The Coastal Rag #1261

TIDE N TURN BOARD RIDERS

Celebrates 60th Year with a Bang p.5

COLIN BOYCE MP RESPONDS

to Local Captain Creek Residents Letter to the Editor p.6

GET INVOLVED!

Share ideas with The Coastal Rag for a Chance to Win a $50 Voucher

Dear Readers

Wow, time flies! Another two weeks have passed, and I’m thrilled to present our second issue, number 1261. It has been an exhilarating fortnight, and I want to extend my thanks to everyone who has supported The Coastal Rag along the way. It’s been so refreshing to hear how many of you are genuinely excited about this new direction for our beloved publication.

This issue is extra special because of our incredible community. Your eagerness to collaborate, share stories, and contribute interesting articles truly makes a difference. So, thank you!

I’ve been riding a high since Maria passed the reins to me, tackling each situation that comes my way. There have been plenty of challenges—cough, cough, printing issues—but I’ve hopefully learned to resolve them in future.

Jamie Saunders Editor

A special shoutout to Rebecca Chapman for her letter to the editor addressed to Colin Boyce. This is what having a community voice through this publication is all about—providing a platform to be heard.

There has been a lot happening in our small corner of the world, and I hope you all enjoy flicking through this issue. If you prefer a digital copy, email me for an annual subscription.

I’m looking forward to what the next two weeks will bring and hope to connect with more of you in the future.

Let’s keep the momentum going with this amazing community asset!

Agnes Water Op Shop Returns to Its Roots: A Heartwarming Community Effort

After 22 years, Agnes Water Op Shop has been relocated back to where it all began. Back to the shop’s humble beginnings, on the property of Agnes Water Baptist Church at 200 Bicentennial Drive, Agnes Water.

On Monday 6th January 2025, we began the mammoth task of moving what felt like a trillion items. We would like to sincerely thank the community members who came to help us. It has been a heartwarming experience to feel the support and love for the Op Shop.

The doors to the new shop opened on Friday, 10th January. Customers were eagerly waiting at the door, excited to shop for a bargain. It was back to business as usual at a different location with the luxury of air conditioning.

The move has not been without its challenges, but our amazing volunteers have once again shown their ability to prevail over and adapt to the new environment. They have worked tirelessly to reorganise and reopen the shop in a four-day period.

We plan to celebrate with an official Grand Opening on the 15th of March 2025 at 9 am. Please join us for this special event. The Op Shop would not exist without the generosity and support of this community. We are only as good as what we receive and would love to show our gratitude to those who work with us to help the disadvantaged in our community and to recycle what would otherwise be landfill.

Our opening hours remain the same: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am-1 pm.

Regards, Donna Haggith.

Exciting News:

Tide N Turn Boardriders Club Kicks Off 60th Year with a Strong Start

Tide N Turn Boardriders Club launched its 60th year with a fantastic Round 1 competition on Sunday 2 February 2025. With 48 surfers hitting the water, the event set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.

Competitors were met with solid conditions at Agnes Water, with clean 3.5-foot waves and a steady 8-second swell, providing a great platform for high quality surfing across all divisions. The level of talent on display was impressive, and it was great to see a mix of seasoned surfers and up-andcoming juniors in the lineup.

As we celebrate this milestone year, we look forward to a strong season ahead with more competitions, club gatherings, and community engagement. Tide N Turn remains a family-friendly club, welcoming surfers of all ages and skill levels. Our events are about more than just results – they foster sportsmanship, progression, and a great club atmosphere.

New members are always welcome, and we encourage anyone keen to get involved to join us. Here’s to an exciting 2025 season!

Round 1 Results:

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

Having read your publication issue 1260 I want to congratulate you for taking on the rag to continue to build this into a reliable and trusting resource for our communities across the Discovery Coast.

Reflecting on the media release “Boyce re-endorsed by LNP for Flynn” shared by Colin Boyce’s office, it left me pondering more questions. Like when he states the LNP and he plans to deliver “low inflation by reigning in wasteful spending that fuels inflation and by reducing tax and red-tape”, what does he actually mean by this? What is his/their strategy to achieve low inflation? And also, what constitutes “wasteful spending”, what and whose taxes are the LNP planning to reduce and if he is motivated to reduce red tape, then why has Mr Boyce voted consistently to slow procedural processes in parliament? When Mr Boyce refers to violent crimes by ‘non-citizens’ (whoever they are), what is his strategy to address violent crimes by our citizens knowing that 101 women were murdered by male offenders last year, mostly intimate partners, presumably citizens?

He also mentions wanting to restrict foreign investors, yet voted against incentives to secure and increase Australian based industries; and when he says he is for affordable housing, it makes me wonder why he has voted against several bills focusing on increasing access to housing for all.

As a health care provider, I do want to commend Mr Boyce

on advocating to increase Medicare rates and Mental Health sessions as these are much needed across the board. However, after reviewing the LNP’s dedicated page “our plan to get Australia back on track”, I could see no mention of this in the LNP’s plan to explore what this change might look like under an LNP government. The select few issues the LNP have chosen to acknowledge on their website, still provide little insight into how they will address those chosen issues.

According to theyvoteforyou.org.au, which readers can look up any MP’s voting record, the list of what Mr. Boyce has voted consistently against is very long. He has voted generally against “reducing tax concessions for high socio-economic status” which is helpful to all of us not in these brackets, but also no to “speeding things along in Parliament (procedural)” and almost always voted against “Net zero emissions by 2050” and various other climate related policies.

I’m curious if Mr. Boyce can shed some light on what drives his voting decisions. It is the will and needs of the communities he serves; or is it the party line? Is the agenda to keep things slow and make it hard to pass bills to ensure the other party appear to be doing nothing or is to better the Australian community? I’m not saying that some of this isn’t over my head but I would like to further understand if we tick blue what are we actually voting for?

Kind Regards, Rebecca Chapman - Captain Creek Resident

RESPONSE FROM COLIN BOYCE

Dear Rebecca,

Thank you for your letter dated January 31, 2025 and for your active interest in the issues outlined in my media release.

The Coalition have outlined a plan to rein in on wasteful spending by shrinking the public service as part of a broader plan to slash inefficiencies in the system. The Coalition are not going to have the public service sitting at over 200,000 which Labor plan to do on their current projections with many of these bureaucrats based in Canberra. The simple question that needs to be asked, have your government services improved with all of these bureaucrats being employed? The answer is no. If we find wasteful spending, our intent is to cut it and that will result in an overall reduction in government expenditure. There are billions of dollars in savings that could come from scaling back bureaucrats, which would then be used to pay off debt to put downward pressure on inflation.

The Coalition have a plan to address crime including domestic violence and antisemitism. We will also make it an offence to use mobile phone and computer networks to cause an intimate partner or family member to fear for their personal safety, to track them using spyware, or engage in coercive behaviours. We will toughen the bail laws that apply to these new Commonwealth offences. A Coalition Government will make it an offence to post criminal acts online. Those convicted will be banned from using digital platforms and liable for up to two years’ imprisonment. It will take Coalition Government – once again – to stop the people smugglers and to deport criminals. It will also take a Coalition Government to turn the tide of anti-Semitism afflicting our country. Anti-Semitism is not just a threat to one segment of our community. It’s a threat to our social cohesion and democratic values. Some of the most strident

anti-Semitic standard-bearers have come from our university campuses. We will also provide the moral and political leadership which makes it abundantly clear that we expect the law to be enforced readily – not reluctantly – against those inciting hatred and violence.

In your letter you cite that I voted against a number of housing policies proposed by the Labor Government. This is due to the fact that these policies are band aid solutions and not going to address the significant housing crisis this country faces. The Agnes Water region currently has a less than 1% housing vacancy rate and interest rates and rents have had their highest increases in over a decade. The Coalition’s plan is to boost housing supply, rebalance migration, incentivise first home buyers and take pressure off interest rates and rents. We will unlock up to 500,000 new homes by investing $5 billion to fund essential infrastructure like water, power, and sewerage at housing development sites. And to further address supply constraints, the Coalition will freeze any further changes to the National Construction Code for 10 years. At a time of high inflation, Labor has increased the compliance burden for new housing projects, adding up to $60,000 to the price of a new home. Our freeze on red tape will provide certainty and let builders get on with the job of building more homes for Australians. Amidst a housing crisis, Labor is bringing in a record 1.7 million people into our country over five years. While we celebrate the contribution of migrants, our program needs to be well managed. To alleviate pressure on the housing market, we will:

Implement a two-year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents purchasing existing homes.

Reduce permanent migration – from 185,000 to 140,000 for two

years (then 150,000 in year three and 160,000 in year four).

Return the refugee and humanitarian program planning level to the long-term average – from 20,000 to 13,750.

Reduce the numbers of foreign students at metropolitan universities, increase the student visa fee and apply it to foreign students who change providers.

By rebalancing the migration program, the Coalition would free up almost 40,000 additional homes in the first year.

We have a serious shortage of GPs, which means seeing the doctor has become harder and this will worsen into the future. By 2031, it is expected that we will have a shortage of up to 8,000 GPs across Australia. Seeing a GP has never been more expensive, with the GP bulk billing rate dropping 11 per cent under Labor and Medicare currently covering the lowest percentage of GP fees on record. Our primary focus will be on delivering a world class health system, with better health outcomes in the areas that are in desperate need of investment and reform. That’s why we have already announced we will restore the Coalition’s doubling of Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions from 10 to 20 on a permanent basis and will invest $400 million to re-build the GP workforce and encourage junior doctors to become GPs. We will work collaboratively with patients, the Australian Medical Association and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to deliver better health outcomes, drawing upon their knowledge and expertise to address current challenges and plan for future ones.

I note that you reference theyvoteforyou.org.au as a source of my voting record. While the intent of the website might seem promising, this website has been called out for bias by many

public figures over the years and the organisation that runs it has also been threatened with legal action from multiple Members of Parliament. If you would like to reference a genuine non-bias source for my voting record, you can visit Parliament of Australia that lists all of Bills and divisions that have been recorded.

I have always put the electorate of Flynn first and ahead of party lines. This is demonstrated by my record of when I was a State Member of Parliament as well as now the Federal Member. An example of this was when I lead the charge to stop Glencore/ CTSCo from injecting industrial waste into the Great Artesian Basin. The Great Artesian Basin is Australia’s largest groundwater system covers more than 1.7 million square kilometres across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Glencore which is a large coal company was seeking approval to store waste carbon dioxide (CO2) from a Queensland carbon capture and storage project in a Great Artesian Basin aquifer. I moved an amendment to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act so that the Commonwealth, as well as the Queensland Government, undertakes appropriate assessments of carbon sequestration projects. Even though this was voted down by Labor and the Greens in the Federal Parliament, the then Labor Queensland Government passed similar legislation. This was an example of me working across party lines for the benefit of the country.

Thank you once again for your letter and I hope to catch up when I’m next in the region.

Colin Boyce - Federal Member for Flynn

Inquiry into volunteering in Queensland

The Queensland Parliament has launched a landmark inquiry into the current state and value of volunteering, announced on 11 December 2024. This inquiry explores the challenges faced by diverse volunteer groups, government support, and opportunities for improvement, including those related to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It also examines emergency response volunteering, First Nations volunteering, and other factors that enhance participation and support for volunteers across Queensland.

How to Participate:

1. Submissions: You can make a submission online or by contacting the committee secretariat. Visit the Inquiry webpage for more information and to make a submission.

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/ Committees/Committee-Details?cid=267&id=4456

2. Complete a survey to inform COTA QLD’s submission: Please see available surveys below.

Your responses to the survey are confidential and will be de-identified to inform COTA QLD’s submission to the Volunteering Inquiry in Queensland. The survey will be open until midnight, Monday, 17 February 2025.

This inquiry provides a vital opportunity for the community to contribute their experiences and suggestions to shape the future of volunteering in Queensland. Get involved and have your say!

For further information how to have your say, please visit the below website:

Delayed but Not Deterred: Medallist of Medallists

Final Finally Held After Weather Postponement

Thursday, 23rd January was an individual stableford competition won by Steve Black with 36 points on a countback from Lachlan Hazell, second. Lloyd Holley placed third with 35 points. Neale Dent won the pin shot on hole 3, Joe Morris on hole 4, Lachlan Hazell on hole 5, and Jay Bills on hole 6. Lachlan won the men’s longest drive and Tania Dickson the ladies’ longest drive, kindly sponsored by Roy Gripske and Sons.

Friday, 24th January’s Chook Run was won by Paul Jaeger with a net 27. Shane Hazell came in second place with a net 28, and John Leggatt placed third with a net 31. Shane returned the best gross round of the day on the back 9 with a one over par round of 35 and also won the pin shot on hole 12. Mark Priem won the pin shot on hole 13, Ashley Newstead on hole 14, and Shawn Horley on hole 17. Gary Pengelly won the putting competition with 32 points.

Saturday, 25th January was our 2024 Medallist of Medallist final with 7 players in contention. The scores were close with Lloyd Holley coming out on top to take the win with a net 68. The individual stableford winner went to Rick Niven with 37 points on a countback from Mark Jefferies, second, and Sandy McVey, third. Joe Morris came in fourth with 36 points on a countback from Richie Hyne, fifth. Pin shots were won by John McLean on hole 3, Sandy McVey on hole 4, Chris Delaney on hole 5, and Blaise Ramsey on hole 6. Joe Morris won the longest drive for the men and Tania Dickson for the ladies.

The Medallist of Medallists final is an annual event held after the December monthly medal, open to all monthly medal winners for the year, in which they then contend for the overall Monthly Medallist winner of the year. The 2024 final was postponed due to the wet weather we experienced in the 2nd week of December.

Thursday, 30th January’s individual stableford round was won by John Jennings with 35 points on a countback from Vic Glass, second, and Rohan Sheppard, third. Diane Wolfe won the pin shot on hole 3, Neale Dent on hole 4, Jay Bills on hole 5, and Steve Black on hole 6. Jay Bills won the men’s longest drive and Tania Dickson the ladies’.

The Chook Run on Friday, 31st January was won by James Brown with a net 28½, ahead of Chris Wilkinson, second, with a net 29, and Paul Jaeger, third, with a net 30½. James Brown also won the pin shot on hole 3, Rocky Hauser on hole 4, Paul Jaeger on hole 5, and Chris Wilkinson on hole 8. Both Shane Hazell and James Tilley tied the putting competition with 28 points each.

The rain just before tee off on Saturday, 1st February halved the field for the second monthly medal for 2025. Those that remained trooped through the remaining showers, with Steve Black coming out on top to win with a net 68. Jay Bills was one shot behind, placing second with a net 69, and Rick Niven came in third with a net 71. Lloyd Holley won the pin shots on holes 3 and 5, Rick Niven on hole 4, and Steve Black on hole 6. Rick also won the men’s longest drive, thanks to sponsor Roy Gripske and Sons.

Kind Regards, Jo-Anne Lawrence

Town of 1770 Golf Course & Driving Range

Join Us for the Agnes Water Active Riders Club Working Bee!

Calling all volunteers! The Agnes Water Active Riders Club is hosting a working bee at the club grounds on Rafting Ground Road, and we need YOUR help to keep our facilities in top shape!

This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, roll up their sleeves, and assist with maintenance tasks and general upkeep of the grounds. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a local supporter, or just someone looking to contribute, all hands are welcome!

Date: Saturday, 15th February Time: 7 am Location: Agnes Water Active Riders Club, Rafting Ground Road

Bring along your gloves, a positive attitude, and any tools you think might be helpful! It’s a fantastic way to give back to the community, enjoy some fresh air, and meet fellow riders and locals.

Let’s make sure our club grounds stay safe, clean, and fun for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more details, please contact Bronwyn on 0448 938 493.

Regards, Agnes Water Active Riders

Miriam Vale Cattle Sales: January 2025 Market Overview

The Miriam Vale cattle market has entered 2025 with steadfast momentum, supported by a productive January sale that saw close to 400 head yarded. With buyers traveling from Moura, Eidsvold, Monto, and Dingo, alongside strong local involvement, the sale highlighted the continued resilience of the cattle industry in the region. This comes after a solid closing quarter in 2024, where monthly yardings fluctuated between 254 and 434 head, reflecting seasonal pressures but maintaining strong buyer competition for quality lots. Across September to December 2024, weaner steers consistently trended between $750–$900, with standout feeder steers surpassing $1,000 in December. Heifers ranged widely, with better conditioned lines averaging $400–$700, while select lots of older heifers excelled, fetching up to $890. Cows and bulls remained steady throughout the last quarter, averaging $750–$1,200 and $1,000–$1,300 respectively.

The January 2025 sale built on these trends with renewed vigor, particularly for steers. Most older steers sold between $1,000 and $1,300, while quality No. 4 steers achieved between $700 and $1,000. Armada Rural Holdings from Bundaberg dominated with a standout consignment of 36 Simbrah steers, averaging $928, further reinforcing demand for quality stock. Weaner steers performed consistently, with prices holding in the $600–$800 range. On the heifer side, results were slightly polarized, with most heifers priced between $600 and $700. The highlight was a lot of older Red Brahman heifers from PJ & KM Spencer, which topped out at $1,200. Few cows and bulls were yarded, yet those present still commanded competitive prices, with bulls reaching up to $1,980

The January sale reflects a notable balancing of market conditions. While the averages of weaner and feeder cattle align with 2024’s

trends, the increased interest and prices for older steers and heifers indicate a potential shift in buyer priorities as producers refine their stock offerings. The influence of established buyers continues to elevate the competition, ensuring fair returns for local vendors.

Looking ahead, the February 21st sale promises to carry forward this momentum. Quality cattle will remain the focal point, with strong demand likely to persist for both older and younger lines. Producers should take confidence from January’s results and prepare accordingly to meet the appetites of a competitive buyer group. With Miriamvale proving itself as a reliable hub for cattle sales, 2025 forecasts look bright for both vendors and buyers. Save the date— February 21st could set the tone for another successful year in the local market.

Alex Jahnke, Captain Creek Station

(information sourced from Nurtien Ag Solutions Monthly Sales Reports)

Kids Corner

Kid’s Activity: Build a Rocket Ship from

toilet rolls

Materials Needed:

Empty toilet rolls, coloured paper, glue, scissors, paint or markers, aluminium foil.

Instructions:

1. Paint or decorate the toilet roll to look like a rocket body.

2. Cut out a cone shape from coloured paper and attach it to one end of the roll to form the rocket’s nose.

3. Create rocket fins from coloured paper and glue them to the sides of the roll.

4. Use aluminium foil to add details like windows and a shiny surface.

Go an have a blast-off competition to see whose rocket flies the highest (just for fun, no real launching).

Send photos in of you with your finished product and the best rocket will be featured in a future issue. Email through to editor@thecoastalrag.com.au

Calling All Coastal Rag Readers: Keep Your Ideas Coming!

We want to give a heartfelt thank you to all those who have already contributed their ideas, suggestions, and feedback. Your support means the world to us!

We still want to hear from you! What do you want to see more of? What could we do less of? Do you have any great ideas or want to get involved and share your talents? Your input is invaluable as we strive to improve this magazine to be an interactive and informative platform that connects us all.

The Coastal Rag has been a staple in our community for over 30 years, thanks to the hard work of our predecessors and the support of our readers and advertisers. Let’s make sure it thrives for another 30 years and beyond! I’m all ears for your suggestions and ideas on how we can grow, collaborate and improve.

So please, continue to send your thoughts and ideas. We want to hear from every one of you!

And don’t forget—by sharing your ideas, you can enter the draw for a $50 voucher to the Agnes Water Tavern. Simply email us with an idea, suggestion, or feedback, along with a photo of your current

issue of The Coastal Rag.

Keep buying our issues for more opportunities to win and stay connected! Together, we can make The Coastal Rag thriving

Thank you, Jamie - Editor

Winner will be drawn on the 28th February 2025, be sure to leave your name and contact details.

Recipe from a Local

JAVI’S SOPAIPILLAS DE ZAPALLO OR “PUMPKIN BREAD”

INGREDIENTS

• 2 TBS Olive oil

• 1 cup ground pumpkin (baked in the oven)

• 2 cups flour, (whole wheat or white, or a mix).

• 2 tsp baking powder.

• 1 tsp salt.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix all the ingredients until a dough ball forms. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour.

2. Dust the countertop with flour. Place the dough on the counter and roll it out, adding flour on top to prevent sticking.

3. Cut the dough into the shape you want using a mould. Prick with a fork.

4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the pieces for 15-20 minutes.

I’ve got a treat for you—a typical Chilean recipe that’s close to my heart! It’s called Sopaipillas de Zapallo, a delightful pumpkin bread that’s perfect for pairing with sweet treats like dulce de leche, marmalades, or chancaca, as well as savoury options like salsa, avocado, and dips. Originally, this bread is fried and buttered, but I’ve got a healthier twist for you. This version is baked and butter-free, so you can enjoy all the flavour with none of the guilt.

I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do! - By

Javi - Owner of La Caravana

Share Your Sustainable Home Success!

Do you live in a comfortable, energy-efficient home? Have you made sustainable upgrades that others could learn from? Now’s your chance to share your story and inspire your community!

Sustainable House Day 2025 is coming up on Sunday, 4 May, and Renew is inviting homeowners across Australia to open their homes and showcase the benefits of sustainable living. Whether you’ve built from scratch, renovated, or retrofitted your home with recycled and/or sustainable materials, solar insulation, electrification, or water-saving features, your experience could help others take meaningful steps towards more sustainable homes.

How You Can Get Involved

1. Host In-Person Tours on Sunday 4 May - Welcome visitors into your home for guided tours. You set the number of sessions and visitors.

2. Create an Online House Profile - If in-person tours aren’t an option, share a video tour and let others explore your sustainable home virtually.

Why Participate?

Showcase real-world sustainability: your home could be the inspiration someone needs.

Connect with like-minded people: share insights, lessons, and practical tips.

Help drive Australia’s transition to energy-efficient, lowimpact housing.

Apply now via the Sustainable House Day website below. A selection panel will review applications, and successful

Learn More

Visit our website for details, FAQs, and featured homes from 2024. Still have questions? Email shd@renew.org.au. If you’ve created a smarter, greener home, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with Australia and be part of Sustainable House Day 2025!

Apply today and help others build a more sustainable future! —Deadline: Sunday 23 February 2025

www.sustainablehouseday.com

Council ‘ollies’ over next stage of Agnes Water Skate Park redesign

Gladstone Regional Council is set to improve a popular piece of community infrastructure at Agnes Water, thanks to funding under Round 1 of the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.

The $1.94M Agnes Water Skate Park Revitalisation project is progressing with tenders being called for the next steps, which involve site investigation works and detailed design and construction.

The detailed design for the project is based on the concept design which was endorsed by Council and developed through extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders. Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett said that construction commencement will be dependent on completion of the detailed design and receival of any required statutory government approvals.

“At this stage, the timeline for construction is anticipated to commence during the 2025/26 financial year,” Councillor Burnett said.

“We appreciate the community’s patience while we progress through the project’s next steps, but once complete, Agnes Water will have a fit for purpose skate facility that is safe, modern and suits a range of skill levels for skateboards, BMX and scooters.

“We will share more updates on this exciting upgrade when the project moves closer to construction.”

The $1.94M Agnes Water Skate Park Revitalisation project has been jointly funded by Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program – Round 1 ($971,850) and the Gladstone Regional Council ($971,850).

The Gladstone Regional Council Media Release

Councillor Kahn Goodluck to resign from position

Gladstone Region Councillor Kahn Goodluck has informed Mayor Matt Burnett, his Councillor colleagues and Gladstone Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Leisa Dowling that he intends to resign from his position effective 13 March 2025.

“As Cr Goodluck’s intended resignation date falls within the first 12 months of the current term, Council can decide by resolution whether to appoint the election runner up from the quadrennial election or hold a by-election to determine his replacement,” Mayor Burnett said.

“A decision will be made by Council at its General Meeting on Tuesday 18 February.”

Former Gladstone Region Councillor Chris Cameron, who served from 2020 to 2024, is the current runner up from the 2024 Councillor election as declared by Electoral Commission Queensland.

Councillor Goodluck was first elected to Gladstone Regional Council in 2016 and served the region as Deputy Mayor from 2020 to 2024.

MEDIA RELEASE ENDS - 28 January 2025

Stephen Bennett comments on 100 Days in a Crisafulli Government

2025 is well underway and as I put pen to paper, the Crisafulli Government is on the doorstep to reaching its 100-day milestone. Here are a few things we’ve been working on locally and across the state.

Through the Open Hospitals portal, all Queenslanders can now access the real-time performance of twenty-five major hospital emergency departments and seven satellite hospitals. You can view the number of patients waiting at hospitals, busiest times at ED’s and number of treatment spaces at hospitals. This real-time data provides transparency into what is happening in the state’s health system and is a significant improvement from the former Government’s quarterly health data.

Information sessions for stakeholders for the youth crime prevention and rehabilitation programs, Regional Reset and Staying on Track have commenced as part of our commitment to tackling the youth crime crisis. The information sessions are the first stage of the tender process for key youth crime fighting programs. The Staying on Track program will deliver a 12-month post-detention rehabilitation program for youth, including at least 6 months’ intensive support to reintegrate them

into the community and prevent them from falling into a cycle of repeat crime, driving down the state’s 91% recidivism rate. The Regional Reset program will deliver nine early intervention residential programs, including one in the Wide Bay. The program will be a one to three week ‘reset’ for those demonstrating high-risk behaviours including substance abuse, aggression, or truancy, providing youth with the skills to divert from crime before they become serious repeat offenders.

We’re also delivering a new rigorous impact assessable approval process for wind farm developments, consistent with other land uses like mining and agriculture. All windfarm developments in Queensland now face a mandatory community consultation period. It is only fair that communities can have a say for renewable energy projects proposed in their own backyard.

And finally, if you’re an aspiring young politician, now is the time to take a seat in Queensland’s Parliament House. Applications for the YMCA Youth Parliament program are open, and the search is on for the next Youth Member for Burnett. Nominations for the 30th Youth Parliament close Friday 14 February 2025 and students aged 15-25 years with an interest

in influencing change, political science, public speaking and policy or government should apply. For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane. org or go to www.ymcaqyp.org.au.

In closing, I would like to remind you all that my doors are always open. If I can be of assistance please don’t hesitate to give my office a call on 4111 5100 or email burnett@parliament. qld.gov.au.

Disaster Ready Fund-Round three now open

The Disaster Ready Fund Round Three 2025-2026 is part of the Australian Government’s flagship disaster risk reduction initiative.

This round will provide up to $200 million to support projects aimed at reducing disaster risks and increasing resilience.

Applications are open from January 22 2025, to April 2, 2025, with announcements of successful projects expected from September 20251

As per media release by Gladstone Regional Council on 22 January 2025, council will position itself to apply for this round.

For more information visit the below website.

https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/funding-programs/resilience-fundingprograms/disaster-ready-fund/disaster-ready-fund-roundthree-2025-2026

GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL

Urgent matters (e.g., burst water main), call any time, day or night.

Non-urgent matters, please call during business hours: 8.30am and 5pm

After-hours calls are diverted to our Emergency Call Centre.

Phone: (07) 4970 0700

Contact Us Opening Hours:

8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday

Postal Address: PO Box 29

Gladstone Qld 4680

Council General Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month.

If you need to let council know of a problem in your area, then “Snap, Send & Solve”

TRANSFER STATIONS

MUST WEAR ENCLOSED SHOES

Agnes Water as of 1st April Mon – Fri - 8am – 12pm

Sat & Sun - 8 – 12 & 1 - 4pm

Baffle Creek: Thurs – Mon - 1pm – 4pm

Rosedale: Thurs – Mon - 8am – 11am

Re-Cycle your old plant pots!

GRC LIBRARY

71 Springs Rd, Agnes Water

Mon – Fri 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5 pm

Saturday - 9am - 12 pm

Activities

Mah-jong Wed 9.30 - 1pm

Cards 500 Wed 9.30 – 1pm

Chess Club on Fridays 9.30 - 1pm (for those that want to learn and those who wish to have a game or two)

Storytime Thursdays 10.30 – 11.30

MUSEUM

NEW EXHIBITION – DOOR OF DESTINY

Open Monday-Sunday

10.00am - 2.00pm

69 Springs Road, Agnes Water (opposite the Tourist Information Centre)

Ph. (07) 49 749 511

Adults $5.00. Children FREE RSL

Friday morning Bingo at the Tavern, eyes down 9.15am and our Friday night 6pm - meat tray raffles and Jag the Joker

EMERGENCY

POLICE; CALL 000 IN AN EMERGENCY

Agnes Water 4899 4000

Miriam Vale 4974 6000 Rosedale 4153 8636

Police Link (non- urgent) 131 444

RURAL FIRE BRIGADES

Agnes Water First Officer: 0428 815 568

Eurimbula First Officer: 0423 464 037

FIRE WARDENS

Eurimbula: 0411 269 510

Colosseum: 0429 953 048

Lowmead 1 & 2: 0428 569 131

Wartburg: 0436 942 422

Rosedale 1 & 2: 0422 727 330

RURAL FIRE BRIGADE - NOTICE

We do not get paid, we are all volunteers, we are glad to help people out, donations welcome!

A fire that is more than 2m x 2m wide needs a permit!

Phone your local fire station.

Agnes Water/1770 SES - 132 500

Flood or Storm Emergencies

Ph: Ian (07) 4974 9330.

E: Ian.jones@ses.qfes.qld.gov.au

Baffle Creek & Rosedale SES

Training 2nd & 4thTues 10am@Rosedale Ph: Margaret 4156 6223 / 0448 486 176

MEDICAL

Shore Care Family Doctor: 4859 1234

Impact Dr Dani: 4902 2000

DC Doctor & Dentist: 4974 7707

Agnes Water DoctorsDr Gillian Ette: Mt Maria (Mon & Thurs morn) 4156 9198.

Optometrist: 4902 2000

Poisons Info: 13 11 26

Ambulance: 13 12 33

CHEMISTS

Agnes Water Pharmacy - 4974 9700

Live Life Pharmacy - 4803 5291

DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS

Agnes Water/1770 Local Ambulance, Agnes Water Ampol, 1770 Bowls Club, 1770 Camping Ground, Rosedale Hotel,

Baffle Creek General store, Agnes Water Post Office, Food works, Codie’s Place, Captain Creek Sport & Rec. Tavern.

Lifeline pharmacy.

The Reef Caravan Park Sandcastles Resort, donated by Rotary.

4CYTE PATHOLOGY

We are located at Agnes Water Doctors & at Impact Community Health.

2853 Round Hill Rd, Agnes Water Clinic Phone: 0402 682 086

JP SERVICES

Available at : Agnes/1770 RTC, POST OFFICE

COUNCIL OFFICE

Baffle Creek ring Jon: 0408 068 169

Madeline 0427 569 199

Captain Creek ring Rochelle: 0404 011 616

WILDLIFE ASSISTANCE

WIldlife Carer - Yvonne Thompson 0427 860 801

Vet (07) 4974 9045

Snake Catchers

Jason: 0421 174 128

Tim Hein: 0424 629 801

Michael: 0490 945 016

Leah 0468 907 130 or Corey 0434 855 662

Katherine 0487 172 980

Kathy Robertson Cipak: 0419 672 899

Marine strandings: 1300 130 372

Qld parks & Wildlife 4974 9350

COMMUNITY GROUPS

1770 Art Show: Ph Lynne 0411 126 701

1770 Bowls Club: Ph 0480 355 114

1770 Dragons: Ph Keith 0427 261 253

2025 Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival: Ph 0439 880 772

Agnes Conservation Community (ACC) Contact info@agnescc.org.au

AW Childcare: Ph 4974 9066

AW Craft Ladies: 1st Wed of the month. 9am – 12 pm. 12 Seaspray Dve. Judy: 4974 7373

AW Men’s Shed: 49 747 043

AW Active Riders: Bronwyn 0448 938 493

AW/1770 Little Athletics: Sophie 0400 881 696. awla1770@gmail.com

AW Orchid & Foliage Group: 1st Wed of the month.10am – 12 noon. 0417 141 775

AW Play Group: Tarsh 0412 748 409

AW/1770 RSL Subbranch: Lillian. Ph 0499 075 741

AW Quilting &Textile: Karen 0417 106 884

AW Rugby League: 0412 707 602

AW Surf Life Saving: 4111 1000

AW Triathlon: Ph 0432 600 379

AWSUM Ukulele Group: Lyn 0419 015 584

Baffle Creek Craft ladies: Every Wed at the Sport & Rec.

Art: Every Sat 9.30am to 1.30pm. Patti 0418 183 670

Baffle Creek Fishing Club: Last Sat of the month 2pm. Wayne 0475 353 266

Baffle Creek Garden Club: 3rd Wed of the month. Ph Petronella: 0427 194 986

Baffle Creek Golf: Wed 8.30 am Ladies. Sun 8.30 am Medley, Raffles 2nd Friday of the month.

Baffle Creek Men’s Shed: Every Sat 9am to 12 noon (behind BCCI oval)

Baffle Creek Youth Group: 2nd Friday of the month 3.30 – 7pm. All welcome!

Boomerang Bags: Every Tues 9am at the Baptist Church Bicentennial Drive Ph: Susan Burcher 0403 615 234 Brekky Club – 1st Tuesday of the month meets at Latinos! Next 8 am

Captain Cook 1770 AW Lions Club: Dave Wilkinson 0439 076 409

Captain Creek Pony Club: Ph: Kyra French 0401 827 988

Coast & Country School Buses: Ph 1300428737

Disc Coast Environment Group: Ph 0439 289 633

Discovery Coast Men’s Circle: Aaron Shultz. Ph 0400 573 867 Every 2nd Mon at (New Hall) 6.30pm.

DC Meals on Wheels: Delivering to Baffle Creek, Rosedale, Lowmead, Miriam Vale

Fingerboard, Captain Creek & Agnes/1770. Ph: 0477 885 506. Volunteers welcome! Discovery Coast Sport & Rec: 0474 316 621 Disc Coast Tourism & Commerce: (DCTC) Email: info@dctc.com.au. Ph: 0458 491 770

Discovery Vibes choir and marimba in Seventeen Seventy by Helga Bateman 0418752558)

Discovery Coast Women’s: 2nd Thurs of each month. 10:00am to 12:00pm, (Old Hall)) Contact: 0437 233 799.

Imperial Vale Station: Every Tuesday Meet & Greet. 10am FREE smoko! Mary 0439 831 806.

Lowmead play group: Every Wed 9-11am, Lowmead School.

Marine stranding’s: 1300 130 372 Miriam Vale: Community Playgroup @ MVSS 9am – 11 am. Every Wednesday Rosedale Playgroup: Every Friday 9am Rosedale School.

Rotary - discoverycoastrotary@gmail.com

Tide n Turn Board riders Assoc: See our Facebook page.

Up & Active: Rosedale Hall 9.30 Mon. Lowmead Hall 7.30am Tues. Baffle Ck Com Inc 9.30 Tues. Wartburg Playgroup: Every Thus 9am Wartburg School.

CHURCHES

AGNES WATER BAPTIST CHURCH

200 Bicentennial Dr, Agnes Water

Contemporary Sunday Worship Service commences at 9.30am. Followed by morning tea. There is also a ‘Kids Church’ program running concurrently with the Worship Service during School Terms” All are warmly welcomed. Phone: Pastor Rob Rodgers – 0491 109 633. admin@ awbaptist.org.au

OP SHOP - Tues – Sat 9am – 1pm. Ph: 4974 9018 Donations & volunteers welcome!

ANGLICAN CHURCH-

Sunday Worship Times. St Mary’s, Larson St Miriam Vale. 1st & 3rd Sunday each month at 4pm. St Luke’s, Lowmead Rd, Lowmead 4th Sunday at 4pm. Rev Beryl Anderson 0419 649 711

LUTHERAN CHURCH

1st & 3rd Sunday of the month 10.30am. Followed by brunch. Rosedale. Ph: 4156 6162

ST AGNES CATHOLIC CHURCH

Mass, liturgy with communion (Lay Lead) every 4th Sunday 11am. Mass will be

celebrated at 11am on Christmas Day. 86 Bicentennial Dr, Agnes Water Ph:49 721

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Service every Sabbath

Saturday 9.30–10.40am, 11am–12pm Main Service Lutheran Church, James St, Rosedale. Ph: 4974 7234.

Agnes Water SDA Fellowship meet on a Saturday. For more info please contact 0458040300.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Baffle Ck. Mass every first Sunday of the month Coast Rd, 12pm. Baffle Creek. Brian Ph: 0477 701 640 Paul Ph: 0429 885 771

ST JOHNS COMMUNITY CHURCH

76 James St, Rosedale. Ph: 0405 976 671

SUPPORT SERVICES

Uniting Care Discovery Coast Community Support Program

Food hampers, fuel vouchers, linking, referrals and support with community action.

M, W & Thurs on - 0427 319 978

Or Tuesday & Thursdays on 0439 699 297

Email: jamie.saunders@uccommunity.org.au

Impact Community Health Service

2 Rafting Ground Road Agnes Water.

Our Health Precinct provides a range of health services through co-located and visiting health providers, along with Nursing & Allied Health Services provided by ICHS. Agnes Water, Baffle Creek, Rosedale, Lowmead, Miriam Vale, Bororen & Turkey Beach

Contact ICHS - 07 4902 2000

1800 RESPECT - National Domestic Violence Service

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800

Is Australia’s only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25.

Alcoholics Anonymous AA 6.30pm Tuesday, 6.30pm Friday Old Community Hall, Springs Rd, 1300 22 22 22

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14

Queensland Health: 13 Health

Out Back Minds

support@outbackmind.com.au

Little Free Pantry

Donations of non-perishable food, pet food, toiletries & cleaning products. Drop off at the “Little Blue Bin” on 56 Innamincka Way, Agnes Water. Anytime, Any Day. Phone: Margaret 4974 9418

TRANSPORT

SHUTTLE SERVICES

to BUNDABERG every Wednesday!

The Weekly Shuttle will pick up from:

• Ampol Servo in Agnes at 9am

• Fingerboard at 9:30am

• Rosedale at 10:15am will drop off at:

• Bundaberg Hospital

• The Hinkler/Sugarland S/Centre

• CBD and will return from 3pm

$50 return

Book Now - Phone: 0458 349 000

$50 RETURN!!!

$35 for Concession card holders

DATE CLAIMERS

Agnes Water Active RidersWorking Bee 15 February 2025

Miriam Vale Magpies - Meet & Greet BBQ & Sign on Day - 3pm15 Feb 2025 email; mvmagpiessecretary@gmail. com

Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival 21-23 February 2025

Discovery Coast’s International Women’s Day - 8 March 2025

Agnes Water Longboard Classic25-30 March 2025

Miriam Vale Rodeo - Saturday 12 April 2025

1770 Festival - 23-25 May 2025

Baffle Creek Car/Bike Muster - 19-20 July 2025

Agnes Water/1770 Little Athletics 2025 season sign on When: 10am February 15th

Where: 165 Anderson Way. Fees: Tiny Tots 3-5yrs $85

Athletes U6-U17 $120

(FairPlay vouchers accepted)

OTHER NOTICES

Cash For Cans

19 Corfield Drive! Agnes Water Mon & Wed 10-4, Sat 9-2.

10c bottle & cans. Paying Cash! Meals On Wheels donation code is C101 390 39

Season starts: 1st March 2025

Season ends: 6th September 2025

AGM

Agnes Water/1770 Little Athletics AGM15 February 2025 from 9am

WHATS ON

HOW TO SPOIL YOUR LOVED ONE THIS VALENTINES DAY

Round Hill Head

Date: 8th - 21st February 2025

Caution: Tidal predictions are based on limited observations and therefore expected to be less accurate for this location. Users should exercise caution when using these predictions.

VMR ROUND HILL

Please call at 07 4974 9383 or 0427 747 477

On air daily from 06:30 to 18:00, monitoring VHF channels 16, 81, and 82, with working channels 21 south and Lady Musgrave to Fitzroy on 82 north.

Weather updates are available daily on channel 82 at approximately 06:40 and 16:40, or upon request on channels 81 or 82.

Remember: DON’T DUMP! Please dispose of you fish scraps correctly.