 15 years … and his suspicions often proved true and happily, in many cases, averted. This little bit of weekend whimsy was prompted by a closer look at that bit of Crisafulli chest thumping about his planned gingering up of Queensland councils.
You’ll remember we mentioned this media release in last week’s Nest. It started out like we were being delivered from perfidy by St David.
Further on, it got a little specific … well, sort of, when we read this.
Key changes proposed in the Empowering Councils Bill include:
- re-empowering councillors to appoint senior council staff, giving them a say in senior, strategic appointments to the council,
- clarifying the powers of the mayor and other councillors to provide certainty about their responsibilities,
- removing conduct breaches from the councillor conduct framework and streamlining training requirements, so councillors can focus delivering for their communities,
- allowing election candidates to include contact information other than their residential address, protecting the privacy and safety of participants, and
- making the conflict-of-interest framework clearer and more straightforward, to remove red tape from councillors without sacrificing integrity in government.
The ‘Pie was a bit blindsided by the third bullet point, and search as he might, he has been unable to find out exactly what that entails but sure doesn’t sound kosher.
But then, contemplating the other points, the second bullet point waved more red flags than May Day in Moscow. Was this in some sort of response to recent resistance by the TCC councillors to hand over a long list of delegated powers to the CEO. And in The ‘Pie’s experience, the word ‘clarifying’ is also a warning signal, because when any government body anywhere uses it, it is usually never accurate nor ever good news for we proles … it is usually laying out in bald terms that ‘you will do as we tell you and you can’t argue’. It may also be a way to Thompson-proof any similar future adventurers in the Local Government forest, but that’s when the baby really could go out with the bathwater. There is no way that any government, LNP or Labor, is ever going to give away any real power to small regional political bodies.
The same concerns exist for the final bullet point, it is rare if any government ever empowers transparency about anything that quasi-,legally can be kept secret.
We need to watch this one closely, it will be beyond disappointing if Clrs. Robinson and Batkovics’ principled stand is overruled by that prized ministerial goof, Ann Leahy.
Last Time They Forgot The Dynamite, This Time looks Like They Ran Out Of Matches
Remember this. Way back in May.
The Daily Astonisher has finally decided to follow up The Magpie’s revelations about the dire situation that has faced Paluma residents all this year.
But hang on, the truth is, works have not started. Due to an unbelievable string of incompetent bungles from the DMR communications. You will recall this from last week’s Nest.
Just As Well The DMR Aren’t Bank Robbers ….
… they’d be like a Carry On comedy.
Paluma residents are still enjoying travel restrictions as seemingly never-ending work to repair the weather damaged (10months ago) Mt Spec road, but they were even less amused recently . It seems the DMR contractors were recently confronted with a rock in a hard place – this one, in fact.
It’s a simple enough story. There are a couple of big rocks left from the January landslides that can only be removed by blasting. So Paluma residents were advised the road would be totally closed on the weekend starting Oct 17 through to Monday 20th. That meant a major district event planned for the Paluma Community Hall that weekend had to be rescheduled. Which the organisers dulym did, shuffling it along to Saturday Nov 1 – yesterday. Bit of understandable grouching but all’s well, and everybody eventually advised of the change. But come Oct 17, the DMR big bang was cancelled at the last minute for reasons not explained – unless you buy the lame ‘unforeseen circumstances’. As The ‘Pie said, looks like they forgot the dynamite.
So all the Paluma rearranging needn’t have happened, but the rearranging of what is an important annual event for the community had been done after some time and effort, so let’s get on with it, they said. The DMR again said they’d advise about the rescheduling of the cancelled blast. Which they duly did … rescheduling to this weekend, with the road closed between Friday 31st Oct to Monday Nov 1, then very same day the big village event had been moved to. So, the event was postponed yet again… but then (stay with me here, I’m not making this up) this weekend’s blast was called of for ‘unforeseen supply issues’, (probably forgot to stock up on matches), so the event could have gone ahead anyway.
Now while the blasting is done by a specialist drilling/blaster crowd brought in by CMC, the head repair contractor, all the coordination and communications have come out of the clearly incompetent DMR office in either Townsville or Cairns. Keeping track of this fairly simple matter shouldn’t result in a frustrating comedy of errors , but it seems the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads couldn’t keep track of a leaking shit cart in a flour factory.
And these are the clowns responsible for work on the Bruce Highway!! Good luck, Queensland.
Death, Destruction And Trump Bastardy Took A Back Seat This Week …
… to the housing fate a pampered protected paedophile in England. The Shovel had Mr Mountbatten nailed.
But for all the dark humour we can have with such a loathsome character, his downfall may well have greater ramifications than first considered in the universal glee. The inestimable Marina Hyde makes a very credible case for why this could be start of the end for the monarchy.
Interesting analysis, and always, written in a sharp, entertaining manner. Have a read.
As For The Orange Abomination …
… he continues to traipse the world, blissfully unaware of the reality he leaves in his wake. According to the Murdoch media this weekend, he is supposed to have Putin runniung for the hills – which was news the criminal in the Kremlin.
This is of course complete nonsense, demonstrating News Ltd’s total embrace of ‘alternative facts’ i.e lies. The simple one line truth is that Putin says if Trump makes good his threat to start testing nuclear weapons, he will too. That’s it, nothing more, although. that’s plenty. Trump really doesn’t get the perception that Putin is playing him for a fool … but eventually, that reality will catch up with this buffoon … and soon. Especially with Netanyahu playing him off a break.
And it seems New Yporkers are facing a similar mayoral candidate choice like Townsville.
…………..
Hang in here, folks, just another two weary weeks to go before the ECQ opens up Forest Gump’s chocolate box and we find out what we’ve got. The link to help out with Nest costs is below.
In the event that speculation regarding the sudden departure of the Chief Legal Officer holds validity, the basis for such departure may be ascertainable though the video of the most recent council meeting. Certain information disclosed therein may provide context or insight into the matter.
(Sigh) why don’t you just tell us?
To put it simply, Magpie, certain informal discussions took place, involving a full and frank exchange of views, out of which there arose a series of proposals which on examination proved to indicate certain promising lines of enquiry which when pursued led to the realization that the alternative courses of action might in fact, in certain circumstances, be susceptible of discreet modification, leading to a reappraisal of the original areas of difference and pointing the way to encouraging possibilities of compromise and cooperation which if bilaterally implemented with appropriate give and take on both sides might if the climate were right have a reasonable possibility at the end of the day of leading, rightly or wrongly, to a mutually satisfactory resolution.
Quite so.
David Sewell didn’t just walk out, he had months of leave up his sleeve, he took it before the building came crashing down, and he has left Emma Micola to hold the bag. Joe McCabe, John Oberhardt, David Sewell were at a crossroads and given the local government minister is focused on cleaning up the mess, she has had a word in the CEO’s ear, and the agreeable sum was paid. Remember Mr Sewell is listed with McCabe in the industrial relations matter before the commissioner too, and if that fails the way of our conman, the proverbial will hit hard.
That case was dismissed nearly a year ago.
Extracts from the case.
[9]In this matter, without any explanation, Mr Thompson failed to:
a) attend the first mention;
b) respond to the email; and
c) attend the second mention.
[10] Given the multiple verifications and confirmations of the contact details provided by Mr Thompson I am satisfied that all necessary steps have been taken to inform him of these proceedings. As a consequence of his total failure to comply with directions of the Commission, I intend to dismiss these proceedings.
Blue Bells, the case is still in front of the commissioner, it was reopened after Thompson provided information to support he had not been provided with correspondence as all his devices were held by the CCC at the time, and confirmed by a courier mail reporter recently, as at 5th of September 2025. The matter is: BNE5409731:RN – Thompson vs Sewell, McCabe and Townsville City Council
That’s what Thompson was telling us, it’s a mess
Yes, truly sad this man is a liar, a cheat and a financial illiterate, otherwise he’d make a good mayor. Oh, wait a minute …..
Simon Whyte do you have any links. I cant seem to find anything.
Thank you Sir Humphrey
Humble felicitations, my dear fellow.
Let me be clear…. Threenames has been doing a lot of sucking up to the good folk on Magnetic Island over the past week. Is he hedging his bets? Is he hoping that if Greaney becomes Mayor and vacates her position as division representative, he will compete for her old position in yet another by-election?
This leaching grub will stop at nothing to pick up a cushy political job. But what a track record he has of being a FAILED businessman, a FAILURE at One Nation, and a FAILURE as TCC mayor. He does have the must-haves to be a politician – sociopathic personality, narcissist and habitual liar. But will he sneak in past the gate or will he limp off into the distance only to make a reappearance in 2028 for another shot at the title?
Thank you for sending in Mr Thompson’s detailed answers to the questions published in The Nest. Unfortunately, Mr Thompson’s replies aren’t really replies to the Nest questions per se, but a vehicle for his own continued self-glorification on his own FB page. And they aren’t the completed list.
Despite The Magpie’s long and justified criticisms of Mr Thompson, The Magpie pays him, and the legal process, the respect of accepting him as a legitimate candidate for mayor. If Mr Thompson wants his views known outside his narrow, heavily blocked site, he can offer The Magpie the same respect by either replying directly to the email when he receives it, or sent in the replies you’ve so kindly supplied directly to email hidden; JavaScript is required they will then be published simultaneously with any other replies received. To be published, it will have to come from Mr Thompson himself, and not a pseudonym.
So amplifying Mr Thompson’s ambitious agenda at this time would be inappropriate because The Magpie might be justly accused of offering unfair and untimely advantage to Mr Thompson.
And we all know he would not want that.
UPDATE:
The Nest has just received Mr Thompson reply by personal email, to which The ‘Pie has replied:
Thank you Troy, your replies will published when others have answered as well.
If there are supplementary questions thrown up by readers, I will notify you of them for comment if you wish.
Great questions you probably should’ve done the job for Bulletin and sent these to them. Other than the clear attack on our valor stealing ex-mayor, warranted or not. I would have loved to have a campaign where we see everyone’s policies, a statement of what they are going to do, and then we can make a decision. I don’t care much about the vetting process, it’s up to the ECQ to get that right, and then we will see how it works out. Crisafulli is changing those parameters at the moment, but he would want to be careful, as many of the local, state and federal members may find themselves not eligible too. So far, I have heard the TB, Chamber and Mirra debates, some radio interviews, and we get the gage of what to expect. I think Dametto has the flashiness, not sure about his real capacity, now the LNP are exposing his shortfalls in the Hinchinbrook. Joanne is a good talker, but bat shit crazy. Ann Maree can’t look after division 3, it’s a diabolical mess, Jacob has one foot in retirement, Poulsen is nice enough, but the council will eat him up, Kippin the ultimate bully and a heart attack waiting to happen, Harry can play the music for the chamber, and we know what to expect with Thompson, so I will donkey vote, because I believe thats what we have had served up.
A lot of specualtion about our learned friend, Mr. Sewell. It is possible he just had enough. Not quite so interesting if that’s the case. Maybe he jumped before he was pushed, even if the push wasn’t imminent.
Enough of what?
Pressure, excitement, feeling out of his depth, not enjoying where he is living, not fulfilled by the job… you know, had enough.
You mean like
Adele the former CEO
Seren the former Director of Infrastructure & Services
Tony, the former Chief Legal Officer
The list goes on and on and on
If you think a new Mayor is going to change things you are all kidding yourselves.
A Magpie mate has confirmed what venal arsesoles run the Bulletin. This via email today.
I am away from Townsville at the moment. I streamed the mayoral debate later in the day as I was unable to watch live.
I don’t know about the live stream but when I watched later there was an advertisement every 4 minutes, the whole way through. I timed the gap between advertising on my phone.
I am a subscriber so was not happy.
I tried again the next day to check but the same thing advertisement every 4 minutes.
Totally unacceptable.
Unfortunately I also watched the Bulletin’s stream and it was appalling. Firstly they had the keep passing the mike to each other, it was what you’d expect to see at a budget high school performance. It was supposed to go for an hour and a half but with fucking ads every few minutes it ended up being 2 hours. We pay a fucking fortune for the subscription only to be hammered with ads. Scumbags.
The selection of candidates for Hinchinbrook os as tragic as the candidates for Mayor of Townsville. Now Labor is putting up another ex TCC has been, Maurie Soars.
Ducky, When he was a councillor, his constituents called him MIA.
Seems to be pretty standard MO for the councillors of Division 8
Maurie Soars ran for the seat of Townsville under the LNP banner about 20 years ago. Looking for a job again eh Maurie? No one in the party ever saw you again after you lost that election.
Does anybody remember Soars speaking at a council event? It wouldn’t matter what was being discussed, he would somehow steer it back to physical fitness. Easily one of TCC’s most snoozeworthy councillors, and there have been more than a few of those.
Dunno about that assessment … Price is giving him a good sleep for the title.
Keune might be a little troppo having lived in the Ville for some decades… but the video of Facebook of her scrubbing the Strand toilets herself shows the gal has a bit of vim and vigour, isn’t in it for the prestige or the power, and might be just what’s needed to unite and reenergise our jaded TCC workers. Also shows a bit more initiative than all the pollies trying to get the standard picture doing litter duty with Dave Dudley, the poor guy looks like he’s had enough.
Well, let’s not too carried away, Keune, who has been around politics for most of her life, realises that going up against a cashed-up candidate like Dametto without much in the piggy bank requires stunts like the Strand toilet cleaning. It is clever because it delivers two messages at once … that the council has more to do in the maintenance area, and that she is a go-getter action woman. That said, Keune will have to handle the fact that she has dallied most of her political on the extreme left of the Labor Party, which is more than a bit too much out on the fancy dress fringe of politics for many in Townsville.
A Keune media stunt from Food Truck’s book of bat shit crazy. If Keune did get the job, the Councillors will react the same way as they did with ThreeNames. When she wants your opinion, she’ll give it to you.
Around politics for ‘Most of her life’? She says she’s not a member of any party. This is only her second go at Council, the first unsuccessful as an Councillor losing to Townsville First, and I can’t remember her going for State or Federal. And of course her unnamed ‘Work’ title at TCC for what she says was 5 years but on her Facebook she writes January 1st 1991-1993.
She’s is undoubtedly and unchageably Labor … which traditionally has not been a handicap in this burg.
And while we’re in this territory, Ma Greaney’s claimed JCU degree hasn’t appeared in all her CVs. Que?
Referring to Food Trucks that is.
I know for a fact Food Trucks has at least a teaching diploma from JCU.
So does that mean Greaney will be referred to the CCC for lying like Mr Thompson did?
No, not unless you want make a referral to waste the OIA’s time (while it still exists, which won’t be long by the sounds of it). This is a trivial matter of a discrepancy between two CVs.
KK, I’m pretty sure she was involved with Community Welfare & Arts. Every time they have a review or a change of administration the names of all the departments get changed. Much like a dog pissing on the furniture to mark its territory.
If you are talking about Keune, It’s more about her saying she worked there for 5 years rather than 91-93. Also telling us she is a school teacher but has no degree listed for such. I’m sick of bullshit coming out of their mouths. And the latest cleaning of the shithouse stunt, I’d say that’s a lot of (non) shit, as I’ll bet it was the cleanest crapper she could find. And without any skid marks. She says she wants to give the staff the pride they deserve, then she makes out that the crapper cleaners do a terrible job. Get her to clean a crapper where Kippin or Food Trucks have donned the throne.
Not sure that it matters that she from the left. The role of Mayor is about ensuring the city is well run. If her campaign is anything to go by we can expect a Mayor who is a hardworker, not afraid to tell it how it is, and definitely won’t take shit from anyone, this I am sure will include councillors, she will expect everyone to work together for the good of the City. She seems to have a very diverse range of interests motorbike, riding, horse racing and the arts to name a few. Probably means she is used to hanging out with people with differing opinions.
Annie, it is worth repeating that the mayor is not a dictator … not any longer anyway. He/she is just one vote of 11, and is expected to represent councillors and therefore the community when dealing with the likes McCabe and especially Richardson.
It is emerging that Keune’s problem is a wrong-headed series of policy stands that have minority support, the last one with the utter bewildering stupidity of a mimsy policy on bats … creatures that endanger human life when clustered in urban areas. Her attitude to grubby kiddy crims is also unfortunately one sided.
Awesome, if madam Keune gets voted in perhaps she can lead the cleanup crew for the inevitable sewerage overflow in Wulguru during the upcoming wet season?
Cleaning shitters and advertising/showing off for the cameras is a token effort, albeit a good visual stunt. She would have to follow up by earning a reputation for meeting with her constituents on a regular basis and on varying occasions. Over to Joanne…
The ads in the live stream replay are just a drop in the bucket compared to the ads, thinly disguised as news stories, the paper is running. The Townsville Bulletin has become the Advertiser.
The reason Greaney stayed in council during the by-election period is to use her face on every council media announcement, doing exactly what Hill did, tarred by the same brush she is. I have lived in Mitchell Street most of my life, and she has done nothing for our neighbourhood, and most of my neighbours will not support her. She should not be allowed to run, with the security of the back-up role, and the decent thing to do for ratepayers was the same as Jabob, stand down during the election with no pay. Sorry, she gets NO respect from Mitchell Street.
Please provide details on Paul Jacob standing down with no pay.
He requested leave without pay when he ran for a state election in 2017.
There is no public information confirming he is currently on unpaid leave.
A councillor cannot stand down without pay in either circumstances, it is not provided for in the LG regulations. The only way that councillor pay can be stopped is by resignation. When he stood for state, Jacob said when The ‘Pie pointed this out, that he would donate the money to charity.
He has failed to prove he ever did any such thing.
And he is still being paid as a councillor, a job he will resume when he loses.
He tried this trick again in the most recent Council meeting, either that or he forgot that he couldn’t do it, which wouldn’t surprise me when it comes to Paul Jacob. He was not pulled up on it.
Malcolm,
from my understanding, Paul Jacobs has taken leave without pay until after the election.
The ‘Pie’s understanding of this matter, arising from questions he asked when this issue arose previously, that Local Government regulations do not have any machinery that allows a sitting councillor to decline his/her pay while still a sitting councillor. This may have been updated, but those inquiries back then said the only alternative for a candidate was to resign.
In a previous instance, Jacob, when he learnt of this regulation, said in that case he would donate his salary to an unspecified charity. He has offered no proof ever that he had done so.
Magpie, regulations or none (and you haven’t quoted any that I can see), Jacob is on leave without pay. If you followed the TCC meeting before last (15 October 2025, minutes available online) you would have seen the following:
“It was MOVED by Councillor Paul Jacob, SECONDED by Councillor Kristian Price:
“that the request for leave of absence from Councillor Paul Jacob be received and that for the purposes of Section 162(1)(e)(ii) of the Local Government Act 2009, Councillor Paul Jacob be granted leave of absence as follows:
Councillor Paul Jacob -16 October to 15 November 2025, without pay for the duration of the leave.”
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The information is not The ‘Pie’s, it is how the regulations stood previously. Perhaps that’s been changed, or perhaps councillors have been quietly advised that they cannot pass such a resolution.
From a Magpie mate who knows how to research these things.
And the actual “LEGAL” answer is you’re right. Jacob will still be getting paid, no matter what he says. Analysis as follows:
A Queensland councillor must take leave without pay only while they are officially a candidate for the Queensland Legislative Assembly. That requirement is set out in s 160B of the Local Government Act 2009 (and mirrored for Brisbane under the City of Brisbane Act). Outside that, Queensland law does not create a general “leave without pay” mechanism for councillors. 
What the law actually allows (and doesn’t)
• Compulsory LWOP (state election candidacy only). If a councillor nominates for State Parliament, they must take LWOP for the entire candidacy period (from ECQ’s final candidate list until results are declared). That’s both the statute (LGA s 160B) and the state’s official guidance. 
• No LWOP for local-government elections. Sitting councillors do not have to resign or take leave to run in quadrennial local elections or a mayoral by-election. (Caretaker rules still apply to decision-making, but pay continues.)
I can vouch for her non appearance in her division. A few years ago we had major issue with an Airbnb. She didn’t want know about it, refused to discuss with all the neighbours who were affected and still are. One neighbour sold up due to the noise, took considerable financial damage. About 2 years later the house has been resold due to the issue. The Airbnb continues on flaunting the rules by letting 4 bedrooms which the council told us they could only 3. All the neighbours are upset but don’t have the option to sell up. I personally think if you cannot represent your division then you certainly shouldn’t be Mayor
I am disgusted how difficult it has been to get clear information on what each candidate stands for. For people who are really very interested in politics it has even been challenging. There are only two candidates running proper campaigns, Dameto and Keune. Dameto is simple political spin and broad promises, Keune is everywhere in the community demonstrating there will be action if she Mayor, not empty promises. I saw her cleaning the filthy toilets on the Strand. Now that’s action for you. The current Council has allowed the whole city to go to filth.
Joane is left, and an ALP member, as per her ballot nomination. Townsville is still dealing with a decade of decay from that side of politics, Townsville does not need Keune, she started her speech on the island with an acknowledgement of country at the island Q&A, and it was not well received, then moved into the greens speech with in, this one is a real concern, the writings on the wall if anyone elects her.
Concerning that last point, The ‘Pie is adding to the questions to be sent out to candidates ‘Will the council support the current push for a bed/waste tax on visitors (not just tourists) to Magnetic Island? The ‘Pie is hearing that a proposal of that nature will come before the council before the next budget. And those questions will be going to candidates much earlier than planned, which The ‘Pie will explain shortly.
Sorry to be pedantic but what is the difference between a “visitor” and a “tourist”? And how does your source suggest this tax might be collected?
Not pedantic at all, but there is a difference in this context.
What little The ‘Pie has sighted of this matter to datespecifies that such a levy would not apply to those living in the Townsville Council district. So, while Randy from Rasmussen or Wanda from Wulguru want to pop over for a day or two, there’ll be no extra charge. But if Aunty Mavis from Charters Towers, or Billy Boofhead from Ayr wants to visit rellies or just take a weekend break, they will be hit with the tax.
How to collect it an interesting, yes, and the only thing The ‘Pie can think of is an impost on all ferry fares that the company is required to collect and pay into the relevant fund. To be for God knows fucking what.
The ‘Pie will expand on this issue when more information becomes available. This exact same idea, probably from the same Green/Indigenous blueprint has been called for Stradbroke Island, and was vaguely outlined at the local Quandamooka Indigenous Tourism Forum, and has avoided for the moment being labelled yet another rortable scheme by being described as a voluntary contribution.
Visitors to Minjerribah, also known as North Stradbroke Island, could soon be asked to make a tourist pledge – and possibly pay a new fee – under a proposal unveiled at an Indigenous tourism seminar this week.
The pledge, known as Jinamurumba, meaning “good footprint”, was raised at this week’s Quandamooka Indigenous Tourism Forum as a proposed visitor promise to respect the island’s environment and culture.
There were then immediate attempts to avoid accusations of ‘thin end of the wedge’.
And memo Courier Mail ... for 97% of Australians, you got one detail wrong when you say Minjerribah, also known as North Stradbroke Island,. It’s the other way around in your obsequious tail wagging the dog policy.
Tourists go to Magnetic Island for a holiday!
Visitors go to Townsville for a sporting event etc Not a holiday
What???
TEL divide between VFR’s (Vistors of friends and relatives) and Tourists. VFR’s have always been higher in Townsville.
Pie, It’s the race that stops a nation. And I don’t mean the Melbourne Cup.
Mate, the Thargamindah Female Jockeys’ Handicap for for splay-legged swaybacks would stop a front bar for two sips longer than this dreary spectacle.
Remember when they were going on about all the people who arrived on the island. Yet the figures didn’t match with the paid accommodation figures? Meaning they suspected off the books BNBs.
It’s BnB.
I raised that issue (unregulated short term rentals to ferals) after talking to a MI local on the ferry to the island only to be criticised that administratively it could not happen. Bullshit, It is happening.
Magpie, at the last MIRRA meeting I attended weeks ago with Greaney and Richardson and the CEO present, there was a direct question from someone to the CEO about the delegation matter. He responded by saying pretty much that the multi page document they dealt with just formalised what was already in place and that in fact there were now slightly less powers delegated to the CEO. Nobody could argue with him. Your question (Q1) therefore might be difficult to answer if you can’t specify some power that has been taken away.
It is not for The ‘Pie or anyone other than the mayoral candidates to decide to look into the matter, and therefore it can only be the mayor who can interrogate and verify or otherwise, Mr McCabe’s assertion.Tricky, because any reply will of course be in Mr McCabe’s self-interest.
And given the skullduggery of many of the TCC administration over the past decade, taking the word of anyone in that strata would be a leap of faith beyond The ‘Pie’s generosity.
THE LATEST ON THE EMAIL TO MAYORAL CANDIDATES.
After further consideration, prompted in part by a belligerent email from a supposed CBD business identity, The Magpie admits he could probably have worked the timing of the email better, to allow readers greater opportunity to be informed before they voted. Part of the problem – which is entirely The Magpie’s and for which he apologises – is that his background timing was falsely based on there being a particular day for voting, which of course does not apply with a postal only by-election .Spilt milk now, but it already clear that almost all candidates read what you have to say in the Nest, so they will at least be aware of your concerns.
So to gain a bit more time for the undecided, The ‘Pie has now sent the following email to all candidates, and any replies will be published immediately in comments.
Dear Candidate,
I am taking the liberty of sending you this list of questions on behalf of the many readers of the Magpie’s Nest blog.
Your replies will be published immediately they are received and will be unedited if not too lengthy, otherwise they will be fairly summarised. These questions address many overriding matters of interest across the entire city that have been of concern to Nest readers for some time.If you wish to reply, the sooner you do so, the greater your exposure to those yet to decide their vote.
Attacks and even justified criticism of opponents will not be published, as we do not believe your opinions of each other are matters uppermost in voters minds.
1. There has been a great deal of concern about public service attempts to erode and diminish the meaningful decision making duty of councillors elected to be the voice of the electorate. As may, will you lead the councillors in endeavours to ensure that councillor independence and decision making powers are not diminished, delegated away or otherwise infringed?
2. Do you believe that the council should involve itself in projects as a developer, no matter what ‘arms length’ company arrangements are put in place, or do you think this is a valid way forward?
3. Are you satisfied with the current level of council financial support for Townsville Enterprise, or would you review the arrangement between the two bodies, including mandatory KPIs?
4. Would you support or oppose calls for an independent forensic investigation of council finances over previous years?
5. Would you support attempts to reintroduce parking meters to The Strand?
6. What priority and council financial responsibility towards attempts to rejuvenate the CBD, and will the expenditure be justified in whole city terms?
7. What order of priority do you place on rectifying the dangerous and socially untenable Wulguru sewerage debacle?
8. Will you support a waste levy tax or a bed tax on visitors to Magnetic Island, as a report will recommend when put before council before the next budget?
9. In the interests of transparency and integrity, would you seek a review of the use of the Commercial In Confidence provisions which have been badly abused in past years?
10. And given the controversy caused elsewhere on this issue, do you support the continued fluoridation of the Townsville water supply?
Finally, can you name one personal innovative policy,an original idea, you will bring to council for consideration that will move the city forward.
We at The Nest realise that the mayor of Townsville is not a dictator and is just one vote of eleven, but the role requires persuasive leadership skills and ability to negotiate outcomes in the interests of the whole community. We have seen what destructive results such dictatorial powers have had over the past decade.
We are not seeking vague mission statements or campaign rhetoric but something tangible that will move the city forward and help repair its unfairly tattered reputation.
Yours Sincerely,
The Townsville Magpie, on behalf of his readers.
—
Malcolm Weatherup | The Magpie, Townsville
0421 037 179 | email hidden; JavaScript is required
http://www.townsvillemagpie.com.au/
Twitter: @TownsvillePie
I did say that the election was already over.
Who said otherwise? The Pie’s has not tried to influence this pathetic knees up, but has been making his election endeavours more in the spirit of Judge Darling who was the receiving end of this exchange.
Judge: I’ve listened to you for an hour and I’m none wiser.
Smith**: None the wiser, perhaps, my lord but certainly better informed.
**F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead
Last week Island residents received an online mailout from TCC about various matters including an update on the proposed maintenance dredging of Nelly Bay harbour and remediation of potential acid sulphate soils (PASS) on land at Kelly Street, Nelly Bay:
“The use of Council’s site at Kelly Street in Nelly Bay remains our preferred option and has the required permits and approvals in place. Following preliminary discussions with federal and state government, there may be a feasible option for sea dispersal of the dredged material. We are at early stages of discussions on this alternative – it would need to meet all the criteria of sustainability, including environmental and cost, and we would need to be confident that we were able to secure the required approvals and other permits.”
On the weekend I visited Hinchinbrook Harbour at Cardwell, one of the most dismal failures of private and public development I have ever seen. Recently, with state and federal approvals and a government grant, some token dredging took place resulting in a small stockpile of spoil contaminated with PASS, to add to scattered stockpiles and paddocks of the stuff spread around that moonscape disaster area. The then-local member, Nick Dametto, and various members of past and current state governments, have been up to their eyeballs in this disgrace for their entire term of office and have failed completely to limit damage on land and in the coastal zone around that disgusting harbour. Please, please, can the Crisafulli government do whatever it takes to prevent a PASS stockpile from being dumped on land in Nelly Bay and contaminating the local area – not only with polluted spoil but with government incompetence, lies and obfuscation of the likes that have ruined the double World Heritage Cardwell waterfront. By all means, dredge the stupidly designed Nelly Bay harbour and marina, but take the spoil away and dump it at sea where all the other thousands of tonnes are taken every six months from Townsville harbour and channel.
You got to hand it to Troy, he lives on social media and writes endless comments to the newspapers, Facebook, various blogs, cooker groups, etc etc. so it’s no surprise that he has promptly written a response to the Magpie’s list of questions. Imagine all the government ministers, departments, legal eagles and assorted agencies of the UN, also receiving letters from Troy about bullying and other such gripes. It would be exhausting to read his daily onslaught of which much of it is written by AI.
The bloke is deranged, mentally unhinged and unlike herpes, does t go away for even a few days. Somebody please give this pest a job, a real job, maybe 12 hour shifts in a location that has no internet, and let the poor people who suffer from his rants, get some peace.
Those who suffer his rants do so voluntarily … no sympathy, its a sort of reverse rage farming.
You’ve had so little feedback on Saturday’s MIRRA meeting, Pie, but it didn’t disappoint.
It was standing room only.
Thanks to the candidates who got into the island vibe by leaving the power dressing on the mainland.
Nick Dametto’s powder blue polo shirt did him no harm at all; Joanne Keune wore a lime green fitted linen jacket with fun sleeves over a palm print dress; and Greaney’s tent was candy striped.
Harry didn’t turn up so there was no under dressed category. All the others were near invisible; which is quite an achievement for Mr Kippen.
Troy Thompson spoke well. Perhaps the reason he has acquired a little following on the island is that he has called out the decades of muddied neglect and opportunism that has characterised Council’s approach.
Paul Jacob sought to put some distance between himself and the current council by listing the recent times he has failed to support a motion; notably the adoption of the new Amendment with its eco development dictum that means no development on environmentally protected reserve land on the island will ever go to public exhibition; or even be put to the Councillors.
Joanne Kuene’s welcome to country was a direct response to a nasty t-shirt standing up the back of the room. Along the lines of “I’m Australian, I don’t need to be welcomed to my own country.”
The wearer looks like a sweet old man. In truth, he’s a late in life immigrant from a racially troubled nation who seems to think just because he’s old he can get away with it. Apologies to candidates. This man in no way represents island sentiment. And kudos to Ms Keune for turning his agro to her advantage.
As ever, Greaney put her foot in her mouth more than once:
“For those of you who don’t know me…I’ve been your division 3 representative for ten years.” Talk about outing yourself as useless!!
Celebrating her promised return of tip vouchers, but failing to mention the removal of kerbside pick ups.
And most diabolically THIS:
Of course the Picnic Bay mall needs attention and that will be happening. But it may be that in addressing the problem of the pavers YOU MAY LOSE SOME TREES.
When I brought up a potential risk to the banyan figs some weeks ago some nesters had a go at me. Well, there you have it as an election promise.
Moo cow, I always like your assessments of the candidates clothing styles. Keep up the good work, it gives me a good laugh. I do believe that the main competition will be between Foodtrucks and Kippen as to who wears the largest tent! Place your bets.
Looks like Ms Keune won’t be trying out the possum fur as she seems to be quite successful in shooting herself in the foot!
There are three things, well probably more, guaranteed to upset the great unwashed voters
Kiddy crims – Ninja turtles anyone?
Flying foxes – article in todays Astonisher.
Welcome to country ceremonies
She has ticked all three and that may just encourage more people to actually vote in this farce of a postal election, but not for her.
Hey Pie, the comments are now coming through bolded. I like that. Easier to read.
Don’t look at The ‘Pie, he’s still mystified how they carved cleft sticks.
Re: Magpie’s Nest Blog – Questions to mayoral candidates.
David Kippin
Thank you for the opportunity to answer your thought provoking questions. My responses are in bold below.
Best regards,
David
E: email hidden; JavaScript is required
Questions:
1. There has been a great deal of concern about public service attempts to erode and diminish the meaningful decision making duty of councillors elected to be the voice of the electorate. As mayor, will you lead the councillors in endeavours to ensure that councillor independence and decision making powers are not diminished, delegated away or otherwise infringed?
Yes. The mayor, councillors, CEO and senior executive will be held to account and transparency to ratepayers and residents. Statutory board agenda will apply to record independence and conflicts of interest. Local government legislative governance would be omnipotent under my leadership as is respectful and passionate discussions at council meetings. Where a community voice/s present to Council meetings the relevant council officers and/or executives will be required to be present to address and respond to the community. My edict would be that everyone must contribute something of value to every meeting and must take something of value away.
2. Do you believe that the council should involve itself in projects as a developer, no matter what ‘arms length’ company arrangements are put in place, or do you think this is a valid way forward?
Emphatically no. Its is not a councils responsibility to take on development risk, even if there is promised or perceived reward. Developers are essential for growth and prosperity but they are experts at offloading risk to maximise their reward, and councillors need to be prepared and alert. The Northyards Project is a classic showcase of how this should be done. The private developer is taking all the risk and hopefully will receive just financial and legacy rewards. A board consisting of council, community, business and developer representation maintains oversight, with the Townsville community benefitting with a world class heritage renewal project planned for a wide and diverse range of tenants. This is distinct from a number of other projects, such as Lansdown, that has the potential to expose ratepayers to financial risk. Lansdown is a wonderful visionary project for a city like Townsville, the capital of northern Australia, which has unlimited potential. However, its is not council’s role to develop such projects. Lansdown should be sold to private investors/developers to de-risk and reward ratepayers.
3. Are you satisfied with the current level of council financial support for Townsville Enterprise, or would you review the arrangement between the two bodies, including mandatory KPIs? I have met with TEL and have already commenced preparing a review plan should I be elected which includes greater accountability for performance and full transparency.
4. Would you support or oppose calls for an independent forensic investigation of council finances over previous years?
Definitely not. The cost of the mayoral election , the Hinchinbrook election and the possibility of a division election (dependent upon the result of the mayoral election) is already a greater financial burden than the community needs or deserves. I see no benefit in vengeful witch-hunts. I have the capability to delve into the historical financial information to learn from past decisions and focus on improving future decisions and practices without the need for costly and unnecessary audits.
5. Would you support attempts to reintroduce parking meters to The Strand? No
6. What priority and council financial responsibility towards attempts to rejuvenate the CBD, and will the expenditure be justified in whole city terms?
High priority and is a shared responsibility with commerce and community. To date Council has not paid sufficient respect or support to CBD traders and Uptown recommendations and efforts. Well planned and directed expenditure is justified and I refer you to my attached position on CBD revitalisation (released 3/11/25).
7. What order of priority do you place on rectifying the dangerous and socially untenable Wulguru sewerage debacle?
Very high priority. Essential and an urgent fix. Townsville is not a third world country and ratepayers and residents deserve better.
8. Will you support a waste levy tax or a bed tax on visitors to Magnetic Island, as a report will recommend when put before council before the next budget?
I am unaware of the issue and thus I am unable to comment until I can assess the business case.
9. In the interests of transparency and integrity, would you seek a review of the use of the Commercial In Confidence provisions which have been badly abused in past years?
Yes. There are always legitimate and legal reasons for preserving commercial in confidence transactions, however you are correct in exposing that politicians in particular abuse this privilege for self preservation. This would not be the case in my council. If we make a mistake I will put my hand up and take responsibility and if we secure a success, the council team will get the bouquets. This is how I have always led.
10. And given the controversy caused elsewhere on this issue, do you support the continued fluoridation of the Townsville water supply?
Passionately yes.
Finally, can you name one personal innovative policy, an original idea, you will bring to council for consideration that will move the city forward.
To achieve consensus from councillors and the senior executive team on a vision for Townsville. Display that vision prominently and proudly in the council chambers and throughout the council offices. Obtain the agreement of councillors and senior executive team to sign acceptance of a Letter of Guidance that contains each persons commitment to their role and responsibilities, to always be guided by the vision, to act in the best interests of the ratepayers and residents and be held accountable for their performance at 6 monthly reviews. I have implemented this action in every leadership role in my diverse business career and believe it should be no different in local government.
Re: Magpie’s Nest Blog – Questions to mayoral candidates.
Paul Jacob
Questions:
1.I voted against the Delegation of powers to the CEO. I do not want the powers of the elected councillors to be diminished.
2. Council should not involve itself in projects as Developer.
3. I would like to review the arrangement and include KPIs
4. Yes
5. No
6. Minimal financial responsibility for council.
7. Maximum priority.
8. The whole of Councillor Divisions will be hit with an increase in rates due to the State governments Waste Levy. No for bed tax on Maggie
9. Absolutely
10. Yes
(Magpie: Finally, can you name one personal innovative policy, an original idea, you will bring to council for consideration that will move the city forward.)
Advocating to the State for a light rail plan to take us into the future using existing infrastructure and light rail for Nathan Street to the University, Hospital and Army base.
I have been put off by the last government and will not be put off by this current state government.
Re: Magpie’s Nest Blog – Questions to mayoral candidates.
Troy Thompson
1️⃣ Question:
There has been concern about public-service attempts to erode the decision-making duty of councillors elected to be the voice of the electorate.
If elected, will you lead councillors to ensure their independence and powers are not diminished or delegated away?
✅ Answer:
Yes. I will lead councillors back to their lawful role as the voice of the people, not bureaucracy. Within 30 days I’ll table a Councillor Decision Rights Register to stop blanket delegations that remove elected oversight (LGA s 12 & 13). Staff advice will be attached to reports so the public can see the reasoning.
Open briefings and minutes will be standard, with closed sessions only when legally justified. The Community Consultation Charter will embed councillors in their divisions, consistent with the Premier’s reforms, restoring a direct pathway from community → Chamber.
My Integrity & Natural Justice Policy and Audit & Accountability Framework will reinforce independence, procedural fairness, and community-first representation at every level.
2️⃣ Question:
Do you believe the Council should involve itself in projects as a developer, no matter what “arms-length” company arrangements are used?
✅ Answer:
No. Council must enable, not compete.
I will end “arms-length” developer subsidiaries that disguise debt or expose ratepayers to risk. We’ll adopt a Value-for-Ratepayers Test and Public-Private Partnership Policy requiring open EOIs and published risk analysis.
Council’s role is to create the conditions for business, not become the business.
My Open Book Policy will ensure every project or partnership is transparent, with public cost-benefit data, to protect ratepayers from hidden liabilities.
3️⃣ Question:
Are you satisfied with Council’s current financial support for Townsville Enterprise, or would you review the arrangement, including KPIs?
✅ Answer:
No — the arrangement is outdated and unaccountable.
Funding for Townsville Enterprise (TEL) will be cut, and TCC will advocate directly with State & Federal Governments.
The same applies to Smart Precinct NQ — both must stand on their own through memberships, sponsorships, and private partnerships, just as the Chamber of Commerce does.
Event management will return in-house to Council for local jobs and transparency.
Under my Open Book Policy, all contracts, consultations, partnerships, and procurements — above and below $200,000 — will be published.
4️⃣ Question:
Would you support or oppose calls for an independent forensic investigation of Council finances over previous years?
✅ Answer:
I fully support it — and it is already in motion.
A petition has been lodged with the Clerk of the Parliament calling for a full, independent investigation and forensic audit of Townsville City Council (TCC) to expose and address:
Financial mismanagement and cost blowouts (Lansdown, Haughton Pipeline, Northern Railyards, NQ Spark, etc.)
Political interference by State officials
Improper links with big business
Failures in governance and transparency
If elected, I’ll ensure this audit is completed publicly, with CCC/QAO cooperation and whistleblower protections.
This isn’t a promise — it’s already underway.
5️⃣ Question:
Would you support attempts to re-introduce parking meters to The Strand?
✅ Answer:
Absolutely not. Parking must remain free and time-limited, focused on accessibility, not revenue.
Council is presently trying to sell hundreds of unused parking meters, bought under the previous administration, to Ipswich City Council for only 40% of their cost — a loss approaching $1 million to ratepayers.
If elected, I will:
Permanently remove all parking meters;
Replace them with clear signage and timed zones;
Deliver a balanced parking plan for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Accessibility and fairness must come before revenue-raising.
6️⃣ Question:
What priority and financial responsibility should Council assign to rejuvenating the CBD, and will expenditure be justified in whole-city terms?
✅ Answer:
High priority — but only with a city-wide return on investment test.
Key steps include:
Free 2–4-hour parking zones and meter removal.
Clean & Safe CBD Teams (lighting, graffiti, daily cleaning) ≈ $2M p.a.
Shopfront Activation Grants ≈ $1M p.a. (50% matched).
Two multi-storey car parks via capped PPP (≤ $10M each; BCR ≥ 1.5).
All project data will appear live on the Open Book Portal to justify expenditure across the whole city.
7️⃣ Question:
What priority do you place on rectifying the dangerous and socially untenable Wulguru sewerage debacle?
✅ Answer:
Top-tier priority.
Within 100 days of taking office, I will:
Appoint an Incident Controller;
Redirect $10–15M from non-essential capital projects to critical pump and overflow fixes;
Provide weekly public updates and an independent engineering review until completion.
This will be a signature example of restoring accountability and basic service delivery before prestige projects.
8️⃣ Question:
Do you believe Magnetic Island can be better leveraged as a tourism destination?
✅ Answer:
Yes — but with environment first.
The Kelly Street dump-site proposal will not proceed. Instead, we’ll deploy suction-cutter dredge and hydro-cyclone technology to clean and recycle sand, restoring eroded beaches sustainably.
I will:
Deliver Sooning Street and Henry Lawson Bridge projects on fixed public timelines.
Develop a Magnetic Island Destination Plan co-designed with residents and operators.
Publish a yearly “Maggie Scorecard” to track delivery and maintenance.
This approach safeguards the island’s environment while supporting sustainable tourism and local jobs.
9️⃣ Question:
Do you see value in reviewing the use of Commercial-in-Confidence provisions, which have been abused in past years?
✅ Answer:
Yes. Commercial-in-Confidence has been misused to hide mistakes and block transparency.
I will restrict CiC to genuine commercial data only, and introduce an Independent Probity Officer to approve or reject confidentiality claims.
Contracts will be published by default — both above and below $200,000 — with a public register showing what’s withheld and when confidentiality expires.
Transparency will again be the rule, not the exception.
10. Water Fluoridation
Do you support the continued fluoridation of the Townsville water supply?
✅ Answer:
I personally do not support the current fluoridation policy remaining in place. Any future changes should follow open consultation and transparent reporting, ensuring both public health evidence and community consent guide (a democratic vote) the outcome.
11. Personal Innovative Policy
Finally, can you name one personal innovative policy, an original idea, you will bring to the council for consideration that will move the city forward?
✅ Answer:
My “Democracy Over Bureaucracy – Open Book Transparency Portal” is an Australian-first initiative. It will place every council contract, consultant payment, capital project, and KPI online within 30 days of approval — searchable by resident, journalist, or business. This system rebuilds trust, eliminates hidden deals, and puts Townsville ratepayers at the top of the accountability chain. Transparency is not optional — it’s the foundation of democracy.
Three candidate responses, three completely different approaches. On the subject (very specifically) of the ‘development’ of Lansdown – as distinct from the greenfield development of, say, a large scale residential subdivision, definitions are all over the shop. Lansdown starts as a 2,200ha paddock with more or less no access, power, water etc. Some say it should be sold as is and any developer take all the risks. But what about a plan? Kippen says Lansdown is a “wonderful, visionary project” but it can’t begin to start without infrastructure that is totally dependent on government funding. Jacob and Thompson say council should stay out of it but also “enable not compete”. So how does a vacant paddock miles out of town get brought to a state where a development can start? Who initiates development? Government is essential to bring a water supply for industry but which is also part of the city’s drought proofing. At Lansdown right now the water connection to the Haughton pipeline is called ‘enabling infrastructure’ and is paid for by federal and state government, not ratepayers. Power is going to be augmented by Copperstring which is totally government risk. Roadworks and rail stuff is always going to be government funded although TCC is building internal roads at ratepayer cost. At some point, when all sorts of ducks line up, an actual developer, some heavy industry, is going to take ownership of a block of land and build on it. Up to that point, the actual investment by ratepayers seems minimal – unless there is secret dealings going on below the radar.
So if a mayor is going to have some sort of forward vision for something new and potentially great for the community and they can demonstrate some transparency about each tranche of ratepayer dollars being directed into ‘enabling’ (not ‘developing’) a project, isn’t that a political attraction? Don’t we want leadership in the direction of our city?
Still only three responses from Mayoral candidates. Each deserves 10 out of 10 for trying. The other 5, nil.
As I see it, none should proceed to interview. The vacancy should be re-advertised, with the condition – ‘past applicants need not reply’.
Maybe we’ll get two candidates who have what it takes. A two horse (mares?) race who will make Townsvillians exercise their minds in selecting a winner, not having to make do with the best of the losers.
It reads well, but all know that none of it will ever happen, even if, by some cruel twist of fate, he does get elected.
Firstly, he doesn’t play nice with others and secondly, I’ll lay odds that the LNP have a contingency plan to disqualify the valour thief.
Yes Troy, Transparency is not optional.
Fuckhead.
Duck nuts how old are you, a bit childish
Twonames, you are full of shit mate. Your answers to Magpie’s questions are undermined by the fact that you are a lying,
deceitful, vindictive failed businessman. On your own social media page you delete any comment that is not abusive, but challenges you to provide an honest and transparent answer. You are NOT democratic, even though you claim to be all in for democracy. You are a gutless hypocrite.
Twonames, you are an embarrassment. Why the fuck you can’t see this is due to you being a narcissist, a sociopath, and having a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock. Lying about cancer, lying on your CV and LinkedIn, lying about serving in the armed forces, lies lies lies and more lies. Everyone sees it except for you apparently. Just go away, move Kalgoorlie and become an Opal miner, do anything but stay in Townsville you crooked charlatan.
Which all adds up to the one question Thompson cannot answer (but he’s is welcome to give it a go if he’s game)?
Given that accurate summary, Troy, why would anyone trust a single word you say, any promise, any vision, any pledge? You certainly can talk the talk, but you walk the walk with a wobbly boot.
Magpie, if I was a serious candidate toying with the idea of responding to your questionnaire I would take a dim view of the puerile slagging off that I would likely receive from your peanut gallery. Frankly, I’d be better off giving it a miss.
Then you will never be a serious candidate, Snowflake.
It’s called politics, mate.
Twonames is a gross miscalculation of how many names he has used. The latest one is Simon Whyte.
Paul is a lovely man, he spoke with knowledge of the water and sewage and continues to remind us of his part a decade ago, Paul, Time moves on mate, keep up. He certainly does not like Ann Maree, and who can blame him, he was stabbed in the back, and then in the front b the very councillors he represented. Mr Price was at the URCV meeting, or mumbles as I like to call him, he is not a real councillor, instead a bar fly, wherever there is free beer or food, you’ll find him. I can’t believe he got in, his was definitely a protest vote against Molachino. Good luck Paul, I do like that fact you stated in today’s Bulletin and at every meeting you are not taking an income, and have stood down from your duties, respect you for that, over the other clown acting mayor.
Re: Magpie’s Nest Blog – Questions to mayoral candidates.
Joanne Keune
1. There has been a great deal of concern about public service attempts to erode and diminish the meaningful decision making duty of councillors elected to be the voice of the electorate. As may, will you lead the councillors in endeavours to ensure that councillor independence and decision making powers are not diminished, delegated away or otherwise infringed?
The Mayor and Councillors must be and remain the ultimate decision-making authority within Council. Delegation of responsibility to staff (including the CEO) can only exist where either there is established legal and operational precedent, such as TCC allows the Planning Department to make decisions on applications which meet all code requirements; or where a clear policy position has been set and staff are expected to work within that, such as “there will not be parking meters on the Strand”.We cannot hand our responsibility over to others and at the same time expect to be paid to make these decisions. Paid $130 000 each for 25 hrs !!! ridiculous !!! I’ll be investigating this – there is no way this job can be done in 25 hrs. and if so – they should halve their salary, especially when it is clear right now the Councillors are not doing their job. Do we really need 10 ? and where are the KPI indicators for not only the Councillors but the Mayor also. The Mayor and Councillors must be accountable too.
2. Do you believe that the council should involve itself in projects as a developer, no matter what ‘arms length’ company arrangements are put in place, or do you think this is a valid way forward?
This is a more complex question than it appears. All levels of government have a role in bringing forward projects which are in the public interest but might be outside the risk or profit envelope for the private sector.
I believe that Council should be a catalyst in starting projects like the North Rail Yards redevelopment but as soon as practical should sell these projects into private hands to recover the public funds invested and to allow the private sector to do its thing. Government at any level is a pretty poor business operator and we should stick with what we know.
3. Are you satisfied with the current level of council financial support for Townsville Enterprise, or would you review the arrangement between the two bodies, including mandatory KPIs?
Any funding Council gives needs to be tied to suitable KPIs to make sure that ratepayers get value for their money. Whether it is Townsville Enterprise, the V8 Supercars, or an arts or community organisation, they should present a solid business case which includes exactly what they will achieve with the requested funding and then acquit that funding by reporting the real results. Council should not accept unsubstantiated guestimates or broad claims.
This is public money, there is not much of it to go around, and we have to be sure it is spent wisely. Having met with Townsville Enterprise and the fact that they have 18 employees. I will be responding to the many comments made by businesses about the TEL role. They will be monitored for their KPI’s and their runs on the board.
4. Would you support or oppose calls for an independent forensic investigation of council finances over previous years?
Honestly we are where we are and it is hard to see how this could become anything but a witch-hunt. We as a community know there has been mismanagement, poor budget control, and vanity projects but raking over that won’t improve our situation. I believe in looking forward not backward in the rear view mirror. However residents last night at the Upper Ross Community Voice meeting called for this. Residents had specific examples like in 2023 – $90,000 in the budget for the prize for the Strand Ephemera – yet the prize is $10,000. Many residents called for past Councillors and Mayor to be held accountable for misappropriated funds. I need to see the full set of accounts myself, which I have not been able to obtain.
Better to rule a line under it and make sensible plans for the future, put in place best practice in financial and governance controls, and get on with the job of making our city the best it can be. We do need a clean break without bringing forward the personalities and poor practices which have allowed this poor performance to fester below the surface.
In this automated world – I don’t understand why the TCC accounts cannot be clearly visible – the same as I can see my own accounts. The public can’t manipulate them – but they can see ALL expenditure and income on every budget line. WHY NOT ? If you’re managing the accounts well – this should not be an issue.
5. Would you support attempts to reintroduce parking meters to The Strand?
Absolutely not! We need to find ways to get more people visiting and enjoying the Strand, the CBD, Palmer Street, the Mater precinct and all those other suburban hubs which are getting more popular and busier.
Creative ways of regulating parking are important to stop people hogging places all day and night, but parking meters are like using a hammer on a grape. We need to be more subtle and more creative by looking around Australia and the world to find what can work best.
If our public transport system was more extensive and reliable people would not need to try to park in popular places. Remember the Red Busses we used to have through the CBD and Strand, why are we not looking again at ideas like that?
I also believe in FULL PUBLIC CONSULTATION – and would like to look at by-laws for such issues that could be tested as a “bill” at local elections the same way I have seen issues tested in the U.S. at elections. Council could separately collect these bills and assess them for a true indication of community response to issues.
I will be SELLING THE PARKING METERS to another Council.
6. What priority and council financial responsibility towards attempts to rejuvenate the CBD, and will the expenditure be justified in whole city terms?
The CBD is the jewel in the Townsville crown and we need to all work towards making it as great as it deserves to be. Council has a major role maintaining cleanliness, regulating the appearance and upkeep of buildings and businesses, keeping parking and access fair, hosting events to draw people into the city, making it more liveable so all those units are filled with people living and working there, and encouraging others like the Chamber of Commerce to work alongside us.
First off they can use their scrubber/vacuum trucks – of which there are 4 – to do this at least every Monday morning. The traders call for this. Who would rent some of the shops the way they look ? It’s a disgrace. It needs a scrub and clean up immediately – FIRST WEEK JOB.
However, the CBD is just one of the civic hubs around Townsville and I want to see everyone, no matter where they live and work, to have access to shopping, entertainment, and civic facilities they can be proud of. The growth of Riverway, Cannon Park and the Willows precinct shows what can be done and what we need to build on.
In the CBD, the North Rail Yards may give us an opportunity to do something really special as a civic space which I hope will breathe new life into the city. Again, private enterprise needs to lead this type of development and Council needs to make sure there is an environment which allows it to flourish while balancing environmental, cultural, historical and regulatory considerations.
7. What order of priority do you place on rectifying the dangerous and socially untenable Wulguru sewerage debacle?
PRIORITY. If we cannot keep people out of the poop we have completely failed as a local government. There is something really wrong with the wastewater system all the way from Douglas and JCU through Annandale and ending up in Stuart and Wulguru.
I will also aim to refund residents with proof of effect for their costs on trying to fix the situation themselves. Also a reduction in their rates to compensate them for what is clearly – a problem with the new $20 million dollar sewerage plant. This is an issue on Magnetic Island also. Disgusting to have these sewerage issues in Australia ! I commit to making a full independent engineering review of this mess one of the highest priorities for any Council I lead. Certainly if residents have filth coming up through their floors, Council should not be charging them rates until we can fix the problem.
8. Will you support a waste levy tax or a bed tax on visitors to Magnetic Island, as a report will recommend when put before council before the next budget?
Unlike a number of candidates who serve on Council and are both privy to this information and must carry a share of responsibility for where Townsville finds itself, I have not seen the report which makes it hard to comment.
Philosophically I believe the people should never allow the Government to introduce a new tax. The residents are bleeding right now. I left this country when GST was introduced and gave up my General Managership of Dance North due to my non-support of this new tax. We residents of Townsville pay our share through our rates, and finding ways to have visitors also contribute makes sense. Whether it is a bed tax, a waste levy, or as you suggested in your column some form of levy added to the cost of a ferry ticket for everyone without a local address, it is important that we share the load of keeping Magnetic Island the beautiful and special place it is.
9. In the interests of transparency and integrity, would you seek a review of the use of the Commercial In Confidence provisions which have been badly abused in past years?
As someone with tertiary qualifications in Law I’m quite aware of when and why CIC can and should be used. For too long Council has used it as a blanket to throw over many questionable deals and things they did not want ratepayers to know.
Ratepayers elect Council and we have a duty to report openly and honestly to them. There are times when CIC is important, such as when Council is assessing tenders and companies are sharing sensitive business information and disclosure would cause detriment to competition. But once the commercial dealings are over Council needs to be open (within the constraints of the law – I don’t want to be the second Mayor in recent history to be sent to the CCC).
10. And given the controversy caused elsewhere on this issue, do you support the continued fluoridation of the Townsville water supply?
Yes! The science is firmly in that Fluoride has improved the dental health of populations wherever it has been used. If people do not want to drink it, they can use a simple water filter to remove it. I have been and continue to be happy to drink our safe tap water.
Projects I will promote.
1. Eco-Tourism Experiences at the Ross River Dam. Working with the State to install huts with bunk beds for 5-day and 3-day hikes overnight. International travellers are searching for experiences. Boating, fishing on the dam. A fitness BBQ,, area at the top and working with private investors like Chris Morris to build a Cattleman’s Ranch with accommodation, restaurants, swimming pool and amenities where people can base themselves before and after their hike. The hiking would celebrate the Cattle walks that used to be conducted over the range and to Giru. It’s a fantastic area and I heard of the history when I campaigned out there in 2012. There are many historical relics that can be brought out from people’s properties to create a unique tourist experience.
(I’m working on the vision for this right now. I will send it once complete)
2. Flinders St. Heritage Coloured Buildings. All of Flinders needs a good scrub first off and for this to be maintained once a week at the minimum. But the vision is like many painted building streets around the world. Beginning with Flinders East – working with building owners on an agreed pallette with trims done also. Just the facade. Installing antique lighting, seating and shade. Creating permanent heritage signing celebrating the history of the buildings.
( current one attached – ? not made for our climate at all) ( and yes the “mall” is a priority – i’ll be seeking investment and a department store incentive and building PARKING).
3. Youth Activation Centres. Investigating all current empty council buildings (informed of cyclone shelter in Nthn. Beachers never used) – Upper Ross, Kirwan, Northern Beaches, wulguru, Garbutt. Bike fix it centre, Art Activities, Sports – even the possibility of Video machines for games , Security and IT specialist. The cost at the front end of providing young people with activities is far cheaper than at the tertiary end of the cost of crime. I’ve discovered from so many parents – speaking with more than 5000 people that there are no activities for kids. And new commercial water-parks are not the answer as most parents have said they will not be able to afford it.) Linked with the Community Voice program I was a part of the initiation of in the Upper Ross. It’s an excellent program involving residents, local police, community leaders and organisations in the suburb. They come together to identify the specific needs of their community once a month, which guides the Youth Activation Centre.
Joanne Keune
—
MAYORAL CANDIDATE
LAWYER / TEACHER / COMMUNITY DEVELOPER
Left the country in protest of the introduction of the GST? Went to USA for (was it) 5 years? A protest, a mistake, or a lie?
Do we want a Mayor who throws a missy fit when she doesn’t get her way or when she doesn’t like a Government policy? Will she abandon Qantas if she gets the wrong seat?
We want a Mayor of sound mind.
Good one, luv it.
And ‘missy fit’
don’t know if that’s a typo, but The ‘Pie loves that too.
You want mayonnaise on that word salad?
David Kippin looks at everything like a CEO, not a civic leader. I was at the Upper Ross Community voice last night, and he was underwhelming, he stated he will sit on his proverbial, while he investigates what can be done before the May budget release, he needs 6 months. I think it’s obvious to all, he’s been sitting for some time, maybe a walk at the strand might help his heart just that little bit. And as a member of our blocked mayor account, I find it odd that his wife has to come to his defence, so unprofessional, looks like she wants the limelight too. Sorry it’s a hard pass on this bloke, he stinks of bureaucracy.
Dear Pie,
Naive question, but what are the actual powers of the mayor of Townsville?
Is it a figure head who gets to wear the possum’s scrotum. They are ONE of 11 votes on matters in the chamber, they chair council meetings but do they have more say in the agenda of those meetings.
Do they have a personal budget? Can they make any judicial decisions without reference to the whole council? Do they get to make backdoor agreements with the CEO according to the delegation authority?
Sorry, just wondering what their role actually is to aid in determining which of the 8 has the qualities for the role.
One thing the mayor has is direct informal contact with the CEO, in theory able to express the community’s – and the councillors’ – views on various issues. WVhether they use this facility with integrity is a matter for the individual.
Loved Clarabelle’s comments on the MIRRA meeting.
Going by the quotes from Greaney, she didn’t just “put her foot in her mouth more than once”, she shot herself in both feet.
Yes, it was most unexpected to be promised that banyan figs will be felled to fix a paving problem. Even from Greaney, it’s obtuse.
Just a couple of weeks ago I was having coffee on the Picnic Bay mall and across the way a couple of Council workers were addressing the very problem of these recalcitrant roots disturbing the paving. They were cutting and sealing the roots, which is the proper management response.
Won’t it be convenient if the worst paving problems happen to be out front of the Picnic Bay Hotel redevelopment and the Greaney regime just cuts down these figs? Are they even on the significant tree register? What about the ones that have already been removed at the eastern end Picnic Bay? Were they on the register of significant trees? Did the owners get Council permission to remove them? If not, how much was the fine?
We rezlly have to feel for you Cowbell, you’re points are made, but you’re in a no win situation, no matter what the outcome of the election, you’ve got Greaney for another two years either way.
Pie the Pessimist.
Have you not heard of politicians suddenly wanting to spend more time with their families? Sometimes it’s an unsavoury incident from the past that provokes it, but it could just be the unremitting pressure of the present.
At last night’s Upper Ross Community Voice, Greaney put her foot in her mouth again. One punter asked, are any of the candidates, (Greaney, Kippin, Jacob, Dametto, Thompson, or Poulsen) ex-members or have affiliations of team Hill? Greaney said Yes, Kippin – No, Jacob – Yes, Dametto – No, Thompson – No, and Poulson – No. Greaney piped up and said why are we asking this question and the guy was quite worked up and said because the Hill people are still in council, she went off in a rant declaring council a Hill free zone and asked the adjudicator to move on and that the question is not relevant. Says a lot about her leadership aspirations, doesn’t it. Dametto was an interesting one, rather squeamish given he handed out Jennys flyers last election, and the KAP executive Ben Fusco is not head of KAP, and sponsored by Nick to become head, something untrustworthy about this one. Greaney’s rant was all the talk though.
But what were they wearing, Ted?
Clarabelle, you really are out of touch with Maggie Island, open your eyes and focus on the real problems here.
If you were familiar with Maggie you might ….understand some of the issues… like ‘how to find a park at the ferry terminal, why development has stuffed the Island, rents are sky high and we are almost devoid of tradies. The place is stuffed with hire scooters, hire cars and too much “easy development” . don’t wait for the clowns in TCC to fix anything. Maybe Townsville Enterprise can fix it all!!
Take a scooter to and from the ferry terminal.
Lighten up, Rocky.
The election for Mayor is a farce. The outcome won’t make a shred of difference to the exploitation of the island.
Pie, You mentioned a company called CMC that has been awarded the Paluma road restoration, if that is Civil Mining and Construction from Brisbane then they have form on making big stuff ups and having their contract cancelled, one being the Cape River bridge on the way to Emerald.
More double standards
Fish in STH East Qld are more important than the residents of Wulguru – What are the chances the Environment department would investigate TCC? I think Buckley’s
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/dead-eels-and-gasping-fish-gold-coast-council-told-to-fix-sewer-issues-20251103-p5n7b8.html
Mr Thompson has been getting out and about, pressing the flesh, making promises and preaching about how only he can fix Council’s woes. He certainly isn’t lazy and seems to be making new disciples, however Townsville is over him. Sick of the charade. Cant wait to put him last on the ballot. Bye bye Troy.
Council meeting Wednesday morning. Here’s the agenda.
Officers’ Reports
1 NQ Spark Pty Ltd Progress Update
Report
Report Information
2 Economic Update – November 2025
Report
Report Information
3 Development Activity, Performance Metrics and Business Improvement Update – Quarter 1 – 2025/26
Report
Report Information
Business Improvement Projects updates – Q1 2025-26 FY
Development Activity Report – Q1 – 2025-26 FY
4 Community Grants 2025/26
Report
Report Information
5 Incoming Grants – Application Status and Activity Report – September 2024 to September 2025
Report
Incoming Grant Applications – September 2024-25
Incoming Grants Reporting – Charts 1 September 2024-25
And the first item is another Jenny Hill hangover.
https://civicclerkau.blob.core.windows.net/stream/TOWNSVILLE/eff20160b2.pdf?sv=2015-12-11&sr=b&sig=%2BnPE4ywGZWkN09X6QhaD48JVFidFIp%2B2YfwdjeE5kWY%3D&st=2025-11-04T10%3A39%3A28Z&se=2025-11-04T10%3A45%3A28Z&sp=r&rscc=no-cache&rsct=application%2Fpdf&rscd=inline%3B%20filename%3DReport%20Information%20-%20NQ%20Spark%20Update%20November%202025.pdf
The Magpie has read both documents related to the first item, NQ Spark, in which the council holds a 50% stake, with Joe McCabe as Board Chairman. Good oversight, sure, BUT CAN SOMEONE TELL US WHY THE COUNCIL IS INVOLVED AT ALL, WHY THE FUCK IS THE COUNCIL MUCKING AROUND IN WHAT IS OSTENSIBLY A TECH BUSINESS START-UP WITH FUNDING AS A NATIONAL DEFENCE MATTER? A project that is more in the realm of JCU, not a city council?
HOW MUCH IS THE COUNCIL ALREADY IN FOR, AND WHAT IS THE POSSIBLE RATEPAYER OUTLAY IN THE FUTURE?
Hill’s council voted for this seemingly highly adventurous and improper involvement, that in itself is a massive red flag. .
Are we going to be rorted again? We absolutely need REAL transparency on this completely vague, amorphous buzz word bullshit.
WORTHY OR NOT, THE TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL HAS ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS BEING INVOLVED IN THIS VENTURE.
Will someone tell The ‘Pie why he is wrong.
City Deal
Completely inappropriate. And the questions still need to be answered.
Its connected to the City Deal and TCC is driving NQ Spark as part of a broader strategy to transform Townsville into a major defence, health, and innovation hub for Northern Australia.
Feds have put in $32.2M. The other parties have put in $35M. TCC sought the funding from the feds so I doubt TCC are contributing additional money.
Yet.
And the council closed the Townsville Business Development Centre (38 units for Small Business Start Ups) to house Spark.
Gates are never open so I guess it has closed as well.
Watching it live, I must say it is boring, the NQ Spark is the gift that keeps giving. TCC wrote off $164k last year, they put in $300k, Mooney, Calegari, Reilly, and Sneddon all took a chunk of change as directors. Why are we paying director fees, and for something that is and must be Private enterprise technology. Sell the lot, collect the cash, charge rates and rubbish as is the real business at TCC. NQ Spark sounds great, it’s not our responsibility, TCC needs to concentrate on picking rubbish bins up on time.
The council officer who replied to a question from the ever-reliable Robbo said this was a wholly funded federally, so before we can accept what you say, Brian, the appropriate links pointing to such payments and where they came from are required. Do vaguely remember some mildly questionable payments being made.
Nevertheless, at the time of creation of NQ Spark, Hill was in power, Labor in power in Brisbane and the Feds were in the slippery mode of the Morrison kakocracy in Canberra. So no matter what obfuscating, jargon laden reply executive Blinky Bill gave council this morning, it is difficult to understand why the council is involved in this highly speculative, mostly academic venture at all. Being pushed by Hill does in itself raise more than an eyebrow. So surely ratepayers have the right to a straight plain language answer to a straight plain language question: what liability could council (ergo ratepayers) incur as this opaque project continues?
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/264790/2024-NQ-Spark-Pty-Ltd-financial-statements-signed.pdf (note the $300,000 advance by controlling entity, TCC, item 9, page 13)
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/260118/2023-NQ-Spark-Pty-Ltd-financial-statements-signed.pdf (Note 4, page 9)
TCC are up to their nuts in it
Councils like assets such as NQ Spark because the Council gets to farm out juicy paid directorships to chosen representatives such as executives and favoured community person(s). They don’t care if the asset makes money or loses money because the board/director roles are the gift that keeps on giving, you get paid regardless. Let’s see McCabe gift his director fee from NQ Spark to the community. That will test how genuine he is.
I am disappointed that the other candidates have not answered The Pie’s questions. At this stage of the game it should take very little thinking about. Their position on various matters should have been well established at the time of nominating as a candidate.
What is the saying? Tis better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are a fool than to open it and confirm the fact.
While he’d like to be wrong, The ‘Pie reckons Dametto won’t be in it, he is presumably the only one getting professional advice (maybe Dolan?), and that advice would clearly be never make yourself an unnecessary target, just glide along like a oiled dildo being rammed home.
Your mention of ‘oiled dildos’ reminds me of Alan Joyce and Albo for some reason?? As for Nick Demented, yes, he will be receiving third-party advice by Dolan or someone else who is close to Crisafulli. Crisafulli is trying to rebuild LNP support wherever he can, whether that be local, state, or federal level. A shrewd operator and master tactician. Demented knows how to play the game and he has full and complete support from the LNP. He won’t put his head above the snipers line of sight with just 2 weeks to go until the election is held. In fact, the less he speaks, the more agitated the mentally impaired Thompson will become. Hopefully Twonames Thompson will implode publicly. Here’s to hoping.
I read Troy’s response to the Magpies questions. All piss and wind. Troy talks it up big but he is full of shit. Anyway, you won’t get to implement your cooker plans Troy as you stand no chance of winning. Now off you go, write a few more letters and pester somebody else.
Please note: Joanne Keune has replied to Nesters’ question this morning.
So since it is realistic to expect nothing from Patel, Poulsen or Gleeson, that leaves just two yet to inform us of their policies … Greaney and Dametto.
Honestly, won’t be surprised if neither reply … Greaney because she has been badly bruised in her public outings so far, apparently pretty robustly at the Upper Ross last night which led to a mini-meltdown according to one attendee, and Dametto, because he might night see any value in talking to a few thousand readers, many of whom he figure will vote for him anyway.
We’ll see.
I thought Gleeson had withdrawn due mental health.
Yes. And. …?
And well yes, you won’t be hearing from Mr Gleeson.
“The time has come,” Ben Rumson said, “To talk of many things –
Of shoes – and ships – and sealing wax – Of cabbages and candidates – And why The Nest is running hot – And whether mayors have mandates.”
This is not a recommendation for anyone. It was dead easy to place the bottom of the list, not so the top of the list, so, for better or worse, as promised a while back, here is my vote.
1. Joanne Keune
2. Nick Dametto
3. David Kippin
4. Harry Patel
5. Chris Poulsen
6. Paul Jacobe
7. Ann-Maree Greaney
8. Troy Thompson
I doubt Nick will have the common decency to reply as he is typical politician who figures he won’t gain extra votes from the exercise. Our Acting Mayor is only interested in putting in an effort when there is something in it for her. I heard that she hasn’t been bothered to even meet with CBD traders, who are just around the corner from her office. It’s her Division and she takes no notice of the people she supposedly represents.
Pie,
Greaney has been popping her head up on Facebook with her pipe dream ideas, and then proceeds to get it blown off in the comments everytime !!!! It is hilarious.
Dear ‘Pie,
I have found the candidates’ answers instructive thus far. Thanks.
Note to Mr. Dametto:
You might like to answer The Pie’s questions Boyo or you might find yourself one place down the pecking order. I have some lingering doubts about you and I seek to have them addressed. No answer will confirm my doubts. Have a nice day.
Just handed our votes into the Qld Electoral Office stop at the Reid Park pit stop on Boundary St. If you don’t want to rely on Aus Post to get your vote where it should be, this is a handy option. Was also asked to spread the word that if you have not received your voting papers, you can go there to have them printed and lodged on the spot.
Good info, thanks.
Should be safe using Australia Post. Can’t say as much for UPS however.
Percy – you have a short memory. An Australia Post truck with thousands of rates notices on board caught fire a year or two back. At least no one was killed in that incident.
Best time to nab possible stolen but unregistered noisey trail bikes in the Railway Estate/bicentennial Park area is after 3.30 pm coppers. Doorbell cameras.
I wish my choices were between a rock and a hard place; sadly they are between a wet blanket and a dry nut!
Oh dear… the Bulletin found Mr Damettos interview on The Freedom Network where he said rainbow lanyards in workplaces were sexual harassment. And now he’s doubling down.
Pity they couldn’t find some of his other comments so people had a better idea of what he is.
Dametto is correct, rainbow lanyards don’t belong in the workplace, and neither does the ‘welcome to country’ bullshit. Each person is an individual and we don’t need to ‘celebrate’ different walks of life. We are all equal regardless of sexual preference, nationality or religious belief. I do t need to be reminded of that by seeing lanyards or smoking ceremonies.
This is a lame, deliberate mis-reading of the situation by the Bulletin, trying to be too clever by half, and giving their boy an editorial leg-up. The headline clearly suggests an overall homophobic attitude by the candidate.
This story is a free ad for Dametto, because it highlights one of the few historical quotes from his past that is not only sensible and defensible (as if it needed to be defended!) but is a surefire vote winner in this town.
Because by any logical analysis, Dametto is right on this one. Feminists fought long and hard – and successfully – to desexualise the workplace with changes that initially went too far but are now settled at an sensible level (well, mostly, give or take the occasionally embittered sad sack lacking attention). So why can another very small(4.5% of the population) group’s sexual orientation be tolerated in using the workplace to declare/advertise their particular sexual preferences?
It’s surely the time for the Alphabet people, who boast of being loud and proud, to turn down the volume.
How do you think people would fare if they wore a lanyard advertising that they were straight? Perhaps featuring small repeated outlines of a man and woman at it in various positions? Or even without that extreme whimsy, just a design that declared their sexual preference. Like the coppers’ instantly recognised chequerboard design, used internationally.
Excuse the unintended analogy, but if that was allowed, the Alphabet people … as the saying has it …would scream from from arsesole to breakfast time.
As for the paper’s panting chase for clicks about council funding for Alphabet events (which is currently close to … errr … bugger all), Dametto’s straight bat (everything on its merits and funded accordingly) is quite meaningless in terms of mayoral input … in this area, he is just one vote in eleven.
ON ALL THE ISSUES AIRED HERE AND IN THE CAMPAIGN, IT IS PARAMOUNT TO REMEMBER THE MAYOR IS NOT A DICTATOR RULING BY FIAT.
Not any more, anyway.
Everyone may be legally equal but no one gets bashed for being straight. Rainbow symbols let staff and members of the public know that their civil rights will be respected and that they are socially included.
The idea that a rainbow lanyard constitutes some kind of sexual harassment raises interesting questions about Dametto’s psyche.
That’s utter nonsense (as usual) and the days of anyone being bashed for being gay are well gone … especially some handy gym-types are happily gay, and would happily accomodate a bit of slap and tickle. And holding a metaphorical gun to someone’s head to be socially included is just tripe.
Unfortunately, that’s not true at all, homophobic violence is alive and well.
Stats please.
You asked for stats:
Twenty-one per cent of Australians and one in four men now believe “homosexuality is immoral”, following a steady rise in homophobic attitudes in the years since the same-sex marriage plebiscite in 2017, new research suggests.
That figure hit a record low of 18 per cent from July 2018 to June 2020, according to Roy Morgan, but in the years since the long-term downward trend has stalled, edging back up to 21 per cent by 2024-25 — marking the first sustained increase in more than two decades.
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/homophobia-on-the-rise-after-longterm-decline-one-in-four-men-now-believe-homosexuality-is-immoral/news-story/011f812894e678f2380601af90fb5aac
Believing homophobia is immoral doesn’t give anyone a license to act on their personal beliefs. But in a democracy, it also doesn’t give any one the right to say they are wrong to hold those views, just that others disagree with the view. You can’t legislate a universal idea of morality, but what a government can do is make it illegal to assault or harass someone on your personal belief. People are allowed to believe whatever they want.
And there is a persistent moral high ground fallacy in all this … a general populace bombarded with blokes kissing blokes and woman doing ditto, is confronting for many, and aggravates personal moral perceptions. Someone is always going to end up affronted.
What do you suggest, re-education camps? Pun intended.
77% of LGBTQ young people have experienced workplace sexual harassment
30% of respondents reported perpetrators threatened them with sexual violence as a means of “fixing” their gender or sexual orientation, a common experience for young women and those presumed female at birth.
Most perpetrators were men who were older than the people they harassed and typically acted alone.
46% of perpetrators were co-workers, while 31% were clients or customers of the workplace.
https://www.anrows.org.au/media-releases/lgbtq-young-people-sexual-harassment/
Any other sources that don’t start out from an accusatory standpoint?
If you accept the reality few homosexuals are the much characterised mincers, and that the majority do not characterise their sexuality overtly in the workplace , all the more to keep your sexual preferences to yourself. ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ is a much criticised US armed forces mantra, but in this instance, it seems good advice … and that goes for straights as well.
So according to Magpie, statistics that report abuse aren’t to be believed. Does the same go for reports of elder abuse? Whinging old fuckers they are, always complaining about people taking their things. Whinging about son in laws. Trying to diddle the kids out of their inheritance and then complaining when someone takes action.
Typical misreading of a response.
Basically, statistics should be treated with great caution … abuse is real and is not to be tolerated, it is the statistics that can be the problem. A poke in chest can sit along side a punch and kick, or the extreme (and undoubtedly real) examples with which you choose to conflate the issue (with a wanky little touch of ad hominem overstatement). And you kidding yourself if in this world of government funding for just about everything, if you don’t believe numbers are massaged in the interest of the next round of grants or the next KPI review. The excesses of early feminism pioneered this, where an unwelcome wink could be equated with putting a hand up a dress.
ut as usual, you’ve meandered off the original subject and The ‘Pie remains of the same mind … sexual orientation or opinions – suspected or otherwise – have no place in the working environment. And that means don’t advertise the fact with lanyards.
77% of LGBTQ young people – who responded to a survey – SAY they have experienced sexual harassment at work. That’s not the same as “they have all actually” experienced it. Have all these claims been tested in court and legally proven? (This group is hardly alone in making sweeping statements as ‘fact’ that are really just the often-unverifiable opinions, or even agendas, of the people giving the answers, or even whether those answers were based on leading questions; the reader doesn’t get the benefit of how the questions were worded to elicit such a high percentage of respondents saying ‘yes’).
I don’t doubt that many really do experience commentary and behaviour in the workplace that runs the gamut from making them a little uneasy to outright physical violence, whether or not they’ve gone public that they even are LGBTQ, etc.
My issue with the cited article, and the statistics within it, is the unquestioning / unchallenging certainty that every reported instance is the unassailable truth – that if someone believes they have been harassed, then they have, and that’s not the same thing at all (much as some people with vested interests might want it to be, and ANROWS appears to be an outfit with one hell of a vested interest!).
Something else to note: the article records numbers, as faithfully regurgitated by Ducky, that are patently inaccurate: 46% of perpetrators were co-workers, and 31% were customers. That adds up to 77, sure…but that only accounts for 77% of the perpetrators – what about the other 23% that would then cover ALL the perpetrators of the 77% of survey respondents who say they were harassed?
I know what the writer was TRYING to say, but the fact that she/he/they ultimately got fuddled with percentages in one part of the article opens up – at the very least – the possibility that other cited statistics might be inaccurate as well.
This is an important topic, that’s important to get right. Hyperventilating news releases like the one from ANROWS don’t do anyone any favours, least of all the people they’re purportedly sticking up for.
His comments will resonate with a lot of voters.
When a worker can be asked to show cause for a perceived sexual suggestion, let alone any physical act, then the continual affirmation of others sexuality surely does not belong in the workplace.
The same tact was tried with the failed voice debacle, workplaces came out in unanimous support, that ended well for them didn’t it?
Nick may be tapping the silent majority of Townsville.
Agree with what you say, but that story featuring a clip that has been floating around and previously quoted occasionally in various places, serves a dual purpose for the Bulletin … it serves the God of Clicks, and it dog whistles to those who hold more extreme views on homosexuality than Dametto’s sensible one on this issue.
If you watch the ABC News channel they regularly get a detailed weather brief from the meteorology mob. There is always a large “rainbow” flag on the desk behind the commentator.
To say the least its bloody annoying and distracting, the occupant of the desk is always discreetly leaning back so you can’t see him, her, it.
The crosses we have to bear, eh?
The last thing we need is rainbows on the weather. How awful!
Very good!!!
Andy, last time I was at the Vantassel St council dump there was a sign warning customers that verbal abuse of staff would not be tolerated. Seen the same in the corridors at the hospital and on the bumper bar of an ambulance. Now you’d think that in 2025 it is so obvious that it would not need to be said – and yet there are still ignorant, entitled yobbos of both sexes who just don’t get it. So when I see a rainbow lanyard or equivalent I take it as a subtle reminder that homophobic comments and behaviour are out of order in this workplace or institution – just as they are in the council chamber.
So wearing a rainbow lanyard is a dog whistle to say you are all homophobic, and I have to remind you not to be.
Quite insulting, nanny state rubbish. As The ‘Pie said in a previous comment, if it was deemed OK that straight people could also wear a lanyard or symbol of their sexuality, The ‘Pie would have no issue.
Exactly, Magpie. Some people are so entitled and moronic, even when they are sober, they have to be told how to behave. And of course some of them are insulted and even take OFFENCE!! Gone are the days when you could take a good-natured swing at a security guard in La Vomitorium and get away with it. It’s political correctness gone mad!
(Via Email)
I believe from my study of the 23/24 – incomplete full accounts – and from listening to TCC workers – that there are massive over expenditures and wastages.
A concern was raised at the Upper Ross Community Voice meeting on Tuesday night. A resident asked us if any of us had any affiliation with Jenny Hill. Ann-Maree was very defensive (too defensive) , demanded proof, was shaken. We’ve been tracing the money and it looks like Jenny’s sponsors are behind AG and Dametto. Also at this meeting Troy Thompson announced a full audit into the past 10 yrs. Previous Councillor Deanne Bell, said “No, don’t look backwards, move forward’. But there were residents up there that believed the misappropriated funds should put some previous councillors and Mayors in serious legal positions. It was heated.
So much for “Independent”. The clear $50 000 being spent on one campaign is not “independent” money. It’s upsetting to have 9 of my corflutes (paid for by Uncle & Aunt) – $500 – cut down and stolen – and yet Dametto’s remain there. But I’m told it is not to my advantage to point this out or complain.
But we power on – and I am humbled and inspired by so many grass roots people – many of whom I do not even know – who are out there waving wobble boards, and handing out flyers. A true , true grass-roots campaign.
I am very worried for our city – and if people knew the information that I have been made aware of, and experienced for myself – the city would be worried for our future too.
But this race – with so many candidates – might be won by only 10% of the 140 000 voters ? Will people actually post them ? Dave at the electoral office said they have had many people coming in who have lost their ballots, not received them ? I haven’t got mine yet. ?
On the issue of a forensic audit of the TCC’s books going back a decade, there is a great deal of deflecting confusion raised by those objecting to the idea. Many of the ‘no’ arguments are self-serving protectionism. But on one given reason not to do so is false … it would in no way affect the day-to-day ordinary functions, running and decision making of the council. A forensic independent audit (God save us from KPMG) which could only ever be ordered and funded by the state government, would take place quietly in the background, with no distracting running commentary until the final report in handed in. Councillors woulkd not be involved apart from possible sideline interviews one-on-one by some.
Given justifiable speculation that this isn’t just a council matter per se, but would deeply involve the state Labor Party since 2012, there will be frantic machinations behind the scenes if it was believed the Crisafulli Government might entertain the idea.
The ‘Pie’s bet is that even if it is called for, it will go nowhere, political classes everywhere have a vested interest in looking after their own – including their enemies – when it comes to opening up cans of worms. Open one, and demands to open others in a ‘butwhaddabout’ reprisal will be greatly strengthened.
So it is likely that this sleeping dog – a Maltese terrier, in this case – will be let lie.
Okay Ms Keune, as well as a number of anomalies in your videos and on FB, you put out a video standing in front of Dance North telling us how you campaigned for the NQ Drive motor precinct when you campaigned for TCC in 2012. In actual fact you campaigned for TCC in 2008. You also say they’ve been fighting for it for 15 years which takes us back to 2010 which according to another post, you were in the USA having just bought a ranch with your (then) husband.
You also tell us that you left the country in protest against the Government introducing GST. Strange that you worked for Dance North from 1997 to 2001 and GST was introduced in July 2000 after a considerable time of planning and red tape. Ms Keune please get your facts right, your stories are starting to sound like ThreeNames.
Did Thompson write Mrs Keunes CV and LinkedIn profile? Dejavu.
A couple of things have become abundantly clear in this mayoral campaign.
The discord within council and councillors, is still evident.
At the MIRRA meeting on the island a resident asked Paul Jacobs ” What did he think about councils treatment of Troy Thompson”?
His answer was “In my opinion Thompson has been unfairly treated. It was an ethical thing, and I could see things going on inside. I went to the OIA with names with emails of people doing things, but my complaint was shafted. You have to look at the machinations going on behind the scenes with what was happening to Troy. I could see exactly what was going on, and I did not like it.”
Certainly no love lost between Greaney and Jacob. In my opinion neither have any chance of becoming mayor.
Greaney certainly has misread the sentiment of the people of Townsville, she is being hammered at town hall meetings and on social media, for a public figure she does not handle criticism well. Will be very interested to see how she polls within her own Division 3 electorate.
Will Jacobs and Greaney be able to work together?
Will Greaney be able to work with the new Mayor, or will she continue to white ant and back stab behind the scenes?
A rearrangement of councillor seating arrangement may be advisable, shin kicking, elbow digs to the ribs and lifting a noisome buttock towards each other would be most unedifying.
…I wave my private parts at your aunties, you cheesy lot of second hand electric donkey-bottom biters.
Greaney is delusional. She thinks she is the belle of the ball but in reality she isn’t well liked by the ratepayer. Some people have long memories and have no intention of granting her the possum furs on a permanent basis. Jacob’s dig at Greaney isn’t a defence of Thompson, it’s simply an avenue to knife her publicly for denying him the possum furs. Jacob knows that Thompson is a walking clusterfuck who won’t get voted in, but he isusuing this opportunity to stick it to the tent wearer.
Peppercorn Pete,
Jacobs stuck the boot where he could to Greaney at the meeting, from him taking leave from the council without pay until the election was over, saying ‘he could not speak what the other councillor running for mayor was doing’. Also telling residents he could explain certain island issues after the meeting rather than just using a bullet point -as Greaney had done.
He also said ” He had a very good working relationship with Thompson whilst he was Deputy Mayor ” and ‘” He was the the conduit between Thompson and the councillors”.
Jacobs has not forgotten being knifed in the back by Greaney and her gang of 5.
Why the fuck would Thompson … or any mayor …. need a conduit to reach councillors who are smack bang in front of him? Fucking nonsense.
Jacob, lived on Maggie Island some years ago and his contribution was about as useful as tits on the proverbial, potential voters need to think long and hard about his ability to change or challenge anything. We have a dud bunch to choose from!
would be mega surprised if Greaney was to remain deputy doo dah after she gets towelled up in this race. the amount of front she would need to be deputy to Dametto, after publicly disparaging him so much, would be huge
The Deputy’s job is a matter for the whole council.
Maggie Moggie, hopefully Greaney loses the mayoral race and remains the division councillor for your island. Better off having her over on the island and away from the mainland. That might sound selfish but Ho hum. And look at the bright side, she could sit on a sailing boat, hitch up her dress and let the wind blow her over to the island. Truly, a renewable energy source.
Anuket, I looked it up. In the 2024 election, Division 3 had 14,537 enrolled voters of which 10,909 (75%) voted. Less than 2,000 of them would have been Maggie Islanders. So Cr. Greaney, who pulled 47.5% of the vote, is really a product of the City, North Ward, Belgian Gardens, Pallarenda voters, unless an inordinate number of islanders gave her 100% – which they did not. The point is, she was way ahead of her opposition for that role. If she loses the mayoral by-election, say to Dametto, I can’t imagine who amongst the other councillors, who put her there in the first place, would challenge her for the deputy’s job. Can you?
Maybe you have the time and inclination, but given the situation at hand, The Magpie cannot bring himself to get even slightly exercised by the deputy mayor possibilities. FFS.
Pie, it’s time Greaney was called out on her educational qualifications.
I just had a look at her Instagram account amgformayor.
She says after graduating from high school she went to JCU where she obtained a “Diploma in Education”. Then, she says, she taught at Rasmussen.
When she forwarded validation to the Bulletin for their NO BULLY profile of candidates the best she could come up with was a certificate in events management from TAFE. No mention of any JCU qualifications.
You can’t obtain a teaching diploma without a first degree.
In this video, she is quite the little actor in delivering her lines. Very convincing.
For anyone wondering why Greaney gets mauled at MIRRA meetings? You can’t believe a word that comes out of her mouth.
She should stand down from this pathetic attempt to deceive her way into the Mayor’s job.
But Cow Bell, it’s a known pathway to the fur trimmed robes. cf Thompson and Hill.
And Troy Thompson paid a very high price for exaggerating his qualifications.
Greaney is not fit to be Mayor.
We’ll get to Jenny Hill later.
Give it a fuckin’ rest, Cow Bell, completely different scenario … for instance, it could be a simple oversight which is not worth getting hysterical about. Thompson’s lying was deliberate and premeditated. Greaney';s not clever enough for that.
She did get at least a diploma in teaching at JCU, 3 years. I know that for a fact. The next step after that is a year out in the field, which probably explains the Rasmussen thing you refer to.
So why would she not provide validation of that qualification for the Bulletin’s candidate profile?
You’re talking through your hat.
Seems to me that talking through your hat is preferable to talking through your ass, which is what you’ve been doing this week Clarabelle.
I can only imagine what your qualifications are. Certificate in Malicious Gossip with Distinction.
‘And here is Greaney’s profile as Acting Mayor on Council’s website: making exactly the same claim to qualifications from JCU.
https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/mayor-and-councillors/councillor-profiles/cr-ann-maree-greaney
A diploma of Education is a pathway to a degree, provided the University acknowledges that pathway. Since she has been on a board, perhaps she has either more formal quals or life skills that can benefit such position.
I don’t like her as an acting Mayor, but my opinion is miniscule in the scheme of things.
The issue that is trying to be raised here is a matter of honesty and integrity, but in practical terms does not have any bearing at all on acting as a mayor. In normal times, no one would give a dogs toss, but Thompson’s lies make it generally relevant. However, one hardly places Greaney on the same level of conniving dishonesty as the community has placed on Thompson’s far more egregious claims.
Isn’t it, Pie?
Greaney has been Division 3 representative for a decade, and during that time we’ve had nothing but lies from her. She consistently stands up at MIRRA meetings telling us black is white. Now she’s trying to pass herself off as a qualified teaching professional? Enough is enough.
Another ‘issue’ is commenter credibility. Clarabelle says “ You can’t obtain a teaching diploma without a first degree”.
KennyK says “She did get at least a diploma in teaching at JCU, 3 years. I know that for a fact”.
One of you is wrong. Who will be the first to admit their mistake?
I will just add, you need a Batchelor of Education (degree) to teach in Qld. That takes 3 years and you get to throw your hat in the air on graduation. A diploma may take as little as 6 months, but more likely 12 months and not offered by JCU unless you are in Singapore. Perhaps Ma Greaney needs to clarify her qualification.
Yes, perhaps she should, but no one is going to make. adecision on this, and the facts have been sufficiently aired here.
End of thread.
Should nesters wish to view Greaney’s Instagram fib for themselves, here’s the link:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQOZ3ibES2R/
Warning: Graphic content. She’s wearing shorts.
Is Foodtrucks wearing shorts or a wraparound 6-man tent?
Dunno, couldn’t open the link, and on consideration, thought it was to best leave it alone.
After the Katters and Dametto chummed up to the National Socialist Network Nazis in Townsville, after Bob backed the Nazi lover Anning %1000 , After Bob previously backed the Melbourne Nazi United Patriots Front -fucken supposed lefty Albo again said what a great mate he was. This whilst unveiling a portrait of Bob to be hung in the CTH Parliament alongside the portraits of the PMs who ushered in the white Australian/Apartheid constitution , considered by yank talking so called journos as ‘founding fathers’. Albo went on to say ‘that there will a corner of the parliament that will forever be Bob Katter ‘.If anyone has a problem with me saying it’s because no-one else will want to sit in the stains left by by the incontinent old fascist bastard- Whilst I never had a choice about who I was in the army with- I never hung out with the Nazis. So fuck you !
Was that during your time in the SAS?
(This comment was edited for relevance and the sad recognition that zealots have no sense of humour. The Magpie.)
Where did that come from Mal? No fuck yah !
As I have repeatedly said, I’m not a vet . I did my time in Townsville with a four month stint in Butterworth Malaysia and Singapore and was honorably discharged after 4 years 3 months.
I think it was a joke about Troy Thompson
Thank you. Have tried to explain that to Pat, who for all his gifted research and doggedness, seems to lack the balance of a sense of humour.
Anyone know how many punters were at the Jelly Roll concert last night?
The Townsville Bulletin was giving away tickets on Wednesday, generally a ploy used to boost crowd numbers and justify the ratepayer cash handed over to the promoters.
From yesterday’s TB website:
GIVEAWAY: Jelly Roll tickets in Townsville
Want to score tickets to Jelly Roll’s show at Queensland Country Bank Stadium? Read the story to find out how
Tes, saw that and clicked through out of curiosity to be told that ‘this offer has now been closed’ or words to that effect. That was about midday yesterday.
20000 , great night. Absolutely wonderful to see the mix of people there. Young, old, families. Shaboozie, and jelly roll, were very humble to North Queensland, appreciating their first stadium concert experience. Even had the stadium pumping when jelly roll sang the classic angel’s hit, am I ever gonna see your face again. He found it quite amusing, that everyone including kids were belting out, no way, get fucked, fuck off. Pretty good also, crowd participation, sounded great ????. We need more live music!
Good report, Mdog, thanks, you pass on the vibe very clearly. So a fine success.
But always there is a question: why wasn’t a similar report to your vivid word picture not in the Bulletin, which had promoted the bejesus out of this concert? And bad enough that they were too lazy/stingy to do a timely story, they foisted completely out-of-date, sideline subject on us TODAY, the morning AFTER the concert. this on us. Unbelievable!!
The ‘Pie has printed the entire story to highlight it was not only out of date but the interview took place at about midday yesterday! And you’re expected to pay money for information that tells you ‘The gates open at 4.30pm’ … the day after they swung back. FFFS!!!
Whether iditor Jill Poulsen is at the mercy of Big Corporation external timings for the print edition or she hasn’t got the wit to realise this sort of thing continues the sad joke the paper has become, no one knows. But what we do know is that the Bulletin has just reinforced the conviction that it is part of the problem, not the solution – a paper a community needs to trust.
And absolutely no reflection on ‘Josie’, who had her big moment in the sun, great to see young local talent get these sorts of opportunities. And hopefully she acquitted herself well enough to go on to bigger things that will her allow to afford a surname.
Pie, I am surprised that none of the current mayoral candidates have made any effort to appeal to the grey vote. A significant oversight in my opinion. With the aged care reforms on 1 November introducing monumental fee increases and co-payments for the support older people at home, the media have reported a general sense of despair for older people needing help at home and even talk of VAD. Although the federal gov is responsible for support at home, I would have thought it the perfect time for local candidates to express some measure of understanding at how this affects a huge section of our city and seek out initiatives to address some of the deficits to home dwelling older Townsvillians. Fran O tried very hard to reintroduce mowing vouchers or even a scaled down version for seniors, as she could see that this was becoming difficult to access through the federal scheme. She was shot down in council of course but this type of local government initiative is needed more than ever. In my opinion all of the candidates have missed a huge opportunity to tap into the concerns or even demonstrate an understanding of the concerns of a very large voter section who hold great power in numbers.
If were going to help the elderly, surely we can help the disabled, the infirm, perhaps single mothers, the mentally ill, veterans, those injured in the workplace, people who own large blocks of land. I mean the list IS endless.
…Im not saying they are intrinsically more worthy but as a group..this demographic forms a huge and growing number of residents and guess what? They are also all voters. Wouldnt it be a wise move to court older voters? Particularly smack bang at the same time as landmark reform to age services? It may not be on your radar but I can tell you , its going to impact our hospital and health services very soon down the line. I digress though, local government cant do alot but making some small overtures towards the over 70s would be very wise at this point in terms of winning votes. The other groups you rightfully mention just do not have the power in numbers.
Yes we’ll thank you for that lecture but you are incorrect.
The elderly, as much as you want to believe it, do not have the numbers, even if they do vote (and quite a few don’t due to medical reasons). The over 70s simply do not make up the bulk of the voter base. They might in 20 or 30 years but not right now.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Australia
DN, Most of them will be dead in 20 – 30 years.
Foodtrucks was on Facebook this morning claiming to have not been aware of many of the issues surrounding the Haughton pipeline project. She said that only since becoming acting Mayor has she become aware of the issues. What the actual fuck? Don’t the councillors and CEO talk? Have TCC got its head well and truly in the sand? They spend enough time drinking coffee and making small talk so you would assume that the tent wearing Foodtrucks would be across the issues. What an embarrassment.
The real question is if she is telling the truth (always a question with this Jenny devotee), why didn’t she know? Why didn’t she keep across such a vital issue?
Either way, not a vote catcher pleading dereliction of duty … or lying.
She would’ve been better off saying nothing. It’s an absolute farce that such a high-end expensive project could receive council approval without her knowing all the details. It’s actually very concerning.
Catcher in the lie
And who is the Division 10 councillor? And the state member for the Haughton pipeline electorate? Hmm. Good question.
Division 10 – Brady Ellis
State Member – Dale Last
Federal Member – Andrew Willcox
@ Prince Rollmop, all councillors had an in-depth overview of the Haughton Project, and all projects pre budget, last year and this year, Greaney is lying, perhaps someone should report her, they tape the workshops too.
Aaron, are you saying that TCC is the controller of the budget for the Haughton2 pipeline? Isn’t it actually the Premier and Treasurer who decide whether to pause construction, how to deal with the apparent budget overrun and what share TCC is going to pay? Do you think the council (Mayor or CEO or whoever) even know, today, what the current status of the pipeline budget is? I doubt it. I’d say that’s C-in-C in Brisbane.
Cameron ‘By Name, By Nature’ Dick has a fucking lot to answer for around here.
Dick sure has a lot to answer for, but not every single thing. The last (or latest?), cost overruns in the Haughton pipeline saga are in the hands of the Crisafulli government. They know, and have always known, exactly what the score is and who will carry the can. Apart from the $79m which TCC has known about for four or five years now, no other costs bullshit should be passed on to Townsville ratepayers. The tab should be picked up by Brisbane unless someone has a lifeline connected to Canberra – which is exceedingly unlikely given the impotence of the LNP local member when he had a shitload of Morrison money to spend on the Reef HQ redevelopment but suffered a severe case of coitus interruptus – possibly chronic – around the time they finished knocking the joint down. Dis Dick for sure, but in the end Crisafulli and local member Dale Last will be explaining the payment plan to Townsville ratepayers. Dametto better be on his toes or he’ll be on his arse.
Yes, yes, but Bobby, Bobby, come over here and talk to Uncle Magpie. Listen carefully.
The situation was not created by the Crisafulli Government, it simply inherited it (and the pipeline was hardly an issue given the unforgivable performance overall of the Palaszczuk/Smiley government. The problem started wholly and solely when Dick had his massive ego fart and told the feds to shove it, he’d pay for it himself … then promptly send Townsville ratepayers the bill for the excess.
Run along now, and don’t play too rough with the girls in the sandpit.
Also Aaron, only a portion (or even none) of the Haughton pipeline is in the Dawson federal electorate. Most of it, particularly at ‘our’ end, including the Ross River dam, Lansdown and the Flinders Highway, is in Bob Katter’s Kennedy electorate, which probably explains why no one knows what’s going on.
Also because Bob has 0 interest in it as Bob’s attention (when it swings back around to water for 30 seconds) is entirely focused on getting the Bob Katter Memorial Hells Gate Dam up and running. Which will never happen for a multitude of reasons, not least of which is cost.
https://jeanineorzani.substack.com/p/the-web-within-the-team
Worth a look Magpie, this woman has done a bundle of research on her block, on many a topic we all ask for. answers on
Nice bit of fancy academic posturing.
Basically pointless rot.
Writes interestingly, though, might have a look at other stuff if I ever get the bloody time.
What’dya mean if you get the time?????? You haven’t used any of tomorrow yet.
What a load of shit.
Too many ten dollar words in there for you, Kenny?
She is also heavily pushing Ms Keune on social media.
Margie Ryder ‘polished’ ?
FFS
Foul mouthed Bogan springs to mind first
That link was a prize piece of codswallop, if ever.
Just saw the US (less) Prez rambling on as per usual, BUT he was attempting/pretending to read from a large folio.
However he rocked to and fro excessively as if Shuckling was required, he was alarmingly like Joe Biden in that he seemed disoriented.
Shuckling, eh?
Looks like Ms Keune has upset the Astonisher with the story today outing her as one of the Labor preferred candidates.
She also, apparently, has a strange method of record keeping, which would be rather troublesome for a lawyer.
The ‘Pie’s reliable information is that Hill has been talking to both Keune and Greaney during the campaign.
The Mullet would not, of course, have anything to do with Jacob, who was a bit too honest for her when she was in office.
Should Keune get up all the Hill advice will be nullified as there is no Team Keune. Hopefully the other Councillors would keep a lid on her as they did in the first Hill council.
But all of this is no matter until the results are posted.
News flash:
FORMER PARTNER IN TOP TOWNSVILLE RESTAURANT DIES.
Graham Richardson, at one time co-owner of The Watermark has died in Sydney, aged 76. Along with his high profile in the dining industry, Richardson was also a former Senator and a prominent commentator on political affairs in the media.
He always found time for family, friends and intimates when he visited Townsville, like deeply respected local businessman Rabieh Krayem and then iditor of The Daily Astonisher, Ben English.
He was famous for his saying ‘Whatever it takes’, but always denied that it was a reference to the cost of a meal at The Watermark.
Richardson was a criminal. An absolute crook and a political rorter. No loss.
I think what Townsville needs right now is a safe pair of hands , do everyone a favour and vote for the candidate most likely to keep the crimes and failures of the council firmly in the closet whilst enjoying the money and kickbacks that will most effectively cripple this civilisation.
Most importantly it is critical they must be willing to say ANYTHING to get the vote of those unwashed faces staring up at the dais chewing on turnips – because lies are political currency needed during this crisis.
From your previous voting habits I just know I can rely on you
Many thanks