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The Magpie

Saturday, May 11th, 2024   |   369 comments

Troy Thompson Is Now Caught In A Monkey Jar Trap

As evidence mounts and investigative interests goes national, it seems our emotionally damaged accidental mayor has ‘bunny in the headlights’ syndrome. All indications are that Thompson is trapped in his own lies by greed and has lost the usual option of ‘fight or flight’.

And questions are already being asked about the choice of the interim CEO. In Joe McCabe, do we have we yet another dud using the Townsville City Council as a sheltered workshop for the career damaged? Maybe not, but some questions need to be asked.

‘Career damage’ is also the week’s theme out in Thuringowa, as Aaron Harper proves he really is Harpic … clean round the bend. His latest effort is rumoured to making Beyond Blue making him an inspirational poster boy.both sad and alarming for an elected MP.

And its been a week when some great lines have come out of the Great Fraud’s fraud trial in New York.

If you are able to support The Nest with a donation to help meet costs, it will be greatly appreciated. To those who ask why we don’t take advertising to cover costs,  it can only be assumed you are new around here …. who would dare risk it, heh heh heh …

The Siege Of Troy: Why Mayor TwoNames Thompson Is Nervously Looking Westward

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The Monkey Jar Trap is the age old ruse of placing a banana in a glass jar with a neck narrow enough to only allow an arm in. The monkey sees the fruit, puts his hand in and grabs it but then finds he can’t get his hand free again, it is too narrow for a. fist,let alone a banana. BUT his limited reasoning power  will not let him release the banana and uncurl his fist … even when he sees the hunter coming to get him.

Troy Thompson finds he now has a $250k a year banana, but circumstances suggest he’s been found out and should retreat.  But he won’t, he cannot bring himself to let go of the ‘banana’ he has grasped, despite heavy footsteps approaching.

So our own naked Monkey King with no clothes seems to have suddenly realised there are no fig leaf around with which to hide his exaggerations about his private matters.  (Someone please remind The ‘Pie to brush up on his metaphors.)

Oh, to have been a Magpie in the rafters when Thompson heard that an award-winning investigative journalist  in Perth joined the fact hunt about our mayor’s stolen valour claims about his military service. And this bloke. Gary Adshead, is no airhead gabbling shock jock.

Gary Adshead 6PR Screen Shot 2024-05-11 at 5.52.37 pmGary Adshead 6PR Screen Shot 2024-05-11 at 5.53.03 pm

He is an award winning journo who among other achievements, broke a scandal that eventually saw  WA politician Barry Urban kicked out of state parliament and  eventually go to jail. But what no doubt gave Thompson a hyperventilating sphincter was the core facts that Adshead helped uncover , as recorded in Wiki: - “Urban was elected as a member of the Labor Party but resigned from the party and sat as an independent from November 2017, after a series of scandals involving false claims of his credentials, including his educational qualifications and his wearing of a police overseas service medal to which he had no entitlement.”

Anything sound familiar? It sure did to Adshead when he heard about the claims of our accidental mayor.

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Here is that clip, and in this longer podcast version, (sorry, unedited, lots of superfluous noisy ads at the start)  Adshead asks for anyone in Perth who knows anything about Thompson’s lost five years in WA to contact him.

With Adshead on your trail,  constipation is never an issue. And because Adshead’s beat is Perth,  Thompson’s claims of military service, bizarrely including the off-hand boast of time with SAS, was said to be served in WA,  the facts could be on this journo’s doorstep. And The ‘Pie knows that one of Thompson’s exs lives over that way. Whether she is the bean spilling type is yet to be seen, if she surfaces at all. Any involvement for this woman is on TwoNames head anyway,  because he himself  claimed the all important missing military service number is in a book in her possession.

The key here is a question of credibility, which cannot be just shrugged off as a minor ‘I misspoke, I meant I was a chef a couple of times at the SAS Barracks’,  the truth of his military record will point to reasonable doubt about the other claims he has largely glided and gilded over in business and domestic violence matters.

Thompson posted that he was on sick days last week, – ‘ at home for the foreseeable future’ – with some unpleasant bug he claims is going around town (takes one to know one).  But ever the hero, he, brave little soldier that he is, said he was quite OK, just didn’t want to get anyone else catching it.

Here’s  a newsflash for you,  mate – you’re safe to go into Walker. Street, you won’t infect anyone else – deceitful, lying stupidity isn’t contagious.

The voters of Townsville … including The Magpie … figured whoever took the mayoral chair could never be as deceitful, self-seeking and dishonest as Jenny Mayor Mullet Hill.

Well,don’t we just look like prize chumps now?

Then There’s This ….

After a secret meeting, the council selected one Joe McCabe to be the interim CEO, a wasteful, unnecessary and pompous waste of ratepayers money. There is of course, no understanding of how they reached this decision, it was all behind closed doors because as the oily and egregious Tony Blight’ lied to the paper , it was necessary because there would be some intensely personal information revealed by the candidates. (What utter tosh – thank Christ this workplace bully is leaving soon).

The Magpie wonders who really suggested McCabe and if the councillors were privy to the following revealed in Nest comments soon after the announcement. If they were, they should be ashamed, if they weren’t, they be angry and ask why that information was in front of them at the meeting. That said, McCabe may well be the goods, but we have been taken for a ride in this area before.

McCabe looks good on paper, his self-penned bio on social media comparing himself with sliced bread.

The Magpie

Interesting to note that McCabe bailed from the GCCC at the end of 2022, after ten years, and a year or two after this tiny problem … just funnily enough, he doesn’t mention is Linkedin bio.

(Didn’t post the story, it’s behind a paywall but might be possible to google it, just google the headline and gold coast bulletin – btw McCabe wasn’t mentioned in what The’Pie read, but he was in one of the most senior position of infliuence and decision making in the council. He got the tap on the shoulder in a ‘reshuffle’ in ’22.)

  • The Magpie


    New Acting TCC CEO Joe McCabe

    Now, regrettably, it seems prudent that Troy Thompson’s Gold Coast connections need to be examined, and especially if he knew McCabe personally. As The ‘Pie understands it, the McCabe name was put up by consultants who would have talked to Thompson about the appointment, or if in fact TwoNames didn’t put the name forward himself. So despite the council knocking back his wish to make the appointment of Acting CEO all by himself, he may have got he wanted anyway.

    It is quite possible TwoNames had dealings and contacts inside the GGCC … one avenue in would be Thompson’s go-to solicitor Bill Potts, the high profile media tart who acts as the law industry spokesman on legal matters. Potts has BIG ins with the Goldie Council and, so The ‘Pie is told, with Mayor Tom Tate. And would therefore at least know who McCabe was, and even more likely, may know him personally. Whether the McCabe/Potts/Thompson dots can be connected, and even if they are, what implications may flow is a matter of pure speculation … an activity our con man mayor seems to bring out in an ever widening group of people.

    We’ll be watching.

But Maybe We’ve All Got It Wrong,  And Troy Thompson Is Actually Being Humble.

That possibility was raised by some clever imaginative investigative work by someone over at the handy local website Everything Townsville. We’re wondering if our mayor’s squeeze, or the man himself, sent in these seeming genuine photographs.

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While That May Be Fantasmical Whimsy, This Isn’t – Harpic Has Completely Lost It

Could Aaron Harper become the new poster boy for suicide prevention crowd Beyond Blue.  After this week, quite possible. Here’s why.

If is is the highly likely case that Troy Thompson has mental problems , he has some good company over in Thuringowa. This popped up on Aaron Harper’s FB page during the week. No, really, it did, it’s not a joke … in any sense of the word.

Cartoonist Harry Bruce was at his sharpest in the Weekend Bulletin.

Screen Shot 2024-05-11 at 9.38.41 pm

That’s all truly sad, Aaron.

But Hey,  Someone Out There Sees A Life For You After October, Harpic.

A reader imagined a letter from Beyond Blue is probably on its way to you right now.  Looks like they’ll ditch RUOK for a more effective idea inspired by you.

Dear Aaron,

We here at Beyond Blue commend you and intend to publicly recognise you for your efforts in fighting mental illness.  
As Australia’s most recognised mental health advocacy group, we intend to  announce you,  the current Member for the seat of Thuringowa, be recognised nationally. 
“Mr Harper’s most recent Facebook post, where he portrays himself as Batman, has become our secret weapon in the battle against depression” the spokesman stated.
“His post works on so many levels. We have been able to use it to make even catatonic suffers wet themselves with laughter.”  
“The fact that someone so obviously mentally unwell, has been able to maintain both his delusional self belief, and his high paying publicly funded job is something for all mentally ill people to aspire too.”
The new Beyond Blue Campaign set to coincide with Mental Health Week will replace the highly successful “R U Ok?”  day. 
“RU Ok was tremendous for starting the discussion, but it didn’t give people the tools to help if someone responded by saying they weren’t ok.  We think that the new “It could be worse” featuring some of Mr Harper’s work, will give great context for people to recognise that as bad as it feels now,  it could be worse.”

Yours etc.

Roll on, October.

The Trump Courtroom Was Comedy Central During The Week

And the star turn was porn star Stormy Daniels. This woman is no dummy, and matched it with the hapless Trump lawyers. The best headline went to the Australian, with an excellent colour piece by reporter Will Pavia ‘It Was A Dark And Stormy Fright.’

One particular little gem had the courtroom laughing.

The alleged affair at the heart of the first trial of a former president of the US began with a “brief encounter”, Daniels said.

(It happened) when she was under contract to an adult film company Wicked Pictures, which had sponsored a hole at a celebrity golf  tournament in Lake Tahoe in

2006.

“Yes, that’s very funny,” shesaid. “An adult film company sponsoring one of the holes.”

And when Trump’s counsel, famous for walking into swinging doors, asked her if she was expecting benefit personally from all the publicity surrounding the trial, she replied ‘Yes,  not unlike Mr Trump. ‘ Kapow!!

The cartoonists had a field day with the trial, as well as the hypocrisy of the student pro-Palestinian protests at universities across the country .

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And Finally …

…The Magpie can’t help himself sometimes.One of his daily chores is checking the excellent Roy Morgan News Summary site.  He was amused to see the following typo, missing a crucial end ‘r’, and was surprised when it persisted for several days in the morning feed. So he decided to ask the obvious question.

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……..

At tad short this week, there was a lot more planned but the software decided to go on strike intermittently in the past couple of days. However, managed to get the main stuff in. Comments have really become popular, try your hand.

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369 Comments

  1. Mike Douglas says:

    Team Hill machine including advisors / council marketing propped up Team Hill Councillors and starved Independents Sue Blom + Fran of resources / information / event invites in their divisions . Whilst social media is only one way to measure Councillors activity as one commentator to the blog last week said , other than Suzy and Brady there has been nothing from the other 8 full time Councillors in the last weeks vs their frenzy activity pre -election . Community and Business events haven’t stopped in Townsville . Who manages + directs Councillors ? . Regarding Batman Harper .Another waste of $ is Street University Castlemaine st Kirwan which he sold as the answer to benefiting 200,000 Townsville residents by reducing crime . Estimated to cost $1 mil a year it hasn’t reduced crime across Townsville and in fact the 20 businesses around the Street University are rumoured to have been issued free CCTV due to increased crime ./ damages .

  2. Prince Rollmop says:

    With Harpic being the emotional fool that he is, surely the super hero Wonder Woman would be a more appropriate representation of who he is. I do wonder though, if he will wear a Batman suit to his next meeting with Magpie Miles or sitting of parliament?

  3. Achilles says:

    Re the opera singers name, maybe their spell checker couldn’t spot it as there’s a town in SA near Murray Bridge called Lameroo. Well known as a water shi hub not too far from Adelaide.

    It has nothing to do with Alf Garnet’s mild insult to females.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lameroo,_South_Australia

  4. Smeg says:

    Very interesting how the WA reporter is sniffing around Thompsons past. Cant wait to see the outcome of the journo’s investigative work. Very little of Troy boys past makes sense. Lots of missing pieces dotted with half truths and plain bullshit. $20 says he goes on stress leave within the first few months.

    • The Magpie says:

      He might already be on it, calling it sick days.

    • Jatzcrackers says:

      Kitchen Appliances, agree ! Twonames, as the diehard conman he is, has quickly come to the conclusion that he’s well and truly out of his depth and is taking evasive action early (and probably a healthy payout) citing work overload and work related stress in the possum robed job !
      Twonames has followed my line as I was actually a NASA astronaut in my earlier years but felt it wasn’t really necessary to bring it up at my last Harvey Norman sales interview, although I did include it in my CV.

    • Dave Nth says:

      Too bad ANZMI was sunk.

      They fingered these clowns and even the ones who didn’t cross the line but embellished themselves.

      I’ve thrown it out among my peer group and so far got nothing yet. Not remembering Reggie no was a red flag for me.

      • Grumpy says:

        Dave – ANZMI were an unrelenting and unforgiving bunch who often confused being zealous with being a zealot But I find it amazing that not a single person has raised their hand to confirm that they served with him. Either he was so wildly unpopular that they don’t want anything to do with him (unsurprising if true), or they simply do not exist (more then likely true).

  5. I’ll be plucked says:

    Food Trucks Greaney steps in for Twonames/Twofaced on Friday, for meeting with the Chinese Consul. Wonder what the OUTCOMES and PURPOSE of the meeting was?
    Maybe, more Chinese takeaway food trucks in the deserted, dirty and disgraceful Flinders St precinct??!

  6. Alahazbin says:

    “Mine made this image up”. Don’t blame the kids Harpic. I would say “mine’ would be your own fingers hovering over the keyboard in your dark room.

    • The Magpie says:

      “Got to love your kids, eh? Mine made this image up, as they regard me as a crime fighter after advocating and helping get new laws either passed or into Parliament.”

      This pathetic faux-jovial statement raises some questions, like how old are these kids? On the one hand they’re apparently old enough to understand Dad’s claim about being crime fighter (and understanding the word ‘advocating’), but given the clumsy childish photoshopped mask, they are either too young for such understanding or are developmentally delayed.

      And there is always the other possibility: they are sniggering away down in the tree house (sharing a vape),having played this trick. on him because they think he is a prat.

      Again, a no-win situation of Harpic.

  7. Toy Thompstain says:

    I wonder if our illustrious Mayor (Arty B) will be at work tomorrow (at 5:30am)? Or will he be off work and sick again? I can’t wait to see what he has in his magical diary, no doubt he will have to consult with his P.A first thing, at the crack of dawn, and then let us know his plans. Ooh he is an exciting character isn’t he….

    • I’ll be plucked says:

      Ummm, wondering what PA would be ‘at work’ regularly at 5.30am, Stain? Does not seem right at all. There are rules around work hours, which need to be strictly adhered to, to ensure employees are efficient and looked after.
      Is this yet another BS claim by this mentally deficient accidental ‘Mayor’. I see he has also listed ‘Budget’ in these early morning sojourns, looking/staring at pieces of paper???

    • Robyn Moore says:

      Has anyone checked up on him at home. He ain’t been there

      • The Magpie says:

        How do you know that?

      • I’ll be plucked says:

        Moore, have you been lurking and peering in windows to confirm this??? Got the binoculars trained on his joint? Infra-red scopes at the ready? :)

        • The Magpie says:

          The ‘Pie reckons a bit of civic-minded stalking wouldn’t go amiss. Tou could become an admired Peeping Thomasina.

          • I’ll be plucked says:

            Forgive me Pie (and by default Moore)! I thought this was Australia, not Russia!!! :)

          • Charlie Wulguru says:

            Or they could engage the ‘The Ghost who Stalks’ from the Les Tyrell Council days. I believe he is still around, masquerading as the Member for Mundingburra. Still delivering and still helping Mums and Dads.

  8. I’ll be plucked says:

    Soon we might see an entry from the fool, ‘talking to my fish’! What a wanka! :(

  9. Ships passing in the night says:

    I wonder if Mayor Thompson will return next week? Has he been off work taking stress leave due to cyber bullying? I heard that mentioned within the corridors of wanker street. If it’s true, Troy needs to grow a spine and a set of big lumpy testicles. Man up Troy, don’t be a limp dick.

    • The Magpie says:

      An accurate memory would be good, too.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Would that be due to the cyber bullying he has previously done? Or the difficulty he’s having managing the questions being asked on his mayorall Facebook page about his forgotten service number?

  10. Tom Jefferson says:

    Has anyone asked why the only people that were willing to step up for their city, were the two muppets that challenged Hill? The level of toxicity out of walker street screams of a blight bigger than just former mayor hill.

    Yes Thompson is no doubt a liar, yes he is out of his depth, but what next? Do we sit at our keyboards and chip away at this goose, only to let one of the Team Hill councillors step up? Let’s not forget that they enabled and facilitated Hills reign and hid god knows what from us.

    They are the disease that let Thompson be elected. If they had acted with decency and not in lockstep with the deposed dictator Hill, a more credible candidate might have stepped up. They are the cancer that still threatens Townsville.

    If Thompson lied about his service he needs to go, but he isn’t the only liar sitting in that room. Fran and Blomm were lied to every single council meeting when Team Hill threw transparency and open and accountable government out the window.

    Suddenly Jenny’s Jellies have discovered that you can vote against a Mayor. How many times did that happen in the last two terms?

    • The Magpie says:

      Once or twice … most recently on a minor development issue on The Strand but that was all window dressing orchestrated by Hill herself to try to disprove the truth that has been published here consistently that they were her puppet council. There were one or two other matters over the years similarly stage-managed in efforts to disprove the fact that declared councillors were NEVER independent, at least not on big ticket items.

    • Ben Rumson says:

      T.J.
      Well said. I’ll be looking for more comments from you.

    • Steve 88 says:

      Absolutely correct
      Hill was never that smart in my opinion
      This Labor monster has been going on for at least 4 decades in Townsville
      The real demons are still hiding and planning in the back rooms of course.
      This mayor even with issues is far better than the shadowly Labor corrupt machine.
      If he goes?
      If only we had a Gleeson

  11. Perry Mason says:

    I wonder how Twonames would get on with a lawsuit for defamation, if he was trying to prove he was not in fact a liar, a shyster, a fraud and a wanker! Pretty hard for him to prove he’s not all of these! :)

    • The Magpie says:

      He would find a court of law, whether civil suit or otherwise, he would have to finally answer questions directly that may have led to what he believes are defamatory statements.

      But in The ‘Pie’s experience, it is not a course con men follow because it involves the truth in an arena that does not tolerate smart-arsey.

    • Mr Macphisto says:

      I find it interesting that he hasn’t threatened civil proceedings in the face of the accusations. I guess he hasn’t because there is an element of truth to the questions being asked. Is it a personality disorder or a mental illness behind those who feel a need to fabricate a false past of military service?

      • The Magpie says:

        You may be right, but civil action by a publicly elected official is way more dicey than for the average punter. Besides, when criticism is framed as a question, the mountain gets steeper.

  12. john flynn says:

    I would like to bring to the attention of the pie
    that a councilor of division 5 that told me she was running as an independent and not affiliated with any party, so I gave her my vote only to find out she indeed is a member of the labor party after telling thousands of people she was independent that’s right my councilor in division 5 Vera Dirou. also seen her march at the Labor Day march another person that can’t tell the truth. you may want to look into this person as well as I will be contacting the integrity committee and making a report about her.

    • The Magpie says:

      Shifty stuff from the councillor then, but she will probably worm out of it by saying she was speaking of her affiliations as a councillor, not a general membership of a party. And of course, she will claim it will have no effect on her decision making in Walker Street.

    • Southern Comfort says:

      Sorry John, I don’t buy that story. Mainly because, there is an ECQ process to be gone through, and a form to be signed regarding Party and other affiliations. And on that form, filled out over a month before the election, and published by the ECQ for each candidate online where you could have easily looked it up., Councillor Dirou fully declared her affiliation with the ALP. So there is no case there. I’m no supporter, I wouldn’t vote for her, I haven’t necessarily seen any performance I’m impressed by. But there was no hiding of her affiliations. She was right out there in the open with Jacob and the other “Change” candidates. All ALP members and pretty transparent about it.

      Now that same ECQ process has already fired a shot over bows for TwoNames, Price, et al, and the fake independent campaign they ran with MyPlace affiliation never declared, but always present in the background. Price calling it the “Gardening Club”. A warning letter was sent by ECQ, and boasted about by TwoNames, but they carried on with mutual cooperation by all appearances, including Price’s ill-thought out appearance on NQ Freedom network in Easter with all the admissions the ECQ will love sifting through. It’s bad to be boastful. Dont worry about deleting that, it’s already been saved.

      But the “Change” team, and yes, there are a few teams still present in Chamber, regardless of what is said., were honest and transparent about their affiliations. You don’t have to like them, but you should respect them, for honesty, in the face of all TwoNames lies. Jacob’s Mayor-in-waiting role notwithstanding

      And it sure as shit is not TwoNames Team Townsville of everyone coming together free of affiliation and working for HIS common dream. The Chamber is working collectively so far only as a rock to bash TwoNames head against.

      • The Magpie says:

        Indeed, Jacob is clearly hoping to a lead a Jenny-lite bloc.

      • Not running for mayor says:

        Southern Comfort, a sickly sweet pretend drink and the same in the name. What a long and complex defence of people who are Labor, but don’t identify as such in their campaigning, but do in their ECQ declarations, so lying to the voters is ok as long as the paperwork is in order it’s no harm no foul. Your vision of political correctness is very stinky.

      • ABS says:

        I was impressed when she took a stand – the only one to do so – for the principle that the acting CEO should have been appointed from within council to save money.

    • Southern Comfort says:

      I’m sorry, but I haven’t had my Hot Chocolate before bed tonight, and I’m just taking my anger out. With TwoNames off sick I haven’t had a lying toe-rag to take my frustrations out on. Come back TwoNames, so I can give you a solid kick in the nads.

    • Bin Chicken 4810 says:

      ‘Party’ or team?

    • Jenny says:

      john, in Division 5 your only other voting option was Cr. Cook – himself not in the ALP but a member of Team Jenny Hill (which at the time included five ALP members – Hill, Fabbro, Molachino, Rehbein and Mooney). So if membership of or connection to the Labor Party was a red flag then you were in electoral do-do. Not sure where you hope to find an “integrity committee”?

  13. Aurora genitalia says:

    Just wondering if mayor Thompson was well enough to go up to the castle hill bus shelter to view the aurora tonight?

  14. Robyn Moore says:

    I live near Troy Thompson and if he is sick and living somewhere else, he has not been at home

  15. Jeff, Condon says:

    Perhaps Townsville’s revolting ratepayers should rise up and storm Walker St, before erecting a guillotine in the adjacent carpark. Begin the height reductions with the mayor, the councillors and work on down the chain.

    Or, set up a blacklist committee and drag councillors before it to answer such questions as “Are you now, or have you ever been a member of the Townsville City Council?” and “Have you ever associated with an employee of the Townsville City Council?”

    Guarded camps could be constructed (that we will later deny of) for the re-education of anyone, past or present, ever associated with the Townsville City Council. Fran, will be exempt.

  16. Grumpy says:

    Another non-contextual selfie. The man is clearly mad.

  17. Ducks Nuts says:

    5:30 Budget Information session
    7:30 Executive Assistant Update

    Pull the other one. Staff are not required to work outside of ordinary operating hours so there might be a few issues here.

    https://imgur.com/a/V2oztTZ

    • Not running for mayor says:

      “Budget Information Session” = “studied the form guide over breakfast and my morning shit. Number 6 in the second at Randwick looks like a winner.”

      • Not running for mayor says:

        Perhaps “PA” = Psychic Advisor which translates to his squeeze reading him his stars for the day?

      • The cup runeth over says:

        No no no, not number 6 in the 2nd at Randwick!! That is horse ‘Gilded Lilly’, ridden by Arty B and trained by Paul Jacob. Definitely 1000 to 1 odds of even getting out of the starting grid.

    • ABS says:

      The EA might be able to Flex Time within a spread of hours, but still, 7.30 to after 4.30pm shows some dedication.

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      Absolute waste of valuable time putting up these stupid daily agendas. This isn’t pre-school Troy. Just go and do your fucking job and influence the restructure of TEL, influence the hiring of a good TCC CEO, push for a staff review to see what deadwood requires removal and what new talent is required, examine TCC’s finances and produce a strategic paper on how you are going to influence the pay down of a massive debt. While you are at it, and while you are obsessed with transparency, maybe you can also develop a Council policy which excludes the continual abuse of FOI information. That’ is of course if you are actually serious about transparency. The time for bullshit and spin has well and truly passed. You now hold the baton so run with the fucking thing mate.

      • The Magpie says:

        A stirring battle cry, sir. Good luck.

      • I’ll be plucked says:

        Mopsy, the problem is he hasn’t got a fucking clue! Look at the bumbling mess so far during meetings and goodness knows what has gone on behind closed doors. Agree re the CEO – a capable one could engineer Twonames/Twofaces exit, without too much damage to our community. Although I expect tosspots Jacob and Reibhan are working on this already!

      • ABS says:

        I’m going to keep sticking up for the daily schedules. It should take no more than five minutes to post them and won’t distract from any of the other work that he’s supposed to be doing.

        • The Magpie says:

          much for his credibility … the way he goes about it, it all seems very needy.

        • Grumpy says:

          ABS – have a look at his edit history to get an idea of how much time is actually spent on this otiose nonsense. Rather get a monthly summary of what he has actually done and the results therefrom. Not much to date.

          • ABS says:

            I had a look and I don’t think he’s spending that much time on it. Or at least it’s not evidenced by the edit history. You probably get more of an idea of how much time he’s wasting looking at the number of comments he’s leaving below, but that’s a separate issue.

      • Alahazbin says:

        PR, You forgot TPAC.

      • Jeff, Condon says:

        Well said, sir.

    • Alahazbin says:

      DN, So who is his EA? The same person that wiped his brow when feeling sick?

  18. Critical says:

    Will someone please give wanker Twonames a working angle grindr to remove the calluses off his dominant hand.

  19. Frederick the Fish says:

    Budget information session = how much extra money I have now and what I can spend it on

  20. The Magpie says:

    Welcome to another week of the Townsville Bulletin’s at its alarmist and irresponsible best. Today’s front page is a dead set rolled gold straight out LIE.

    This pathetic social media style clickbait garbage is untrue by any standard of English, a written language that it is now established as being beyond this paper. The verb ‘goes’ means either the claimed event has happened, or has been agreed to happen. Neither are remotely true, and the galling thing is this credibility-destroying insult could have been so easily avoided by a slight re-jig to make the headline ”Ross River To Go Nuclear?” or even ‘Is Ross River Going Nuclear?

    Then true nature of the story is revealed on page 5 where a missable side column of this hyped up hokum plays third fiddle to an itchy woman and an ad for a diabetes app.

    Page 5 FFS … if this was even within the galaxy of possibility, it would be pages 1 THROUGH TO 5

    As usual, way down in this twaddle, Phil Thompson puts the whole thing in perspective, an issue that will see more shit fights than a monkey’s wedding reception before is decided decades from now.

    Then, with finger firmly on something other than the community pulse, iditor Gas Carvy decides this is an issue that requires her iditorial wisdom – and treats us to a prime insult from the get go.

    The purported city leader is of course … Batman!! Yes, according to our in-touch iditor, we have a city leader in Aaron Harper. You remember him, don’t you, the self same klutz who was widely ridiculed nationally – including the Townsville Bulletin, – when he posted this inane ‘crime fighting’ pic on FB just a few short days ago.

    One day a pathetic joke, the next a ‘city leader’ – sort of sums up the widespread problems for this city.

    But undeterred, our Gassy girlie then rehashs, as is her style, whole slabs of tiny story while firmly sitting on the fence with a string of white bread platitudes, finally reaching a crescendo with this deep analysis.

    Our politicians aren’t our only pathetic jokes … and not the only ones who aren’t our city leaders.

    • The cup runeth over says:

      I’m still laughing at that Batman bullshit. How embarrassing and childish. And our rendition of Batman is actually Fatman. And he is the farthest thing from a super hero as Harpic is a super fuckhead. I weep for this city.

    • Prickster says:

      Nuclear has long been a weapon of mass distraction in Australian politics.

      While we hyperventilate about nuclear, we don’t talk about:
      – crime,
      – cost of living,
      – cost blow outs in government projects, and
      – a failure to serve the community.

      • The Magpie says:

        That gets the IP (Idiotic Post) of the day. Very unlike you to be so dense, but have a think about it … both here in The Nest, in the national media and in all parliaments, what are the subjects covered 95% of the time … all the ones you list. 4% of the remaining talk is about women/gay/undecideds sexual problems and Dv issues. The remaining one percent would be about – to this point – nuclear.

    • Jenny says:

      Magpie, no-one, not you, Editor Garvey or particularly Phillip Thompson seem to have noticed the elephant in the room: Nuclear for Climate Australia. This is the mob that are hanging on the coattails of Peter Dutton seemingly determined to foist old National Party dinosaurs onto LNP hopefuls at the state level all over the country. David Crisafulli will have these raving albatrosses around his neck just like the last LNP leader, Deb Frecklington, had those dumb bastards last time. Could it be that conniving News Ltd is giving Labor a small nuclear reactor leg up in each electorate in Queensland? Just for the fun of it.

  21. Inspector Clouseau says:

    Alert! Alert! Alert!

    To be discussed at the scheduled TCC meeting this Wednesday (info posted in meeting section of TCC website): Townsville 500 Supercars seeking a further 5 YEAR agreement with TCC. The agenda item is listed as closed, obviously meaning it will be discussed/reviewed ‘non-transparently’!

    TEL will be making a presentation to the meeting also, as listed on the agenda. Online coverage commences at 9.30am for those agenda items not listed as secret-squirrel.

    • The Magpie says:

      If this approved, the C in C curtain will come down, but there should be an agitation all the way to Brisbane for any proof of claimed benefits of this circus of diminishing crowds and national interest. And that proof should come from an independent study, if such a person can be found, certainly not TEL, which is beholden to the council.

      There cannot be any commercial in confidence justification for this sort of information but councillors need to find a way to obtain verified stats. The SuperPests area rort start to finish instigated by a revhead mayor.

      • Prince Rollmop says:

        If Twonames wants to be taken seriously, wants to earn the respect of the community, and wants to set himself out as being different to Jenny Hill and her style of obfuscation and lack of transparency, he will demand a cost benefits analysis of the Superpest event. He needs to ensure that the TEL presentation contains all the REAL financial facts and not just the window dressing that it usually contains. Claudia Bumme-smith and her team of Gill and Co cannot be trusted. And if, as most of us suspect, the numbers don’t add up favourably, he has to stand up and ask his fellow Councillors to vote against the proposal.

        Troy, you are being watched closely. Here is your first opportunity to prove yourself as being worthy of wearing the mayoral robes. (Well to be honest you still need to prove your record of service with the SAS, and your education background).

        The clock is ticking…..

      • Jenny says:

        “The SuperPests are a rort start to finish instigated by a revhead mayor.”

        I know Tony Mooney has a colourful motoring history but I never thought of him as a “revhead”.

        A potted history from various sources:

        “The event was announced in late 2007, following the allocation of funding from both the federal and the Queensland state government.[5] The event became the third Queensland event on the calendar, joining Queensland Raceway in Ipswich and the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast.”

        “On 28 July 2008, the official website of V8 Supercars (the then-name of Supercars) reported that the Queensland Sports Minister, Judy Spence, said the State Government will contribute $2.5 million annually for the first five years of the event.”

        ABC News July 2009. “Townsville Enterprise chief executive Trevor Goldstone says the [first] event has surpassed expectations.
        “Now I think we’ve really got cause to consider this because the numbers have been so fantastic that we’ve been looking at some figures that certainly look to be around $25 [million] to $28 million into the local community,” he said.”

        Millions in taxpayer dollars (and some ratepayer dollars) are invested in sport, recreation and cultural facilities that do not make money and require substantial maintenance and upkeep – think stadium, civic theatre, potential new TPAC or similar. It will be very interesting to see how our new council, supplied with some sort of confidential financial facts, will weigh up the various costs and benefits and then gauge the expectations of their diverse electorates.

        • The Magpie says:

          What confidential financial facts? There won’t be any, hasn’t TroyBoy has promised financial transparency!!

          And since you’re an expert on this matter, can you explain in understandable English what ‘intellectual property or financial information’ is involved to keep the SuperPests matter commercial in confidence. The SuperPests have no competitors that could benefit from their contract information and the TCC and Mayor Mullet sure wanted to keep the matter away from public opinion.

          But yes, mea culpa, sloppy wording by The ‘Pie … should have been ‘perpetuated’ not ‘instigated’. And for the record in a personal conversation years ago (so long ago it doesn’t matter) Kid Crisafulli was all for the revhead festival, as one would expect an excitable young fella from Ingham to be. But the Tyrell administration had the contract in its sights but didn’t probe too deeply (both the SuperPests and the Tyrell Council being so new) and then they were chucked out.

          • Jenny says:

            Far from being an “expert” I’ve just checked the public record. It’s a pity you don’t do the same. The Tyrell council was up to its ears in the V8s:

            ““We have now all agreed on a total revised construction budget of $29.58 million, which represents a $1.2 million saving on the cost estimates supplied to the Government earlier this year,

            “I am also debating in Parliament today special legislation that will allow the staging of the annual Townsville V8 race,” Ms Spence said

            Councillor Tyrell said: “Now that we have managed to find some savings on this project I will be recommending to Council at the next meeting that it formally approves this expenditure.

            “This will enable construction of a multipurpose pit building an exciting and dynamic racing track and revegetate and improve the Reid Park area for the Event and the local community.

            “I am happy with the outcome which I think is a fair deal and I thank the State Government for its ongoing support of the event,” Councillor Tyrell said.

            The agreement will see the total up front commitment by the Queensland Government for construction of the precinct to$14.61. Townsville City Council’s up front commitment will rise to $4.97 million, with the Federal Labor Government committing $10 million.”

            Correct me if I’m wrong but it looks like Mayor Tyrell and his deputy Crisafulli are responsible for the development of the entire Reid Park V8 facility that ratepayers have to maintain and occasionally upgrade and refurbish. No wonder the mayor of the day goes out of their way to promote and encourage the V8s. It’s a white elephant waiting to happen otherwise.

          • The Magpie says:

            Then there is the theory of the point of no return … the comes a time when proceed seems a better options than cease. But note, as The ‘Pie suggested, Tyrell had examined the costings and found some savings. Doesn’t mean his council was going to agree with it forever.

            But the bottom line is that it was great fun for a few years, but noticeably it has dropped off in interest and attendance in recent times. And not much point in coming back with more stats from the relevant times … those stats have been a joke for years now, the Bulletin printing anything that was dreamed up ..,. empiracalevidence in photos and videos showed up the lies.

          • Kenny Kennett says:

            The Tyrell council inherited the event that was all but rubber stamped. They had no option but to take it as planned by the previous council. Planning on a V8 event first started in 2002/2003 when they planned to build the track using Sir Leslie Theiss drive, with the pits and bend near the Casino. As for the event these days, I still think it’s a worthwhile event to have where it currently runs.

          • The Magpie says:

            opinions depends entirely on how much it actually costs, and whether the ratepayers agree with you. They may well do so, but they have no information on the worth of the event to make an informed opinion. Too many smoke and mirrors … and The ‘Pie isn’t not against the SuperPests per se (when working at Mojo in Sydney, Then ‘Pie was the one who thought up the idea of Tooheys Top Gun for the grid positions, and launched it with Peter Brock et al at Mt Panorama … about 1988/89.)

            It just the unnecessary secrecy that rankles, as it should.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Just in case you missed it

      “Council has confirmed its support for the city’s 2024 Supercar event.

      Mayor Troy Thompson said Council will progress future agreement negotiations post the 2024 event.

      “Council has made the decision to support the 2024 NTI Townsville 500 to ensure we are maximising the benefit to the community.

      “There is no doubt the Supercars provide tens of millions of dollars into the local economy, but this must be weighed against the cost of supporting these big events and the return on investment for our ratepayers,” Mayor Thompson said.

      Being able to hold major events in Townsville is huge and it helps to support future industries, further enhances our world-class liveability, and helps cement Townsville as a destination that embraces the arts, sports, events and recreational activities.”

      https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/news-and-publications/media-releases/2024/may/council-supports-2024-supercars

      • The Magpie says:

        Just a matter of language, but WTF does ‘being able to hold major events in Townsville is huge” mean?

        And the mayor says he has no doubt about a business benefit of ‘tens of millions’? Mate, if you’ve got such information to dispel any doubts,please share it with us in the name of transparency.

  22. Adios amigos says:

    There are some very happy staff today, with today being the first day without serial bludger Prins Ralston in the CEO chair. That guy has done enough damage to TCC both as a former consultant and as the CEO. His leaving is something worthy of an annual celebration I say. But as staff, we are not overly confident in the new Councillors ability to choose a decent CEO to fill the role. In fact our main concern is that the new CEO appointment will be politically motivated by the LGAQ and affiliate recruitment agencies, such as has been done with the appointment of the interim CEO who comes from Gold Coast Council. We want a clean skin, a CEO unmolested by the political local government machine. Time will tell.

  23. Russell says:

    In case any of you or any of your bloggers are interested Pie, I and a couple of colleagues from our Retirees Group, have just had a very productive meeting with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. We were graciously received, treated with respect and came away feeling we had been listened to. Can’t really ask for more than that.

    • The Magpie says:

      Ummm,what? I mean, what else did you expect? So everything’s OK because he was polite, which is the very least we could ask from this bozo.

      • Russell says:

        Yes Pie. Totally opposed to what some of your blogger bozos would have thought. Especially the Labor apologists who can’t accept their gal didn’t get up; the ex employees of TCC who weren’t game to say anything when Jenny was in control; and the Army grunts who remember their number because that’s all they are/were, a number. Cheers.

        • The Magpie says:

          Well, with such low expectation, Russ, you won’t die a disappointed man.

        • Dis Troy says:

          Russell, r u ok? Are you feeling out of place now that Jenny is gone? You poor possum. It’s ok. Troy is looking for a president for his fan club so consider yourself nominated.

        • Jatzcrackers says:

          Russell you total fuckwit, the term ‘grunts’ comes from the USA and has absolutely nothing to do with the Australian Army. A tool like like you wouldn’t have the balls or the intelligence to apply for an ADF role.
          This ‘blogger bozo’ suggests strongly that you stick to your tea and scones knees up with the polite TwoNames whereby can swap morning tea cake recipes.

          • The Magpie says:

            Don’t agree with your menu there,Jatz, both parties would be more amenable to sharing tea and Prozac, with a chaser of Oxytrol.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Did he produce his qualifications and service number?

      • The Magpie says:

        And one hopes he didn’t cough on you.

        • Russell says:

          Pie, your system seems to lock me out. Gives me all sorts of weird messages. Doesn’t seem to have the same effect on your Labor apologists who refuse to accept their gal didn’t get up, the disgruntled ex-council employees who didn’t dare comment when Jenny was in power or the ex- army grunts whose debating abilities reflect pre-school playgrounds. Bah humbug!

          • The Magpie says:

            What system? What blocking? What weird messages and where from? Get a grip if you want to play in the Nest, mate.

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Likely to be an outbreak of verbal diarrhoea in the NQ Retirees Group.

    • Achilles says:

      A very productive meeting! So what was produced? Sounds like a few “brown envelopes”.

    • Not running for mayor says:

      Nice to see that Twofaces Cookers are still alive and as well as can be expected. That’s great news Rustle. What weighty topics did you talk about.?

    • Grumpy says:

      Rusty – gives us a hint – what was discussed and what promises were made – or was it all CiC? All in the interest of transparency, of course.

      • Dis Troy says:

        I call bullshit on Russell. Drops into the Nest, has a shot at a few bloggers, makes out that something big and important has been discussed within Council, yet produces no evidence. Russell Russell Russell, take a chill pill and a shot of truth serum and go sleep it off mate. You poor deluded soul.

      • Kenny Kennett says:

        It’s gotta be about something in it for Russ and his accountant mates.

    • Alahazbin says:

      So Russell, He told you wanted to hear. He is either a con man or a politician.

    • ABS says:

      I assume the meeting was to prepare for his imminent transition from mayor to retiree.

  24. Guy says:

    For what it’s worth regarding nuclear power:

    Too complicated/ expensive : for Australia

    Gas turbine Power stations are the way to go in my humble opinion

    Small ecological and spatial footprint, the exhaust is CO2 , H20 and limited NO2 – no radioactive isotopes as released by burning coal. No need to have specialised waste removal – its just CO2. Coal plants have to bury thousands ( millions of tonnes of toxic ash). No need to remove ash from the exhaust. No need to remove toxic radioactive waste. You don’t need vast amounts of cooling water ( no complexity needed to maintain pH and other variables needed inside the closed loop.

    Fast start up and close down ( hours or much less) , during the day solar is in abundance these days, coal fired plants require to be burning coal even in a spinning capacity ( it can take days to start coal plants). Coal plants need to keep the turbine shaft spinning or its damaged, you’ll carefully change out the carbon brushes whilst the shaft is still turning slowly. During the day solar provides most power / renewables , during the night gas turbines provide power when needed.

    Gas turbines run with good efficiency, coal is better by a few percent but comes with a heap of baggage and complexity no one wants to deal with – plus all that coal dust and ash in the air destroys the lungs of workers at the plant. ( coal is too valuable to burn in power stations – it should be used principally for smelters/ fertiliser production and diesel production). You don’t have kilometers of high pressure pipes running around the place.

    Gas turbines will run on kerosene or natural gas. Drill for natural gas and have government owned natural gas production piped directly to government run / private run gas turbine plants. With decent maintenance gas turbines are the future in energy production. Oh yes – no need to build expensive dams and other infrastructure that other power plants need. Gas turbine plants won’t kill wildlife or destroy forests like wind turbines.

    Gas turbine plants can be built quickly , cost much less, have a cleaner signature, are a known and developed technology.

    • ABS says:

      Batteries beat gas on economics and without emitting that CO2 that you glossed over.

      https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/giant-batteries-drain-economics-gas-power-plants-2023-11-21/

      • Jeff, Condon says:

        But first the electricity needs generating before it’s stored in batteries.

        • ABS says:

          Well duh obviously. The batteries are getting cheap power from renewables and selling that for less than the cost of gas. That’s the whole point.

      • Ben Rumson says:

        ABS,
        Does that include the manufacturer, including mining rare earth minerals, of the battery and disposal at end of battery life. I understand disposal/recycling of solar panels and wind turbine blades is problematic too.

      • Guy says:

        Battery storage has limited uses, the south Australian battery storage plant for example doesn’t store that much power and can’t provide it for long time periods.

        When you charge batteries there’s a loss of power, when you use batteries there’s a loss of power.

        How many batteries will you need per person to provide overnight power? oh yes, Australia just brought in an extra 1.5 million people , hope you’ve popped down to woolies to get some extra batteries.

        In a few years time ALL of those batteries will need to be swapped out , hope all of those batteries get recycled. In the mean time VAST quantities of rock get processes and more exotic materials dug out with child labour. Making batteries requires lots of toxic chemicals.

        As I said before simply burning gas creates H20 ( harmless) , CO2 harmless unless you are in a sealed container, NO2 an irritant but it’s creation is controlled via the adjustment of flame temperature. Australia has gas reserves but sells it and won’t allow more exploration.

        If you wanted to go real crazy bring back LPG cars ( taxis used to be run on it in sydney). Low emissions. No need to drag a heavy battery pack around. EVs are best suited to retirees with limited need to travel/ set distances and where the vehicle can be charged during the day. There’s a developing problem where if the vehicle is involved in a collision the battery pack may have been damaged ( fire).

        Assuming Australia is set to take a million people a year for the foreseeable future gas plants might be the only way to keep feeding power to the real estate ponzi scheme.

        • ABS says:

          It’s amazing that everything you said from the first sentence down to a million people a year was completely wrong, but in particular CO2 isn’t harmless, it causes global warming.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Guy, I can see why you’d support gas.

    • Jeff, Condon says:

      And yet, the Green/Labor Party intend banning gas for Australian use.

      • The Magpie says:

        The ‘Pie has always felt the same about political parties stance on coal … NIMBY hypocrisy at in all its shiny insincerity. In plain language, we won’t use it because it pollutes, but we will let shonky foreigners dig it up, to sell and burn it overseas, then take a ‘who what me?’ stance.

        Anyway, The ‘Pie sticks with his conviction that there’s a ‘too much, to quickly’ element to all of what is inevitable change, a aura of manufactured political panic about the rate he should be moving towards new power sources. Every Australian is now suffering from this posturing and grandstanding … lot of ill thought out policies bearing down n the cost of living.

        • The Magpie says:

          …. and The ‘Pie is not alone in this view. By coincidence, it is reported today that no less than the Queensland Auditor General agrees with Magpie’s general view on the pace of change.

          A parliamentary inquiry has hearing details of the looking financial disaster of the Pioneer Burdekin pumped hydro project.

          This was a $12billion Palaszczuk pet project, and now she’s gone, Smiley has gained custody and now faces a vet’s blow-out bill of $22billion. And he refuses to play political vet and put down this sick pooch, despite fierce local opposition, no business case on the scheme’s feasibility and financial verdicts of sheer madness.

          And the sanest voice at the inquiry was Auditor General Brendan Worrall, who was speaking about more than just this Labor disaster, when he told the inquiry:

          As The Magpie has been saying, this whole power transition issue is marred by cowardly political self-interest ahead of common sense and public interest. In summary, this hydro project is a symptom of something Labor so loudly decried at the time – Campbell Newman Syndrome –‘ too much too soon.’

        • ABS says:

          Too much too quickly is an emotional response based on fear of change. Renewables generation is being constructed at a rate largely based on demand and the long scheduled retirement of fossil fuel assets. It should be faster!

          • The Magpie says:

            That is a pathetic and confused response from someone who has fear of a debating point. It is based on the argument that there is no such thing as too much too soon.

            And the demand you mention is largely created decisions that are by definition too much too soon. ABS, although The ‘Pie has rarely agreed with you, he has always respected the manner in which you argue your points. Stupid shit like this means The ‘Pie may have to revise that opinion.

            Bet you worked for the Campbell Newman policy division.

          • ABS says:

            Those decisions made in the past have left us with no option but to transition to renewables because they’re the fastest generation to build, as well as the cheapest. We have to replace fossil fuel generation with something or risk ageing plant from dropping off the power grid.

            Here’s an article from five years ago saying that three quarters of our coal plants are operating past their retirement dates

            https://www.energynetworks.com.au/news/energy-insider/the-demise-of-coal/

          • The Magpie says:

            Exactly because there was too much opposition to upgrades or new ones. Whether that proves to be right or wrong, is still to be seen.

    • British Gas says:

      A few years back, and a lifetime ago, I worked for the parent company of British Gas (whose name ignores that they are a major Electricity provider as well). Went on a great tour of one of their new at the time Gas Turbine Electricity Power Stations. It was an incredibly clean affair, very small footprint for a power station, all within about a hectare of land. Could go from cold start to full production in under 30 minutes. And had even had exhaust system designed so it could be later retrofitted with Carbon Capture as and when that became economical. Although its emissions were already ridiculously low when compared to coal. And none of that glow in the dark nuclear waste to worry about for hundreds of years. Apart from planning delays, the construction phase for the plant I visited was under 2 years. Which is a massive time save compared to most other power generation builds.

      Now I love my solar system, and will be adding batteries when the price point is right. But I do agree with Guy, this is a hugely undersold infrastructure solution for today. Nuclear, like the subs, is a decades away solution, with too much cost and no viable ROI.

    • Dave Nth says:

      I am mostly a lurker these days and when I do pop my head usually try to keep within local issues which oh boy there are a multitude by the poor managers this town seems to throw up at elections. However I may have some professional qualifications that has had me work from time to time in resources, yes some in coking coal production.

      Pie is spot on with the too fast theme, I’ve been saying similar for over a decade. Solar panels are coming along in leaps and bounds but from what I’ve been told still a couple of generations at present advances of being viable. Wind will never be, Australia has an unlucky position in the latitudes where position of high pressure systems cause wind droughts and when we do get wind it’s too much.

      Renewables at the moment is the biggest oxymoron out there. They aren’t and never will extinguish the carbon footprint their production generates. Let alone rare earths pollution we have exported to Chinese provinces. Let alone the largesse of tax payer funding and subsidies that the fossil fuel sector does not receive.

      Lastly recycling these panels is incredibly difficult and also not advanced enough. USA is trying, it is market driven and will bear fruit but it is very much in it infancy. As for those giant eco crucifixes recycling the fibreglass is impossible and they will be landfill.

      Batteries, LOL I’m not even going there. Very much in their infancy still and too prone to spontaneous combustion when the membranes between the storage cells degenerate or are damaged.

      I’ve worked in countries where whole grids in cities are turned off, locals know which night of the week is their turn and prepare accordingly. If we don’t pull our heads out and build some HELE coal plants or gas plants soon that is our future.

      Not saying it will never happen with moving to solar panels but I don’t think wind or hydro will ever be viable in Australia anyway.

      Just my humble opinion on this issue anyway.

  25. Grumpy says:

    Oh, Malcolm, you wise old seer. Jenny Hill is running for a senate seat. You predicted this several years ago.

    • The Magpie says:

      TOLD YOUSE SO!!!

      From this morning’s The Australian:

      Former veteran Townsville mayor
      Jenny Hill will nominate for a winnable Labor Senate seat in a direct
      challenge to union-backed Kate
      Jones, saying she is Anthony Albanese’s best chance of winning back
      regional mining communities in
      Queensland.
      In a shock move, Ms Hill, who
      served as mayor for 12 years before
      being defeated at the March
      council election, told The Australian she would nominate for
      preselection for the Right’s No.2
      position days after the party’s
      dominant Left faction began
      manoeuvring behind the scenes to
      snaffle the seat.

      And still managing to avoid the light from Diogenes lamp, this bitter, disorientated and faction-driven has-been made this astoundingly hypocritical and traitorous statement against the party she still belongs to. And showed this is nothing more than a desperate factional move with no public interest involved.

      “The reality is the Labor vote is dropping and it’s dropping ­because we keep putting career politicians into positions whose whole lives are based out of CBDs in capital cities,” Mrs Hill told the Australian.

      And just what the fuck are you, then, madam? An ordinary citizen who has been twice knocked back at state level, and only maintained your mayoralty by running stalking horse candidates? Even more unbelievable including the comment about CBDs.

      And then we were graced with the metropolitan reporters’ view of Townsville’s affairs:

      It’s been said she lost the mayoral vote due to an anit-Labor sentiment that had been brewing in the North in response to the state government’s lack of action on youth crime.

      Oh, so that’s why she was ditched? Thanks for the insight, but FYI that was only part of the reason … the city was sick of the lies, deals, executive stacking with party grifters and dishonesty at every turn.

      Fucking muppets all round, but hey Jen, thoughts and prayers for you with this one.

      The ‘Pie’s crystal ball has just had a grease and oil change, and sees a Kate Jones spot on the senate ticket certainly getting the Townsville Labor vote, something the power brokers will ponder when choosing.

      • Kenny Kennett says:

        So two things may come of this- TwoNames will be relieved that ‘some’ of the Magpie’s commentary will shift back against the Mullet ‘s ticket launch and away from him; OR the weekly Magpie blog will increase to twice the size because there’s a lot more shit to report on now. Hence, the Mullet will demand that TwoNames returns her dartboard.

        • The Magpie says:

          Sdaly for those who share those sentiments, they willfind out that The Magpie can do than more than one thing at once, and chewing gum and farting is only the start.

      • ABS says:

        “she lost the mayoral vote due to an anti-Labor sentiment”

        That’s a very self serving analysis. She was turfed out very specifically from anti-Jenny Hill sentiment.

        If she thinks that’s not the case she should run for the third spot and win it from her cult following of personal admirers.

      • Mugwump says:

        The gall of this woman to make such a statement.

        Spat out my morning coffee reading it.

      • White Mouse says:

        Jenny – so selfless to put herself forward for a Senate spot, just to try and keep another loony leftie out.

  26. Not standing for mayor says:

    I see Jenny Hill has decided to stand for nomination as an ALP Senate candidate saying the party needs to stop putting up career politicians. Have to wonder whether she puts herself into the category of FAILED career politician or is completely away with the fairies.

  27. Prince Rollmop says:

    And all of this renewable hoopla is being driven by Chris ‘climate change’ Bowen. A disconnected idiot that can’t see beyond the front gates of Parliament House. Decarbonisation and renewables is going to cost the ratepayer/taxpayer/retiree/working man billions of dollars as large industry adapts and changes its infrastructure. It’s already coming at a cost. The changes don’t come for free. The timeframes set by the government are unworkable and expensive. They need to be pushed out by decades.

    Just as the world overreacted to COVID and caused an unmeasurable cost to society by shutting the fucking world down for 2 years, so will this climate change/renewable energy panic that has set in. By the time that it all falls to pieces Chris Bowen will be sitting on an island (hopefully not flooded from climate change) and sipping pineapple daiquiri’s. Meanwhile everybody else is left holding the baby. These overpaid brainless bureaucrats are truly lunatics in charge of the asylum.

    • The Magpie says:

      Mopsy, a housekeeping reminder: please make sure you nominate to whom you are replying, so your comment stays in the relevant thread. Thanks.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Perhaps if our governments weren’t subsidising the fossil fuel industry to the tune of $14.5 billion in 23/24, renewables might seem a little more affordable.

    • ABS says:

      You can’t push it out by decades. We need new generation now.

      • The Magpie says:

        That depends on whose science you believe.

        And totally unrelated and not trying to link this to that issue, but my brother dropped off some of Dad’s old diaries … he was an invetrate note keeper, bare bones stuff but still fascinating. And one entry I found interestingfrom Monday, Nov 18 1968: ‘Record temp at Coffs 111.6(degrees f) 104 in Alf’s lounge.’ That’s 44d C.

        Dad didn’t note anyone suggesting the sky was falling.

        • ABS says:

          Not sure if the Bureau of Meteorology accepts measurements from Alf’s lounge.

          • Not running for Mayor says:

            Why would they not? BOM cherrypicks data, makes stuff up and shifts the goalposts when it suits them.

      • The Magpie says:

        That’s a matter of opinion, based on whose science you believe.

  28. I’ll be plucked says:

    So Mullet Hill thinks she can be a Senator now! What a self-opinionated fool! Fuck off Mullet, this community will never forgive you for your reign of terror and absolute carnage you have caused to Townsville! Piss off to Malta and hang out with the crooks there!

    • The Magpie says:

      OK OK, in a broad sense, The ‘Pie agrees with you, Plucker. But hey, everybody, time for us to all lay off the Malta stuff. Jenny Hill is an Australian of Maltese heritage, she’s paid her taxes(one assumes) and apart from her day job for the past 12 years, has been an blameless member of the community,only bowling over the occasional motorcyclist. And previous comments about that Malta connections appeared here mainly in the context of a heritage gift in a will (value unknown and none of our business), mainly mentioned because of her meriful absence from Walker street at the time. The Magpie admits he was just as guilty of making the Maltese cross with suggestions that she could retire there now and leave us alone.

      But to quote our new temporary mayor’ that’s all in the past, and we don’t want to talk about it anymore.’

      As far as The ‘Pie is concerned, Mayor Mullet is no longer, but Nesters will no doubt closely follow her fortunes at the national level. (shudder).

      • Base camper says:

        But the question we all want answered is this; does the senate job come with purple royal fur? If it does, then ex-Mayor Jenny will definitely apply. She really thinks that she is worth a pinch of grain. Unbelievable. Let’s hope and pray that a potential senate ticket fails dismally because she is damaged goods and should be left on the scrap heap where she currently is.

      • I’ll be plucked says:

        Fair enough Pie. Hey Mullet, The Pie says you can stay in Townsville!!! :)

      • Jatzcrackers says:

        We could set up a Retired Mullet Fan Page on FaceBook…or is that too close to stalking ?

  29. Damn tailings says:

    Morning Pie, just an observation; I’m seeing quite a few “My Place” and “My Place Australia” stickers on vehicles lately.
    There was mention of the mayors woes on ABC radio this morning. He apparently has requested DOD fast track his service report. Maybe you should be running a book on the result. haha

    • The Magpie says:

      Hey, The ‘Pie won’t mind if he finds them and in the unlikely event, they all turn out to be kosher. That’ll allow several southern journos to concentrate on some of his other claims.

      • ABS says:

        If he finds them all well and good but he couldn’t have acted more suspiciously this whole time unless he dropped a smoke bomb and dove into the bushes when questioned. That behaviour has justified everything that has transpired.

    • Kenny Kennett says:

      Two Names service record comes by way of a cookbook he put together for the SAS as a civilian cook. Understandably his least liked dish was the Mag Pie.

    • Achilles says:

      Surely as mayor of Townsville he could drop by Lavarack and ask the CO (or the recruitment Cpl) to check it out. QED

      Simple unless he already knows the answer and might have difficulty driving back out when tarred and feathered

      • Achilles says:

        Supplementary: Maybe our intrepid reporter Jimmy could do the same? I can understand why a serving military number may be confidential; but should be in the public arena once back in civvies.

        • The Magpie says:

          Don’t agree, that is private information and is a private contract between employer and employee.

          • Kenny Kennett says:

            Anybody can look into a Defence force member via the Australian Defence force records. They were free to ‘Ancestry’ members for the week leading up to Anzac Day. I looked up members of my family and it gave me service years, service number, spouse, area from, etc. I didn’t think to check out TwoNames but if ‘he’ was desperate to find it, it is not hard.

          • Achilles says:

            Maybe so, or maybe not: but Jimmy could ask the Mayor for permission to request that number from the Lavarack HR dept. to assist in clarifying the situation in the best interest of his readers.

            In the (long ago) past I had employed many ex-service personnel and ex Police and as I recall everyone of them included their service ID # in their CV.

        • Prince Rollmop says:

          Heel, Jimmy Olsen couldn’t find a pair of tits inside a brothel. Besides, his expertise is stenography, not investigative reporting.

  30. Doug K says:

    Re Jenny Hill and the Senate,:
    Going by the look on Albo’s face when she told Melbournians on national tv to “Friggin get off your arses and move to Townsville”, I doubt she will ever be allowed to set foot in Canberra, let alone the Senate.

    • The Magpie says:

      The Magpie has it on impeccable authority that it was just before this moment that she broached the subject of a Senate ticket with Albo, who was very non-committal.

      The speed with which he jumped in with a quick and clever response showed he was less than impressed.

      • Party animal says:

        This photo of Hill always makes me sick. What an embarrassment that she is. She is one of the reasons that Townsville is still in the dark ages and we are a laughing stock. An absolute loud mouthed bogan who should just slip away into retirement and never show her ridiculous face again.

        • Jenny says:

          Party Animal, the Australian Senate and the upper houses of each of the states (except Queensland of course!), are littered with “absolute loud mouthed bogans”. Per capita they are probably running second only to the Magpie’s Nest. It’s a badge of honour; you should wear yours with a bit more pride, party animal indeed.

          • The Magpie says:

            And that is a status and position for the Nest The Magpie intends maintain at all costs.
            And thank you for your contribution to that goal,Jenny.

  31. Dis Troy says:

    How has our caped crusader, Batman Harpic, been today? Out fighting criminals or saving people from a burning building?

  32. Echochamber says:

    So two names visited the Townsville Community Information Centre who provide, amongst other services, assistance in putting together your resume. I’m sure the visit was completely unrelated though.

  33. Not standing for mayor says:

    Re-reading the week so far to catch up. Jeezus – who left the lid off the froot loop packet this week? It is only Tuesday and we are arse deep in loons and clowns.

  34. Poppy Pete says:

    This blog has certainly gone south Magpie. Thompson was front and centre 2 days in a row now, he’s not hiding it would seem. I have to ask what genius came up with Thompson knows McCabe, you know the population there right, too much guesswork. Clearly the old buzzard needs to retire, all I read is a handful of bitter people, a long way short of the numbers that vote the mayor in.

    This WA journalist, what happens when he provides his army number, and does he even have too, I’d say not, he owes nothing to the news rag. It would seem it’s a story that print media is hanging onto as they have nothing else to write about, sad but people don’t read the piffle anymore, and most do t care. Like Hill, Katter, Joyce, it’s a teacup, and this bloke is the target of a group of bitter people, nothing more. Time to refocus, you had some reasonable stories in the day, now it’s rambling.

    I like the way he’s tightened the media budget, and he’s still out there, and simply ignores the media, good on him, people lost interest in the old media forms, too busy living I guess. Bye Magpie and your support of a few hundred, maybe retire properly.

    • The Magpie says:

      These MyPlace ratbags have moved north with a vengeance, and have their sights set on Walker Street. Not a conspiracy theory, but a stated aim by their whacko founder. And with a con man in our mayoral chair … a mayor whose campaign for which they worked as volunteers … they’re seeking to have an unelected hand in the affairs of this city.

      This story is from a year ago, but a lot of things have happened since then. Like a reverse revenge for cane toads, these southern pests have poured into Queensland, sadly a fertile ground for easily converted nutcase conspiracists.


      At least exposure from a reputable news organisation like the ABC will blunt any waffle they’ll spread about conspiracy theorists attacking them … a field in which they occupy a central place.

      https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-04/anti-vax-group-my-place-plan-to-influence-your-local-council/102166182?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=mail

      It’s a long way from dangerous just yet, but they’ve been meddling in other councils … Newcastle and Cessnock in NSW and Bundaberg in Qld are just a few examples of what they’re trying to do.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Dear Poppy Pete, English is not your first language is it?

      “I have to ask what genius came up with Thompson knows McCabe, you know the population there right, too much guesswork.”
      WTF does this even mean? Is it a question? What are you asking?

      The WA journo, Gary Adshead will do whatever he wants. He’s broken stories like this before and has won numerous awards for breaking exclusive stories. Perhaps his experienced journalistic nose smells a rat.

      Please provide evidence the media budget has been tightened? I’m still seeing articles in the Bulletin. I’m still seeing advertisements. Council programs are still being advertised like they always were. However I’m also seeing a prolific amount of irrelevant Facebook posts on the Mayors page, with selfies, that tell people nothing of importance.

      I think you’re delusional Petey.

    • Party animal says:

      Poppy, you don’t like what you are reading? You may as well piss off and go and read the Bulletin or read the Aldi specials brochure. Nobody is forcing you to read the magpies nest and nobody cares about your opinion. Go and remove your tinfoil hat.

      • The Magpie says:

        That’s what The ‘Pie loves about these befuddled, lame cookers. Whenever they post that sort of frenzied codswallop, you know The Nest is doing its job.

    • Grumpy says:

      The circus has left one of its clowns behind. Pete, old mate, all TwoNames is being asked to do is to verify his pre-election claims of military service. It now appears that was a lie, as well as his claimed university degrees, not to mention a troubling history of serious domestic violence. He does not have the overwhelming support you seem to think he has. Nearly half of Townsville did NOT vote for him. Ask yourself, how many of the others who did would have not voted for him if they knew he was a military imposter, an academic charlatan and a wife-beater? Or does that sort of stuff not matter to you?

      • Southern Comfort says:

        OVER HALF OF TOWNSVILLE DIDN’T VOTE FOR HIM.

        DONT forget the 30,000+ Voters who just didn’t vote at all. No matter which way you cut his numbers he only has minority who voted for him. Majority of those who voted, but minority of those eligible to vote.

    • Not running for mayor says:

      Hey look, another loon attracted to the light.Hello Poppy Pete. Perhaps a better question for you is what happens when TwoFaces can’t prove his military record, then can’t prove his academic record, then continues to prove he lied his way through the election campaign. Rate freeze, what rate freeze? Sell the North Rail Yards, I meant don’t sell the rail yards. Poppy, this Wanker couldn’t lie straight in bed.

      • Jenny says:

        There’s no way TCC is selling North Yards. They’d have to pay someone to take it off their hands – unless a government somewhere is ready to lavish millions on demolition and site rehabilitation first. Which is not out of the question but would require a pretty savvy council with impeccable connections. Now that might be possible with a Townsville-friendly Crisafulli government in Brisbane and a re-elected Albanese government in Canberra with a TSVcentric loud-mouthed bogan senator on board. Perish the thought.

        • The Magpie says:

          The impossibility of a rail yards sell-off was sounded loud and clear by The ‘Pie and several Nesters when, when TwoNames blurted it out off the top of his spinning head. But it’s faint self-praise because it was so obvious … a crippling bullshit heritage order and an overzealous,mostly bullshit nanny state ‘rehabilitation order’ for a project that would require the support public money, otherwise no competent private business would remotely entertain touching it.

          So far, we are learning only what this disturbed goof-off ISN’T going to do … all of which he said he WOULD do to get votes. Haven’t yet heard a single thing that he IS going to do.

          • Jenny says:

            Magpie, it is surprisingly cavalier of you to describe a requirement to fix the polluted and potentially acid sulphate underlain railway yards site as “an overzealous, mostly bullshit nanny state ‘rehabilitation order’ ” – when you don’t have a clue what is there or what might be needed to ameliorate it.

          • The Magpie says:

            Don’t I? So The ‘Pie haven’t read the reports that have been available for years now, for this site and for the rail yards opposite the stadium? (A stadium which if memory serves, had to undergo tests and some light rehabilitation itself before construction).

            It’s not a question of knowledge, it’s a question of accepting a politically directed, Nanny State policy that ordered the contamination reports in the first place.

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        And… the rail yards. Far cry from … this is an asset that needs to be sold off.

        Mayor Thompson said Council was committed to ensuring any development included the right mix of commercial, residential and public spaces to transform the heritage site and help meet housing needs in Townsville.

        “The North Rail Yards is part of Council’s objective to grow Townsville through the sustainable and balanced reactivation of this significant historic site within the Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA),” he said.

        https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/news-and-publications/media-releases/2024/may/council-hands-over-land-to-north-rail-yards-development

        • The Magpie says:

          Youu’ll notice Thompson is parroting a version of the mantra that’s been mouthed for several years now, nothing new there, and nothing new that this again shows the arrogant ignorance of TwoNames campaign promises. Which now makes him look like a liar (did I say ‘look like’?)

          And yes, Ducky, it needs to be sold off … but to whom? Give us a pen picture of the typical buyer for this turkey.

          • Ducks Nuts says:

            Well I’m not fucking buying it, it’s contaminated. Who wants to live in a contaminated development?

            Besides, I’ve only got bottle tops to offer.

          • The Magpie says:

            That’s The ‘Pie’s argument vforever … the developments, shops, apartments, WILL NOT be contaminated …. some open spaces may need attention, but like Covid, contamination is real but overstated to the max. And holding back fair development of land we urgently need.

    • Southern Comfort says:

      That all sounds like the confused gabble that Troy would say. That you, Troy? Welcome back.

      Anyway your indignation at accusations of ‘stolen valour’ ring hollow when you try to ride on your fathers record, even posting FB pics of a very personal albeit worthy shrine to your Dad in your Mum’s home. Using such a low and insulting con does not in any way speak to you or your claimed achievements, but it certainly does to your ethics and personality (or at least one of your personalities).

      I know you’re waiting on your statement of service. Wonder if it looks like this.

  35. Curious Cat says:

    As well as TwoNames forgetting his Service ID, it seems he forgot another one of his campaign pledges as well. I think that’s 3 of them broken now. Maybe he can remember that number, as it’s also the number of advisers he didn’t get.
    https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/north-rail-yards-townsville-mayor-troy-thompson-shunts-back-campaign-promise/news-story/c1ce046a91d22f6b7c200be3ab83bc5f

  36. Prickster says:

    Clive Palmer is very happy he gets a $300 electricity rebate in last night’s Federal Budget.

    Well done Albo, you’re making sure those who need help get it.

    • The Magpie says:

      That’s pretty dumb comment, below your usual par. The paperwork involved in policing a certain level of recipient would be more than letting the bastards get it anyway. Silly, mate, lift your game, you old class warrior, you.

      • ABS says:

        This is correct, it’s just cheap populism to point to Clive or Gina. The cost and logistics of administering a means tested program for the whole country would outweigh the benefit.

        • The Magpie says:

          As. the Treasurer said about that particular whinge, the power companies to not have the income information of clients to make such delineations …. because you can bet the government would, if it could, shuffle the responsibility for it onto them if were even remotely possible. The idea is just shadow boxing in the long deserted battlefields of class war.

    • The Magpie says:

      Thanks, Russ, an excellent article which should be very reassuring for those people who now regret having voted for a fraudster. But seems it is a bit redundant, because growing numbers of Thompson voters have heeded the ‘new information’ dictum and have already changed their minds.

      The articles opening sentence.

      If you have enough mental flexibility to change your mind in the face of new information, use it in innovative ways, and solve challenging problems with it, you’re intelligent.</strong>

      But why send that in, it seems against the interest of your new-found chum. in Walker Street? Is it a question of YOUR intelligence? Your narrow-minded and self-interested ‘Hitler was nice to dogs’ defence in both lame and alarming

      But thanks anyway.

  37. Mike Douglas says:

    North Queensland snubbed Federal budget which leads me to another entity Ex Mayor Hill was involved with NQROC . Regional organization of Burdekin , Hinchinbrook , Palm island , Townsville , Charters Towers Councils and the cost to ratepayers . How much do each Council contribute and what outcomes from their yearly trips to Canberra and Brisbane lobbying for $ ? .

    • The Magpie says:

      V. good question.

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      Mike, it’s just another think tank that get together, speak shit, and get an annual holiday each year to Brisbane or Canberra. They get paid a travel and an away allowance, plus fine dining and corporate credit card expenses. Just like TEL, they produce SFA and cannot justify their existence. A bit like the sister city rort, nothing tangible is achieved, just an expense to the long suffering ratepayer. Our money being pissed into the breeze.

      • The Magpie says:

        What are you worried about, Mopsy, Troy’s gunna knock that wasteful rort on the head, part of trimming the fat, by golly by gum, darned if he isn’t.

        Ummm, isn’t he?

        • Ducks Nuts says:

          Well Magpie… according to Russ… good leaders change their mind, so I highly doubt this will be knocked on the head.

          • The Magpie says:

            You may be assured Ducky some oaf will try this on … probably TwoNames himself, quoting it as justification for – in the words of House of Cards Frank Underwood – ‘reassessing the parameters of his promises’.

            Someone might have to point out the difference between ‘new information’ and ignorant and deliberate lies.

        • Prince Rollmop says:

          Magpie, silly me. Of course TwoNames will plug those ratepayer leaking holes. I mean, he promised to cut out all of the rorts/fiddles/jollies etc. Shame on me for not believing the word of the integrity and transparency promoting Mayor. Just like the caped crusader Harpic, both men of action!

      • Jenny says:

        So, Prince ole mate, when a business delegation led by a mayor from China, Japan or Korea turns up here looking to invest real money in mining, refining, agriculture, education etc. are you saying our mayor and business leaders should tell them “Yeah, nah, fuck off, it’s Townsville”? Why does everything have to be completely binary?

        • The Magpie says:

          When did that happen and what was the beneficial outcome worth the ratepayers paying for holidays for political favourites? Korea’s Sun Metals excluded, which was a straight state/corporation decision that had fuck all to do with any mayor.

          • Burnt Brows says:

            Magpie is entirely correct. In fact the only losers who have visited Townsville were not forthcoming in stumping up money unless it was first handed to them by our Government via us the tax payers.

        • Not standing for mayor says:

          Jenny, Jenny, Jenster, when did that last happen.

  38. Poppy Pete says:

    You may all criticise me on this blog, but I guess the truth hurts. And the truth is this – Mayor Thompson has had a good start. No, he isn’t perfect, but who is? You old white blokes are spending too much time looking in the rear vision mirror. Trying looking ahead. Mayor Troy is the man to lead us through this decade. I for one have signed up for this positive journey, so why don’t you.

    • The Magpie says:

      Because we’re not gullible fucking idiots, Troy. If this is a good start, thank Christ you haven’t had a bad one. So what have you achieved to be off to such a good start.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Poppy… this may come as a surprise, but it is possible to have an open mind and not let your brain fall out.

    • Achilles says:

      PP
      So why do suppose we are all “old white blokes”? we could all be “young black Sheala’s” though of course the latter would be racist and sexist, to woke sycophant narrow minded drongo’s.

    • Grumpy says:

      Oh, Pops, Pops. Are you that retarded that you don’t think his dodgy past and obvious character flaws don’t matter? Oh, and by the way he was leering at Ms B-S this morning, female staff at TCC are right to be concerned.

    • Kenny Kennett says:

      PP, Please forward a sponsorship proposal. I assume Russell and his retired accountant mates signed up for a gold package yesterday. Yours sounds more like a ‘hands on’ role.

    • Not running for Mayor says:

      This “old white blokes” phrase keeps popping up in the Cooker posts. It must be on the handy dandy list of clever things to say in posts handed out at the TwoFaces Clever Cooker Committee meetings.

    • Burnt Brows says:

      I nominate Poppy Pete to form a committee to assist Birnbrauer locate his Army Discharge papers and publish them for all to see. This month would be good.

      • The Magpie says:

        Well, The ‘Pie, through contacts no one can know about, has been sent a preview of at least one service medal TwoNames will shortly receive confirmation for.

        • Jamie Oliver says:

          Townsville Magpie, that’s a chefs hat. My understanding is he was a cook, NOT a chef! Cooks wear a hat similar to an old time sailor’s hat. The imposter is not a chefs fork!!!

          • The Magpie says:

            It’s officially a toque from the Arabic word for hat. It is a general military award for rank of kitchen personnel who can cook a Beef Wellington without poisoning anybody. They vary in height and design according to the person’s rank in the kitchen brigade, but the awarded medal and ribbon is one-design fits all.

            See, it’s not just TwoNames Thompson who make shit up.

        • Jatzcrackers says:

          Do you want mushrooms with that ?

        • Burnt Brows says:

          Maybe Birnbrauer saw himself as a ‘Casey Ryback’ style of special forces chef? (Steven Seagal Under Siege type of thing).

          • The Third Reader says:

            I want to be there to see it if he makes a cake that Erika Eleniak can jump out of

    • Not standing for mayor says:

      Thanks, but I don’t need your permission to criticize you Poppy. Nature itself criticizes you and marks you with a sloped brow, slipshod teeth and drooling countenance. Climb back into your tiny gene pool mate :)

  39. Salami Clasper says:

    Poppy Pete, you have definitely lost your marbles mate. It is sadly obvious that you are living in la la land. Would you by chance be the new president of the Troy Thompson fan club?

  40. Kenny Kennett says:

    Gold Coast City Council taken for $2.78 million fraud in January this year. Where did our new (acting) CEO come from?

    • The Magpie says:

      Darwin, wasn’t it? The intent of your dog whistling comment is obvious but to link Our Joe with it, the time frame is everything: when did occur over what period, was it internal, or external frame is everything. Joe left in ’22 if memory serves.

      Look, this will copme as a surprise to some and absolute shock of disbelief to others, but The Magpie likes a good conspiracy/cover up theory as much as the next bird, but he would need more to go on before this one took flight.

  41. Burnt Brows says:

    Does Harpic realise the ‘Batman’ name is copyrighted to DC Comics? Might I suggest some alternate names – ‘Batshit Man’, ‘Fruit Bat Man’, or my personal favourite thanks to Jenny Hill – ‘Castle Hill Flying Fox Man’.

    • The Magpie says:

      hahahah … Luv ‘em … especially Jenny’s.

    • The Wulguru Wonder says:

      The ‘Batman’ post has disappeared from his FB feed. Someone in the ALP backroom must have had a quiet word in his ear.

      I also saw another bat shit post of his last night which also lasted about 10 minutes before being taken down.

      • The Wulguru Wonder says:

        At first glance I thought he had posted a photo of a QLD Cabinet meeting…

      • Prince Rollmop says:

        WTF Wulguru, Batman Harpic now posting photos of his family??

        And does he ever post anything that doesn’t revolve around a dig at the LNP? What a gutless turd removing the Batman post. His lameness and childishness was bringing us so much joy.

  42. J jones says:

    Batman in Brisbane
    Wonder Woman in Canberra

    We are saved

  43. wollo says:

    My father was in business for over 50 years and when I started working for him at 15 he said to me dont ever critisize your opposition..as it is a sign of weakness.

  44. BobsYourUncle says:

    Today’s news has revealed that Potty-mouth Ryder is running for the seat of Townsville. The KAP clearly don’t care about her poor performance as a councillor and her, let’s just say, inadequate communication skills – a classic case of the KAP scraping the bottom of the barrel for candidates again? One must question, however, whether there is some kind of deal with Labor going on. Scott Stewart is likely smiling this morning, as in all reality, Potty’s preference flow could help him stay in parliament. A vote for the KAP increasingly appears to be a vote for Labor.

    • The Magpie says:

      Wasn’t she on a council out west (Julia Creek, was it?) before coming over to the coast to infest Townsville? Probably has known the Katters from way back, so figures. Wonder if leading Hawkes along as their nominated candidate, who did a lot of the hard pre-campaign slog to establish himself before dumping him will go down well with voters. Pulling the wings of flies doesn’t raise any emotion on the fly’s behalf, but certainly helps form an opinion of the puller.

      • Not running for Mayor says:

        Magpie, you are talking about KAP voters. Unless it is about guns or crocs they don’t remember very much beyond what they had for lunch. The real problem is that these two dickheads will split the non-ALP vote and cause an own-goal.

      • White Mouse says:

        Margie is a Townsville girl who went out west for a bit and returned when her husband’s business relocated here.

        Her one legacy for being on the McKinley Shire Council was setting up the Dirt & Dust festival in Julia Creek. No such legacy from her 8 years of being one of Mayor Mullet’s hand raisers.

        • The Magpie says:

          Probably could only say this in Townsville, but looking around the shattered leadership landscape, The ‘Pie guesses she didn’t do much harm … and that that is even faint praise says everything about the parlous state of direction and progress in this town. Her candidacy for the Kattertonics will have gained the LNP’s immediate attention. They’ll worry that because her council demise was in part due to The Mullet Affect, she could split the state vote enough to see Stewart survive. Probably be one or two whackos yet to enter the fray for this seat, too.

          • Alahazbin says:

            Pie, Margie got a good run out of the council while a councillor. Her company (as she now claims) Rybuild did a lot of work building truck and Ute bodies.
            Don’t know how they got away with that ‘conflict of interest’

          • The Magpie says:

            Especially as she was reported to have remained financial manager of the company while a councillor.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      IMO Margie is the right candidate for KAP, and they have chosen well.
      She:
      Knows exactly how to punctuate her sentences with Fs and Cs.
      Has the appropriate nasal drawl
      Is rough as bags
      Is dumb as a box of hammers
      Is disproportionately loud
      Knows how to gain media attention

      Having communication skills is not a requirement for KAP.

      • BobsYourUncle says:

        Potty-mouth Ryder is as dumb as the proverbial…probably one of the dumbest politicians in the North.

      • Can Do says:

        Ryder has an excellent appreciation of exactly what’s needed in Australia to improve efficiency: building small pineapples rather larger pineapples.

    • Jenny says:

      Margie Ryder had plenty of supporters in Division 1 (44%) but that area is located in the state electorate of Hinchinbrook, already held by KAP. Still, she will have plenty of name recognition in the Townsville electorate so a clever choice for potential kingmakers KAP. Her preferences could be a lifesaver for Stewart.

      • BobsYourUncle says:

        It was a two-horse race in Division 1 with Paul Jacob receiving 55.59% of the vote. Jacob is left faction card-carrying ALP to the core, and Division 1 is located in the KAP-held Hinchinbrook electorate. This was a strong statement as the swing went to a known committed ‘green’ Labor member and ex-TJH team member. Voting potty-mouth Ryder out was a statement by the division. It had nothing to do with anti-labor or even anti-Jenny sentiment. Ryder is no politician and 8 years of delivering very little was clearly enough to have a huge swing against her.

  45. Dazza says:

    Maggie Ryder is the KAP candidate for the seat of Townsville.
    Oh Magpie I know you will charming and charitable to any visitors to your humble home, but please feel free to let us know how any possible door knocking might entail between you as voter and such a charming person after your vote.
    Alas my expected reception to such an encounter between myself and her wonders how I shall not have a fit of laughter while shutting my door in her face.
    Seriously the none of the above ballot spoiler vote is alas becoming favourite for my seat of Townsville vote!

    • The Magpie says:

      Hang in there, The’Pie hasn’t nominated yet. Might stand for the COF Party – the Cranky Old Farts Party. Reckon there’s a few votes out there. for it.

    • Dis Troy says:

      Well, Ryder and Katter have one thing in common, they are both fruitcakes. It doesn’t surprise me that the Katter turd has attracted a Ryder fly. Birds of a feather….you know how the story goes.

  46. Tinfoil Terry says:

    Love the blog this week. A monkey with its arm in a jar is such a good analogy. A host of Townsville celebrities are also being discussed; potty mouth, Batman, and Twonames. I can’t help but laugh when I think about the pathetic representation that Townsville receives. We must have wronged somebody in a past life.

    • The sausage wallet says:

      What a moron Harpic is. Fantasising that he is a caped crusader. Wanker. Surely the ALP is embarrassed by this triple chinned freak? I don’t know if it’s the intense heat of Townsville or if someone has sprinkled moron powder into the dam water, but idiots like Harpic do nothing for our cities reputation.

  47. Not Prince Rollmop, Too Lazy To Think Up My Own Name says:

    Cupcake Stewart was in Bundy yesterday touring the Port of Bundaberg which is owned by Gladstone Ports Corporation. I wonder if Cupcake was trying to learn how our southern port operators do business, with the goal of implementing efficiencies in Townsville? Who knows. The problem is that Cupcake is an imbecile and doesn’t know his dick from his ass.

  48. Prickster says:

    Apply early for this once in a lifetime opportunity…………

    https://www.mcarthur.com.au/jobs/details/chief-executive-officer/13210/

  49. ABS says:

    I thought I’d check in on what the councillors have been posting since last week’s comment (https://www.townsvillemagpie.com.au/the-advisors-rort-party-politics-has-poisoned-the-well-and-now-we-all-have-to-drink-from-it/#comment-91528).

    Troy Thompson – consistently posts barebones daily updates on his work schedule
    Grade B+

    Ann-Maree Greaney – official role at 2 events
    Grade C+

    Liam Mooney – held a pop up stall
    Grade C

    Paul Jacob – has started posting and will have a stall at Bluewater State School Fair
    Grade C-

    Suzy Batkovic – some fluff
    Grade D

    Brady Ellis – fluff
    Grade D

    Brodie Phillips – also fluff
    Grade D

    Kristian Price – more fluff
    Grade D

    Vera Dirou – lightly refreshed page
    Grade D-

    Kurt Rehbein – no activity
    Grade F

    Andrew Robinson – no activity
    Grade F

    • The Magpie says:

      There’s a metaphor joke in there somewhere about ‘fluffers’, with councillors trying to raise the interest of those in punterland.

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Robinson doesn’t even have an official councillor page. So how can he possibly post anything? The bloke appears to be less engaged in the community than Maurie Sores.

    • Bullshit says:

      That reminds me – it’s been a couple of weeks since Brady Ellis said he’d get his truck rebranded. Has anyone seen him driving around? He didn’t post any photos of it lately.

  50. Burnt Brows says:

    If Hill got a Senate Seat, which I hope she never does, I wonder if she will become good friends with Jackie Lambie?

  51. Jenny says:

    For weeks now you have been invoking the “southern media”, hotshot investigative journalists or some species of WA military / SAS insiders who were going to unmask the new mayor once and for all. Did I miss it? Has the fraud been revealed? Or has the media circus moved on to something they give a fuck about? Has Troy Thompson succeeded in kicking the local media, particularly the Bulletin, into a space where he calls the shots? And feeds the chooks how ever he likes. His contempt for the Murdoch media could have learnt from the Magpie’s Nest. You should be proud of him.

    • J jones says:

      What substances are you on? I’d like a sample please

    • Burnt Brows says:

      The Mayor has still not provided any evidence of what he stated he had – that is, University Qualifications and his Defence Record / Discharge papers. I believe we now know the University qualifications do not exist, so a lot is riding on his Defence records matching what he posted. He cannot be allowed to make big claims such as those without being able to back them up. Local people like me voted for candidates based on their experience, qualifications and reputable backgrounds in order to fulfil those roles. Like in any job out there, you need to prove what you put in your resume. If you can’t, then you get sacked. Fair and simple. The same rules that apply to the rest of us. I’m angry until he proves what he said.

      • The Magpie says:

        The electorate went into an election with little choice and inadequate information.

        The one answer to all this hoopla from this seriously ill bloke already damaging Townsville and that is for the council make their position clear, and they should pass a motion requesting asap proof of campaign claims. Th ‘Pie suggests nest rest spread the word andinundate your division councillor with your concerns and demand to know where they stand vis a vis Thompson.

      • Jeff, Condon says:

        BB, there were were three alternatives to Twonames – Mullet, Harry and Informal. Or didn’t you vote?

    • Discombobulated says:

      Jenny aka Elusive Butterflog. Idiot.

    • Achilles says:

      So who will blink first?

      • totallynotarandomalt69 says:

        DNuts your Wikipedia source is less reliable than the ‘Nest.

        • The Magpie says:

          Why? The ‘Pie has read the Wiki entry and it is a very straight forward reporting of the facts.

          But anyway let’s have your view.

    • Bob Roberts says:

      The clock is still ticking on his document request which has a few weeks to run.

    • Not standing for mayor says:

      No, Troy’s Squeeze. TwoDogs asked for time to get his records so as right thinking and reasonable people we are all waiting for him to come through. However the clock is ticking and he is rapidly running out of wriggle room. Once the military record mess is resolved one way or the other we can move on to the demonstrably false claims of university degrees.

      • Jenny says:

        “Two dogs asked for time”, and everyone went home. And stayed there expecting someone else, from somewhere else, to do the work.

        • The Magpie says:

          What time? To try to find proof for his lies? And what work? Check out the North Fail Yards (not a typo) comment just posted.

  52. The Magpie says:

    NEWSFLASH: TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL HANDS OVER NORTH RAILWAYARDS TO …. ITSELF!!!

    The Magpie needs your assistance here, folks, seriously. Especially from those readers with proven business experience. This media release is deeply insulting, juvenile in its attempt at spinning subterfuge and another disconcerting announcement from Captain Transparency.

    The outrageous implication of actual progress with this mess, and the patronisation of the electorate, is in the very first two lines:

    Redevelopment plans for the historical North Rail Yards site have reached a key milestone, with Council moving to transfer land to the company leading the project, North Rail Yard Developments Ltd.

    Mayor Troy Thompson said transferring the land titles was required to allow the proposed development to occur, while not affecting Council’s ownership of the
    site.

    “This is an important step to making this project a reality,” he said.

    A key milestone? My arse. An important step? Utter tripe.

    It is nothing of the sort.
    The council is transferring to North Rail Yards site to a company THAT IS A TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL COMPANY (owned by the ratepayers). In other words, Thompson is claiming the council giving the land to itself is some sort of milestone. and progress towards an impossible dream – of if not, a financial nightmare- for this city.

    This transfer is nothing more than a technical bit of paper shuffling that changes nothing, progresses nothing and gives not a scintilla of hope that Thompson has one fucking single clue about what is going on. All we’ve got are three more blood sucking burdens on the public purse in the guise of new company directors. The North Fail Yards (not a typo) site remains a moribund real estate bastard child. Unless there is a rich sucker around, and ‘rich’ and ‘sucker’ are two words that disqualify each other out.

    Seriously, this fucking con man has to go … and soon. Really, he does. He’s mental. He really is,poor coot.

    • Jenny says:

      Ducks Nut’s earlier link contained within it another link from a few days before which detailed the additional three directors to the Council-controlled private company that has been hived off to develop the site:

      “The newly appointed directors bring a wealth of expertise to the project. Among them are property experts Peter Wheeler, Managing Director of Colliers Townsville, and a Townsville Enterprise Limited board member; Kirsty Smith, director of Kelen Property and non-executive director of Brisbane Housing Company; and Paul Spiro, former Chairman of Gadens law firm and current Chair of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.”

      It looks like any re-development of the North Yards site, itself part of a state government overseen Waterfront Priority Development Area which includes the stadium but not Reid Park V8 track, will be government funded at the very least through the demolition and rehabilitation stage. Decisions about what to actually do will presumably be proposed by the ‘developer’ and paid for by government. Of course that ‘developer’ bureaucracy will be stacked with lobbyists – it’s what we do, and have done since forever. The mayor and councillors would have bugger all say in that.

      • The Magpie says:

        What? How does that square off with the TCC owning the site through the specifically created company?

        Your projection is EXACTLY opposed to why Palaszczuk let Mayor Mullet think she had a bonanza when she was offered the site for $20,000. Jenny, stars in her eyes, was gullibility personified and could n’t smell a very obvious rat. Possibly said odour masked by her own personal odour.

        And what demolitions? That will just add another layer of dung being flung when the heritage crowd start wringing their hankies.

        • Jenny says:

          Geezus Magpie, you’ve sure got Jenny Hill stuck under your skin. The 2013/14 TCC Annual Report says:

          “During 2013/14 council purchased a 4.6-hectare parcel of land known as the city’s former North Railway Yards for further redevelopment of the CBD. Council called for expressions of interest from developers to make best use of the site while retaining the heritage value and its buildings. The site is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. Investors will be required to maintain the site’s enduring role as an economic and social hub for Townsville. Council has advocated for prompt activation of the site and is keen to see this under-utilised land restore value to the people of Townsville as part of the CBD urban renewal strategy.”

          Can’t find any mention of the mayor being suckered into buying the land, in fact it looks more like a ‘peppercorn’ purchase. It seemed clear from the start that the state and probably Commonwealth governments were always going to be the piggy bank that paid for whatever happened at North Yards – much like the industrial site at Lansdown. Hiving off the ‘development’ to a council-owned private entity most likely means that the mayor and councillors do not have to make all sorts of commercial decisions that they are not cut out for. I presume that the cost of owning and operating that private entity will be covered by the land sales that will eventuate. Or not, depending on how well it is managed. That will be the job of the CEO and professional staff to oversee.

          • The Magpie says:

            So, my little addled egg, you expected the TCC annual report to say ‘and our mayor was suckered into spending $20,000 for a white elephant with which is obvious we can do nothing and just hope state or the feds pony up some shekels.’ And your miffed at The Magpie because it didn’t.

            You can be an idiot sometimes, can’t you?

          • Not running for Mayor says:

            There was one private equity run at the site some years ago, but the costs and Council cackhandedness sealed its doom really quickly. Now even the glossy hoardings are falling down.

      • White Mouse says:

        Two, it would seem, Brisbane centric directors for a Townsville project – how was that allowed to happen.

    • Jatzcrackers says:

      Quick question : Were there legal expenses plus Stamp Duty paid by TCC (see Townsville ratepayers) for this load of garbage transfer ?

    • Burnt Brows says:

      I seem to recall that Peter Honeycombe (I think?) started the redevelopment with the first two unit developments and then stopped when it reached the current part of the undeveloped rail sheds. I expected development at the time would be continuing but when it ceased I heard the reason being contaminated lands. Some contamination like arsenic etc…. take up to 50 years before being safe I have heard. Not sure if this is true.

      • The Magpie says:

        Let’s take that simplistic but reasonable suggestion as true – no doubt a variation of it is. Then tere are two questions.
        1. Arsenic (or whatever) affected land being safe from what?

        2.(supplementary) … and so what?

        Can’t be some airborne problem, especially not with all the media set-up walkies around the site. Did all the people strutting around to earn their dishonest ratepayer dollars and the media covering them all have decontamination showers afterwach visit andhave their shoes treated. Clothes burnt?

        We’ve been right royally suckered at every turn on this one, and Mayor Mullet’s greedy grab for what she thought was a genius financial move will stand as pat of her legacy.

        • Prickster says:

          Unfortunately real developers like Honeycomb, Lancini , Adams, Gedoun etc have left Townsville moving to bigger and greener pastures frustrated by small minds and unnecessary delayed. The best thing TwoNames could do would be to sell of the North Yards to a developer with a condition that work started by a certain date and was completed by a certain date. There are engineering solutions to nearly every land contamination issue. A group of bureaucrats looking to hold on to a job for a long as they can via a project company is not going to solve the North Yards problem anytime soon.

          • The Magpie says:

            Christ, first Jenny, then ziptiefuckwit and now you’ve lost the plot and are off with the fairies.

            Of course there are engineering solutions to land contamination issues, that is not at debate, it the cost of such solutions.

      • Jenny says:

        Bollocks. Before any development was undertaken a large area of ‘contaminated’ land was excavated, the soil stacked in piles and inoculated with some fancy bacteria to break down hydrocarbons. The work went on for ages with treated piles being turned over and eventually pushed back into holes and new piles being dug over and treated. Almost exactly the same as that old service station site on Charters Towers Rd. “Hydrocarbons” covers a multitude of sins not including acid sulphate soils.

        • The Magpie says:

          Could they kill or injure people in the cases at issue?

          • Jenny says:

            PFAS would be a hassle. Dioxin from herbicides would be a nuisance. Acid sulphate soils could be a complication. Lead from paints, DDT from termiticides. Who knows what Queensland Rail dumped in there over a hundred years? The government can’t just look the other way. They put it there, they know it’s there, they have to put it right.

          • The Magpie says:

            Totally correct, except for the lengths they should go to. The Queensland nanny state has once again taken this too far … which in turn,one guesses is down the litigious age we live in, some people will do anything to complain then claim.

    • The real ziptied helmet says:

      But maybe the previous council was blocking the transfer and without the transfer things couldn’t progress? Now it’s been transferred it can progress

      • The Magpie says:

        Just one question, Einstein. Why would Jenny Hill set up a company owned by the council – with just one specific aim and task -n and then block an essential transfer? And if you’re thinking that Team Hill somehow opposed the mayor’s wishes to transfer ownership, get help.

        In fact, one suspects you’re that sad looking squeeze in some of TwoNames selfies. But whoever you are, you’re really not up to this standard in The Nest (which often ain’t all that high – take up daytime TV … sorry, make that ‘more’ daytime tv.

    • Alahazbin says:

      Pie, They have an address:
      10 Kingsway Place, Townsville City.
      Probably an unoccupied office. If there are staff there. More our ratepayers $ down the drain.

  53. Prince Rollmop says:

    Councils love setting up subsidiary companies. They then stack those companies with board directors (mates of mates). They can also then fund those companies and keep the debt they incur off the official council books. Many councils do this. The state government does this also. It’s a smoke n mirrors trick. Twonames would be used to smoke n mirrors trickery so this latest announcement comes as no surprise. He is chasing low hanging fruit and trying to make himself appear proactive. I call bullshit on this latest escapade.

    • The Magpie says:

      When you rush to grab low hanging fruit, you will often bang your head on low hanging branches.

      This North Fail Yards will drag on, but can hardly wait for the next move on NQ Spark, another Mullet enterprise.

  54. The real ziptied helmet says:

    Magpie, seems to me that you are a sore loser. Like the new Mayor or hate him, he is getting things done. He is certainly a hard worker and trying his best. What more could one ask for?

    • The Magpie says:

      What things has he got done?

      And what more could one ask for? Try an honest transparent CV for someone who wants us to trust his honesty and transparency.

      Your not a sore loser. you’re a panicked loser.

    • The real ziptied helmet says:

      Btw, I’m only nasty because you had a go at me before. You can be quite rude and angry. I have no idea what games are played at their level, who knows why they took so long to transfer it. If it wasn’t such a big deal to transfer it, why did they wait so long… There must have been a purposeful reason? Maybe troy has no idea what he’s doing and he’s just picking easy things like this and marking it as some amazing achievement.

    • Burnt Brows says:

      The new Mayor is in no way a ‘hard worker’. I’m a hard worker and I pay rates so that he gets paid his circa $250k p.a. – he bloody well better work for it. The reality is he got the job based on saying he had certain qualifications, experience and a history of integrity. He now needs to absolutely prove what he said or move on. If all his followers and fan club associates would like to pitch in pay his salary so that it is not a burden on rate payers, then let them come forward.

    • J jones says:

      Can you please outline exactly what the mayor himself has done?

      • Ducks Nuts says:

        He’s taken a LOT of selfies. Actually, I’m not sure if he’s done that. I think his squeeze did that for him.

        • Southern Comfort says:

          No, there were some that were of display cabinets, where the reflection in the cabinet was clearly of him on his own. It appears when he arrives at the office at 5:30am, it is just so he has the alone time to take all his selfies.

    • Achilles says:

      “Sore loser”? we’re not yet the 51st State of the Non English speaking nation of Trumpilliterania.

  55. Achilles says:

    For the sake of clarity does anyone know what the actual contamination is or alleged to be?

    There must be an official report somewhere that should be in the public domain.

    It has to be several years old and there may now be some economically treated-removed-covered et al.

    • Burnt Brows says:

      I’m not sure, but you ‘now the old timber yard behind Hyde Park centre? Been vacant many years. That was arsenic or something similar, toxic to humans and carcinogenic. My understanding was it was not able to be touched for something like 50 years. I was told third hand back in the 2000’s that a feasibility was done and the top one or two metres of dirt had to be dug up and bagged then (at the time) sent to Melbourne to be treated so it was safe. Not even close to being economically viable. Old service stations are also deemed contaminated lands, that’s why Banks don’t generally lend on them once they reach end of life usage. Unless another service station is built, the old tanks dug up, removed and soil placed on top for I don’t know how many years before anything can be done on them. Maybe enough time has passed on the old rail yards, I don’t know, it has been a long time since I remember the place as a kid visiting family who worked there. But I have a feeling lots of money and lots of approvals would be needed before first sod is even contemplated in being turned. And I also suspect no private money likely to be stumped up. More likely once again tax payers ………

    • Prince Rollmop says:

      Hey Heel, railway yards/sites are usually treated with chemicals such as creosote. Also coal ash and cinder containing lead and arsenic are also usually present. Then there is spilled or leaked liquids such as oil, diesel and other fuels as well as cleaning solvents and herbicides. Combine that over decades of use and you potentially have a fairly contaminated site with some nasty shit and very very expensive to remediate. Hope this helps.

      • The Magpie says:

        The ‘Pie then takes it that everything is meant to go back ton its original pristine state, rather than being handled (as in buried, under a suitable layer of whatever it takes. No one wnat s to grown vegetables at the North Fail Yards, make mud pies or babies eat its dirt vas a traditionalmexperimentvof toddlers.

    • Weary Dave says:

      Some of those North Yard Workshops actually had dirt floors (late 90’s), so everything went into the ground, goodness knows how contaminated the soil is … having said that, the ‘diesel locomotive running sheds’ near the old station closed in the 2000’s sometime and the mangroves in Ross Creek flourished back to life after that so not sure how permanent this supposed environmental damage is.

  56. Villified says:

    Re Haughton pipeline
    I see everyday trucks transporting what I believe to be pipes for the haughton.
    I am just curious where this project stands .
    Tks

  57. Ducks Nuts says:

    Thompstain has now taken to informing the community on the roles and responsibilities of elected officials and the administration.
    Perhaps he learned this in his training as he was quite confused about the role of the Mayor prior to the election and even after he was elected.

    Which seems surprising considering his extensive experience as the successful CEO of an international company, and the similarities between the responsibilities of company boards and how they interact with the administration, and the responsibilities of elected officials and how they interact with the administration.

    https://imgur.com/a/Ll4Eo3k

  58. Thou shall not sin says:

    351 comments so far this week on this blog. A tad short of upwards of 500 comments on previous blogs, so that gives the Magpie a little bit of breathing space. Twonames fan club hasn’t been as active and nor has the anti-LNP club. Perhaps Twonames and his fan club will comment more on next weeks blog. Keep up the good work magpie.

    • The Magpie says:

      Thanks, Spoilsport, but The ‘Pie has never bothered about the quantity more the quality of the comments … which is like the curate’s egg,good in parts. But the participation, even from naysayers, is always welcome.

  59. Bated breath says:

    Seems like our mayor’s service history has been leaked and surprise surprise, it differs from his claims!
    Instagramn page hunting_sht_cnts has posted his service number and postings, says he joined 26 Mar 91 in RASIGS, started at 109 in Leeuwin Barracks WA before months later transferring to the catering corps and discharged in 93, so less than 3 years service in reserves total.
    Of course no mention of 105 OR 152 / SAS as he claimed.
    Interesting reply on his official mayoral page also to someone who posted his service number saying “first I have seen of it”.
    Sure everyone will be keen to see how he explains himself

    • Ducks Nuts says:

      Forgive me while I take a moment to recover from the shock.

    • The Magpie says:

      OK, so Bated Breath, you seem to be part of or in contact with. a group that is said to hunt down facts about Walter Mittys around the place. We’ll take you at your word for now, and expand on your comment with the following.
      The following has surfaced, and apparently has been in possession of southern media for a few days, but they arebelieved to have held back reportedly for legal privacy concerns. Not sure why, since Thompson has politely suggested its bullshit, that it was all news to him, as you will see.

      The Magpie cannot vouch for the source, but even in this tricky age, it appears to be based on valid information. Two versions.

      And TwoNames FB response.

      • The Magpie says:

        So let’s see, a military ‘itinerant’ left to be a gas fitter in Perth but a decade or so later, is tapped to take charge of a failing European company down the tubes for many millions of euros. Without any uni degrees. And gets punted from there under a cloud. Rejected by one nation for dishonesty.

        And now he’s ours, Townsville’s representative to the world.

        All The ‘Pie can believe is that God is great.

      • Mr Macphisto says:

        https://omny.fm/shows/the-queensland-briefing/mayor-troy-thompson-releases-military-number

        Two Names is trying to get ahead of the game. It’s all coming out now!

        • The Magpie says:

          This is the last refuge of a found-out con man …. his claim that there were ‘rumours’ and claims that he was never in the military is completely and totally untrue. The Magpie has never seen any such thing in any widespread way, more a questioning caused by his own dishonest behaviour, it has always been the veracity of his version of his service, and it is clear he is a perpetrator of ‘stolen valour’. He is a total disgrace as a person and as a mayor representing this city.

          The ‘Pie is further convinced that he is a very sick man, and an intervention is urgently needed.

          • Mr Macphisto says:

            Although I am not psych trained, I suggest there is an element of narcissistic personality disorder at play with this person! This is an extremely concerning situation when an individual with this disorder is in a position of power. His false, misleading and inaccurate claims of military service in support of his election campaign is more than misconduct. I hope it is correctly identified as corrupt conduct. Surely there must be provision to stand him down or suspend him from the office of mayor while this is being investigated? It is hugely a public interest matter. The reputation and legitimacy of the TCC is also at stake. When his past is considered holistically, surely he should be considered not a fit and proper person to be in such a position. A good predictor of future conduct can be based on prior conduct!

          • The Magpie says:

            An elegant version of what The ‘Pie and others here have been saying. Beautifully nutshelled.

  60. Mr Macphisto says:

    Consider this for a moment, you are the head of a multi national company who has been approached by the TCC and asked if you would take part in a tender process for a large infrastructure development contract. Your company is well respected and considered by many as an industry leader. Your company’s risk management strategy includes a due diligence process. A basic element of that due diligence is a simple google search for relevant information about the organisation or business you propose to enter into contractual terms with. Your google search is filled with all of the news and commentary about the TCC mayor. Based on what you have read, you decide it’s too risky to have your company associated with a person of ill repute.

    This an example of how Two Names has damaged the reputation of TCC and how it’ will become more difficult and expensive for the TCC to achieve its purpose.

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