Augustine Heights Community News

River 949 to provide continual election coverage from 6pm tonight

2010-08-21T12:33:00.001+10:00

If you are out and about or want to avoid the television hype and razzmatazz of election coverage, tune to the local commercial radio station River 949.

At 6pm, River 949 will carry the Channel 9 News followed at 6.30 by full coverage of the election results from the Fairfax Radio Network.

The coverage will include national and Queensland updates as well as special coverage of the local Ipswich and Toowoomba seats of Oxley, Blair, Wright and Groom with expert commentary by Councillor Paul Tully.

This night is likely to be remembered for many years in Australian politics so tune into River 949 for your piece of history.

Federal Election: Narrow Labor win predicted tomorrow

2010-08-20T07:23:00.000+10:00

The Queensland Times - 25 June 2010

Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully is Ipswich's most qualified psephologist - a person who studies and predicts the result of elections.
In 2007, Tully accurately predicted the federal election result down to the exact number of seats Labor won.

FEDERAL ELECTION 2010

This election is likely to be the most-closely contested election since 1961 when Liberal Prime Minister Bob Menzies was returned with a 1 seat working majority after Jim Killen was re-elected as the Liberal Member for the Brisbane seat of Moreton after securing Communist Party preferences. Menzies was reported as ringing Killen and declaring: "Killen, you're magnificent".

In 2010, there has been a myriad of polls, predictions and pundits' pontifications – some differing wildly, including today's Newspoll in The Australian showing the two parties locked on 50:50 two-party preferred vote. But there are several key indicia which enable some reasonably confident observations and predictions to be made.

In 2007, Centrebet betting correctly showed Labor would win the election.

As at 7.00am today, Centrebet.com.au had the ALP at $1.33 and the Coalition at $3.25, an overnight lengthening of Labor's odds of winning the election

The bellwether seat of Eden-Monaro in New South Wales, on the outskirts of the ACT, traditionally elects a local member who is a member of the party which forms the Federal Government. The incumbent ALP Member Mike Kelly was quoted at 7.00am today by Centrebet at $1.22 whereas his Liberal opponent David Gazard is quoted at $3.85. If the people of Eden-Monaro re-elect Mike Kelly, its bellwether status suggests Julia Gillard is on her way to The Lodge.

In 2007, Centrebet favourites won 144 of the nation's 150 electorates and there is no reason to think that the smart money is not following the winners again in 2010.

Malcolm Mackerras' Pendulum should never be overlooked in making predictions about the outcome of any Australian election. His pendulum is based on the fact that swings across Australia are never uniform but higher (and lower) than expected swings tend to cancel each other out, thus making each party's overall percentage an excellent barometer of that party's final number of seats.

NOW FOR MY PREDICTION FOR 2010

This is the toughest election to predict since I correctly forecast the 1974 debacle in Queensland when Labor was reduced to a cricket team of 11 in the Queensland Parliament after the Labor leader Percy Tucker was humiliated by Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Percy also lost his own Townsville-based seat.

Tomorrow, Labor will lose a significant number of seats in Queensland and New South Wales. Labor may pick up a handful of seats in Victoria but the status quo is generally likely to prevail in Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory.

Things can always change over the next 24 hours but I predict that Labor will win the 2010 election and that the 150 seats in the House of Representatives will be won as follows:

ALP 77

Liberal/National 70

Independents 3

ALP 76

Liberal/National 70

Independents 3

Greens 1.

After supplying the Speaker, Labor would have either a 3 seat majority on the floor of the House of Representatives in the first scenario or a 1 seat majority in the second scenario.

Assuming Labor wins by a small margin, as Menzies did in 1961, it would be tempting for the Coalition to think that the 2013 election would be a walk-in for them.

That's what the ALP thought after the 1961 election but Menzies called a general election a year early in 1963 and INCREASED his Liberal/National Party majority and the Coalition then went on to hold power for another 9 years!

In Queensland, I predict The Greens will wins their first Senate seat.

WHAT IS PSEPHOLOGY?

"Psephology" is the art or science of predicting the outcome of elections. Psephologists across the world are doing this every day. In reality, everyone is a psephologist. In practice, it is neither an art nor a science but simply a judgment by each individual, based on polls, figures, trends, hunches, good luck and sometimes plain old political bias.

Good luck to you for tomorrow night in your own practice of psephology.

Cr Paul Tully
PaulGTully@gmail.com

20 August 2010

New traffic lights at Camira are now operating

2010-08-19T11:57:00.000+10:00

New traffic lights are now operating at the corner of Old Logan Road and Formation Street Camira.

They were installed by Ipswich City Council and funded under the Federal Government's Blackspot Program which is overseen at a national level by the local Federal Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll.

The new traffic lights complement another set recently installed at the corner of Newman St and Alice St Goodna.

These were also commissioned under the Federal Blackspot program.

Ipswich footbridge named after local resident and famous Australian who designed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Brisbane's Story Bridge

2010-08-18T18:25:00.001+10:00

Mayor Paul Pisasale (front) and Councillor Paul Tully
on the newly named Bradfield Bridge.

FROM unsteady beginnings, the Riverlink pedestrian bridge now has a name that carries the historical weight of Ipswich's proud past.

The much publicised and long-delayed bridge from Riverlink shopping centre to Ipswich City Square will be called Bradfield Bridge.

Ipswich City Council yesterday voted to honour former Ipswich resident John Bradfield who, if he did nothing else, would be forever famous for designing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and helping design Brisbane's Story Bridge.

He also helped design and plan the University of Queensland, engineered Sydney's electric railway system and was associated with engineering works including the Cataract Dam near Sydney.

Planning and Development Committee chairman Paul Tully said the new bridge in Ipswich was the first in Bradfield's name.

"It's a proud day we can recognise his achievements and his connection with the city," Cr Tully said.

From his Sydney home, Dr Bradfield's grandson Peter Bradfield was thrilled to hear of his grandfather's honour.

"I think he'd be delighted he's been so kindly remembered. He was a proud Ipswich boy," Mr Bradfield said. "His place in Sydney was full of Queensland plants and a stained-glass window from the family home in Ipswich.

"In 2008 I went to Ipswich and Andrew Antoniolli showed me around grandfather's junior school at North Ipswich where there was a lot of artefacts about the bridge and him.

"I've been asked to come up with my wife for the opening. We were going to be away at that time but I'm sure we can make it."

Councillor Antoniolli, who went to the same primary school as Dr Bradfield, supported the bridge being named after him.

"It was a long time coming but I think it's the right one," Cr Antoniolli said. "I'm very pleased with the outcome."

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the official opening was expected to be in the first half of October.

"It's going to be a big day for celebration. There will be a community celebration and joint retail promotion on both sides of the river," he said.

"The Bradfield Bridge will quickly become a vital part of the city's infrastructure. This is a historic moment for the city. There's no other walking bridge like this in Australia."

QT.com.au

ABC Breaking News: Houses face emergency evacuation at Willowbank

2010-08-16T17:32:00.001+10:00

Police have declared an emergency situation as a large grass fire burns out of control in the Willowbank area.

The Cunningham Highway is closed in both directions with traffic diversions in place.

No houses are immediately under threat but residents have been advised to be prepared to evacuate.

Harmony Support Links

2010-08-12T18:06:00.000+10:00

Harmony Support Links featuring the youth of Goodna rocks into action this evening at the Goodna Neighbourhood House.

Power lines are down at Rosemary Street Bellbird Park

2010-08-12T13:38:00.001+10:00

Drivers should take extreme care.

Missing Goodna girl found safe and well

2010-08-08T16:35:00.001+10:00

An 11-year-old girl who disappeared after doing a grocery run for her mum has been found safe and well.

Police said the girl had decided to stay at a friend's place overnight.

She was reported missing after not being seen since noon yesterday.

Feza Ngongo had been last seen walking outside the Woolworths supermarket at St Ives Shopping Centre in Goodna, west of Brisbane, about 1.30pm on Saturday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Williams said Feza had walked 7km from her Goodna home to shop for her mother.

Feza lives with her mother and an 18-year-old brother who are political refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

They migrated to Australia three years ago and moved to Goodna only three weeks ago, Det Sen Sgt Williams said.

CourierMail.com.au

Police search for missing Goodna girl

2010-08-08T09:17:00.001+10:00

CourierMail.com.au

POLICE are appealing for public assistance to help find an 11-year-old Goodna girl who went missing from her home yesterday afternoon.

She is described as being of African appearance, 159cm tall with a slim build, black hair, brown eyes and shoulder length plaited hair.

At the time it believed Feza was wearing black trousers and a tight white shirt under a red and white horizontal striped collared polo shirt with a zipper at the front.

Anyone who has seen the girl or has further information on her whereabouts can contact the Yamanto Child Protection Investigation Unit on 3817 1520.

End of an era as Goodna Pensioners' Club closes after 38 years

2010-08-07T14:17:00.000+10:00

It was truly the end of an era when the Goodna Pensioners' Club held its last meeting on Thursday.

Since 1972, the Goodna Club has provided friendship and companionship for 38 years for the people of Ipswich's eastern suburbs.
The club organised regular trips to country centres, the pokies at Tweed Heads and other social get-togethers for almost four decades.

Local Councillor Paul Tully attended the final meeting at the Goodna RSL Services Club with 13 members of the Pensioners' Club.

Cr Tully presented each member a gift pack to commemorate the occasion.

He described the Club's last meeting as a "sad occasion for members" but the opportunity would always remain for members to get together on an individual basis.

Cr Tully regaled the members with the history of the Goodna area reminding members that when the Club was formed in 1972:

• Bill Hayden was the local Federal Member;

• Evan Marginson was the local State Member;

• Alderman Jim Finimore was the Mayor of Ipswich; and

• Ossie Knoblanche and Ted Richardson were the Aldermen for the Goodna area.

Fond memories for members of Goodna Pensioners' Club will linger for many years to come.

Urgent Ipswich Motorway Update at Goodna tonight

2010-08-02T17:25:00.001+10:00

From 8pm Monday 2 August to 4am Tuesday 3 August 2010, the Church St off-ramp from the Ipswich Motorway (Brisbane bound) at Goodna will be temporarily closed.

Call 1800 465 682 for more information.

Queensland Government moves to ban helium balloons across the state

2010-08-01T06:52:00.001+10:00

The Queensland Government has announced plans to ban the use of helium balloons across Queensland.

Don't bother to check your calendar - it's not April the 1st.

Fair dinkum - the bureaucrats must have been let out of the looney bin to dream up this sort of idiotic stuff.

We need fewer laws, not more laws, regulating every aspect of our daily lives.

This new proposed law banning helium balloons raises serious philosophical questions about how far governments should legitimately intrude into normal aspects of a modern society.

You only have to think back to the furore a few years ago when the Queensland government attempted to ban the feeding of dolphins at Tin Can Bay to see taxpayers' money being squandered on bureaucrats dreaming up hare-brained plans to turn ordinary people into criminals.

It was only Peter Beattie's intervention at the time which stopped this stupidity.

Come on Anna, are you for or against white balloons over Brisbane?

Queensland Government clarifies laws on American Pit Bulls

2010-07-31T10:11:00.001+10:00

Media Release

Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

The Honourable Desley Boyle

31/07/2010

Confusion over American Staffies no longer: Minister

Local Government Minister Desley Boyle has today announced she will amend the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 to clarify once and for all that American Staffordshire terriers are not classified as "restricted dogs".

This follows a Supreme Court case in April, Gold Coast City Council v. Chivers, which ruled the Amstaff involved was the same as a restricted American Pit bull.

Ms Boyle said pit bulls have been prohibited by many Queensland Councils under their local laws, listed as "restricted" under State legislation and banned from importation by the Commonwealth.

There are an estimated 4,000 Amstaffs in Queensland, some 230 on the Gold Coast.

"The amendment will state categorically that for the purposes of the Act, Amstaffs will not be considered the same as the restricted pit bulls," Ms Boyle said.

"This will give Amstaff owners especially on the Gold Coast certainty about their rights and obligations yet it will give Queens landers peace of mind that the legislation's tough penalties remain for irresponsible pet owners whose dogs cause fear or harm," she said.

"While it was never the State's intention for the Act to classify Amstaffs as restricted dogs, the recent court case has meant the amendment is now necessary."

It is generally accepted among experts that Amstaffs and pit bulls descended from Staffordshire bull terrier-type dogs however the restricted pit bulls were bred specifically as fighting animals.

Amstaffs on the other hand were bred almost exclusively as show and companion dogs, widely recognised as trainable and family-friendly pets.

Amstaffs are even used as therapy dogs including in hospitals. Well-known Brisbane Amstaff Nudie, owned by Mrs Melissa Greenall, visits aged-care facilities, special care and children's wards.

"Importantly the proposed amendment to the legislation will not compromise community safety as owners of all dogs, including Amstaff owners, will be held accountable for the behaviour of their charges," said the Minister.

"The same rules apply to all dog owners and you will feel the full weight of the law if your dog behaves badly or causes harm."

If a dog bites someone, Ms Boyle said a fine of up to $30,000 can apply under the Act and the dog can be seized by Council and declared as dangerous.

"If a dog bails someone up on the street, a fine of $2,000 can apply and Council can declare the animal as menacing," she said.

"Special provisions apply to animals declared as dangerous or menacing, such as fencing, muzzling and kennel requirements.

"I take this opportunity to thank Dogs Queensland President Barry Vickers in particularly and his team who have worked with departmental officers in sorting out the confusions flowing from the recent court decision and this amendment will put the matter to rest.

Ipswich Motorway changes at Goodna tonight

2010-07-31T10:04:00.001+10:00

News just in re Ipswich Motorway:

From 8pm Saturday 31 July to 4am Sunday 1 August 2010, temporary traffic diversions will be in place on the Ipswich Motorway at Goodna.

Call 1800 465 682 for more information.

New shops for Redbank Plains

2010-07-31T08:55:00.001+10:00

An artist's impression of Fernbrooke Village.

TheSatellite.com.au

REDBANK Plains will have a new shopping centre within a year, with Ipswich City Council approving a centre to be built at Fernbrooke estate.

The 499m2 convenience centre, named Fernbrooke Village, will be located on Alawoona Street and be home to about six convenience retailers such as a butcher, newsagency, fast food shop and real estate.

Urban Pacific Queensland general manager, Rick McLaren, said the centre would be for people who wanted to walk or cycle to grab the milk, bread, newspaper and a cup of coffee, rather than driving to another big shopping centre.

"We are excited by the recent council approval and are very keen to see the centre developed as it will provide much needed convenience shopping to the residents of Fernbrooke and the surrounding community," he said.

Mr McLaren said construction would start towards the end of this year and the centre would take six months to build.

The centre will include 28 car parking spaces accessible from Alawoona Street, and pedestrian access from Alawoona Street, School Road and Cobbin Circuit.

Ipswich City planning and development committee chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said under the conditions of the approval for the development, Urban Pacific would be required to pay an infrastructure contribution of $96,965 towards water, sewerage and roadworks.

They will also be required to install an acoustic screen along the entire western boundary and part of the northern boundary.

Apart from that, Division 9 Councillor Sheila Ireland said Urban Pacific also needed to upgrade the intersection of School Road and Alawoona Street to provide safe and efficient access for the development site.

"These works need to include a right turn lane on Alawoona Street as well as a no stopping zone on Alawoona Street to provide access into the development site," she said.

"A concrete kerb and channel and a footpath also must be constructed along the full frontage of this development."

Fernbrooke is a 125 hectare site and is expected to be home to 3500 residents with 10 years. For leasing enquiries for Fernbrooke Village contact Ric Hulme on 0439 415 567.

Springfield Lakes Rugby League: High hopes for fledgling Hawks

2010-07-31T08:50:00.001+10:00

The Springfield Lakes Hawks rugby team that nearly
made the finals in its first season.

QT.com.au

THE first season was always going to be tough but Springfield Lakes have surprised with how well they performed in 2010.

"It was a very typical first season with highs and lows," Springfield Lakes Rugby Club president Brett Bourke said of his club's senior team, which finished fifth in the Brisbane Subdistricts top competition, the Barber Cup.

"The overarching thing was we were so close to making the final four in our first season."

Only one thing was stopping them, according to Bourke.

"Experience, that's all it was," he said.

"We beat all the other teams in the competition (except Pine Rivers and Goodna). We lost three or four really close games that, but for a little bit of experience, we would have won."

From an administrative point of view, Bourke admitted it was harder than he thought.

"There's a whole raft of interpersonal dynamics that come with the seniors you don't get with the juniors," he said.

"Grown men have sensitivities about how they want to be treated.

"It is a credit to the man management skills of (coach Heta Pamatatau)."

As if to prove his point, it was a lack of support from the club's board that Pamatatau rated his biggest disappointment.

"We just didn't see the support from the club," he said. "They only came to the last game.

"The coach and manager (Pamatatau's wife Ruth) ran the club this year."

Pamatatau conceded it was hard in the club's first season, given the board also had the already established junior club to run, and should be better next year.

"They were busy," Pamatatau said. "I said: 'If you're going to be committed, we're going to be alright'."

Pamatatau was happy with his team's debut season, even if he had hopes of making the semi-finals at one point.

"In the last three games, the boys stepped up," he said.

"They went down fighting, which is all I wanted to see."

The Hawks had to make do with limited finances and equipment but Bourke is confident the situation will improve in 2011.

"Compared to Ipswich or Wynnum, they've got infrastructure we don't have," he said. "We're moving in terms of securing sponsorship to put infrastructure in place."

The president said he was close to signing a gear sponsor for the next five years, while scrum machine, tackling pads and bags were also on a realistic wish list.

"Our success has given organisations confidence they can attach their name to us," he said.

Goodna Rugby Union: Gladiators have will to secure win

2010-07-31T08:47:00.001+10:00

Goodna can avenge last year's Barber Cup grand
final loss when they play Pine Rivers in tomorrow's
minor semi-final at Wynnum.

REVENGE is not the motivation for Goodna in tomorrow's Barber Cup semi-final.

But a win over their 2009 grand final conquerors Pine Rivers at Wynnum will be extremely sweet, keeping their season alive and ending the Boars' reign.

Prop Dominic Chalk was part of the Goodna team that lost last year's grand final. He believes his team is better placed this time round.

"We're in a similar position but momentum-wise I think we're a step ahead of last year," he said.

"We lost a couple of games right at the end of the season (last year) and played our grand final against Wynnum in the semi. We're at full strength now, which we have been for a few weeks."

It has enabled Goodna to get a roll on with four straight wins since their last loss, 20-17 to Pine Rivers.

But there are no emotional scars from the game.

If anything, it has instilled confidence in the Gladiators because they only lost in the final minute at Pine Rivers despite being short a number of players.

"It was a pretty proud moment for (coach Les Shine)," Chalk explained.

"The guys stood up to put on the performance we did."

Goodna know the Boars well and Chalk nominated their five-eighth Dave Good and number eight Phil Croucamp as the players Goodna must nullify.

Chalk however, believes Goodna are adequately equipped to deal with them.

"Right across the board at the moment," he said of his team's strengths.

"Our defence is excellent at the moment, right across the line. In the first round, it was a bit sketchy."

Goodna are renowned for their powerful forwards but Chalk is confident the backs will make their mark tomorrow as well.

"We're trying to balance it out a bit," he said.

"Our strength is in our backs at the moment.

"If our forwards can lay the way forward, we can get our backs to do the zippy stuff. We really need to utilise them."

Which isn't to say Chalk and his pack will be conceding ground in the trenches.

"They're solid but we had it over them last game we played," Chalk said of the front row battle.

"I'm confident we can do the job again.

"Our front row, I think, is the best in the competition."

In tomorrow's other semi-final, Ipswich Rangers play Wynnum.

The winner advances straight to the grand final in a fortnight. The loser will play the winner of Goodna versus Pine Rivers next week.

Goodna plays Redcliffe in the Pegg Cup minor semi-final with the loser eliminated.

Rugby Union: Goodna trounces Springfield Lakes

2010-07-26T07:26:00.001+10:00

Goodna ensured they will take winning form into their minor semi-final
against Pine Rivers, at Wynnum, by defeating Springfield Lakes 23-12
at Springfield on Saturday.

Goodna finished in third place.

Soccer: Western Spirit's high again after victory

2010-07-26T07:24:00.001+10:00

ECSTATIC player/co-coach Troy Wickstein last night declared Western
Spirit were back after a gutsy 1-0 victory over competition leaders
North Pine at Goodna.

A goal by ace striker Phil Randal with 25 minutes to go gave the home
side a confidence- boosting victory after a few testing weeks.

"It was a good tough grind from all the boys," Wickstein said, after
playing a full game at sweeper.

"I'd say this is our little turning point for the season. It was a
very good result."

Last night's victory keeps Spirit well in the hunt for a top two spot.

Wickstein praised his team for its defensive effort with Tim Cassey
collecting the man-of-the-match honour.

"It was probably a Godsend against Lions (losing 6-0 two weeks ago) to
be honest," Wickstein said.

"We realised we have got to be ready to play every week."

Meanwhile, Ipswich City coach Trent Abel was a lot happier with his
team's effort despite a 2-1 loss to in-form Queensland Lions
yesterday.

The Lions only secured victory in the 91st minute from a free kick
that went under the wall and deflected off the heel of Bulls captain
Mark Fancourt.

The Bulls opened the scoring after Scott Niemi converted an early penalty.

Lions struck back straight away, setting up a tight second half.

"You can't fault the effort," Abel said, pleased to see more
commitment after the previous weekend's 3-0 loss to North Star.

"The boys stuck at it.

"If we did that every week, we'd get results. We've just got to fine-tune it."

Abel praised defender Nick Love for a strong defensive performance.

Goodna still leads Ipswich Rugby League competition

2010-07-26T07:21:00.001+10:00

Norths bore the brunt of the Goodna Eagles defence yesterday as Goodna won their A-grade clash 22-10 at North Ipswich Reserve.

THE rain may be good for the farmers but it did little for the spectacle at the North Ipswich Reserve yesterday.

Goodna beat Norths 22-10 to remain top of the Ipswich Rugby League A-grade ladder but Norths made them work for it, after Goodna had threatened to run rampant.

Goodna raced to a 16-0 lead after 18 minutes on the back of tries to brothers Sione and Andy Piutau from close range and Jackson Solofa.

Solofa's came when Norths made the cardinal error of not playing the whistle following a knock-on.

Goodna halfback Craig Wehrman was the quickest to react and fed Solofa who crossed untouched.

"All in all, it was a good game," Goodna five-eighth Andrew Walker said.

"We've sort of been scrappy the last couple of weeks. We just wanted to control the ball, be consistent and complete our sets."

That they did for the first quarter of the match, until the rain came and turned it into a war of attrition.

To Norths' credit, they hung in for the rest of the half and took their chance when it arrived.

With two minutes to go before halftime, captain Chris Scanlan scored the try they needed to keep them in the game following a grubber kick, toe ahead by Norths hooker Greg Brooks and in-goal fumble by a Goodna player.

The second half was a dour affair, mainly due to poor handling, until Goodna's Roger Eliu found a way through with 16 minutes remaining to virtually seal the match.

Norths got one back when winger Uonamu Teesi scored from a scrum but with only eight minutes left, it was too late for a revival.

"Our defence won us the game," Walker said.

It was also the thing the dual international nominated as the area in need of the most attention.

That's because of the Goodna forwards' love of rushing out of the line to put on a big hit.

When it doesn't work, it creates holes in the defensive line.

"Other teams will pick us out," Walker said.

"They're big boys and they love it (putting on big hits).

"Sometimes they go looking for it but it will come."

Norths player/coach Kerry Theuerkauf was disappointed with the loss and the fact he injured his hamstring but was pleased how his team competed after Goodna's early lead.

"There were a lot of positives," he said. "We didn't lay down.

"Goodna had a lot of possession early on and got a roll on.

"A lesser side could have let them get away.

"Goodna defended well on their line and we had chances but the last pass went to ground and we couldn't finish off."

Theuerkauf admitted his team paid the price early for letting the Eagles get into attacking positions.

"They've got good, big, strong men," he said.

"When they get that close to the line, it's hard to stop them."

Support for tough new Queensland laws on cemetery vandalism

2010-07-18T14:14:00.001+10:00

Cemetery vandals should be jailed

The Goodna Cemetery Trust is supporting new state laws announced today which crackdown on vandalism in cemeteries.

Secretary of the Goodna Cemetery Trust Cr Paul Tully described the new laws as "much-needed" across Queensland in view of on-going vandalism in local cemeteries.

The 150 year old historic Goodna cemetery was the scene of the destruction of 19 graves involving $100,000 damage last December.

Cr Tully said the incidence of vandalism in cemeteries was increasing mainly at night, making it difficult for police to catch offenders red-handed.

"The courts then tend to give the offenders a slap over the knuckles with a feather.

"These new laws send a clear message to the judiciary that offenders should be jailed for destructive rampages through cemeteries," Cr Tully said.

.............................................

This is the full text of today's State Government Media Release:

New law, tougher penalties target graveyard vandalism

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations

The Honourable Cameron Dick

18/07/2010

New law, tougher penalties target graveyard vandalism

People who damage graves and headstones will face up to seven years in jail as part of a package of legal reforms that will target graveyard vandalism.

Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the package of measures would provide police and prosecutors with the tools needed to take action against people who damage or destroy graves and other memorials.

"Interfering with graves or headstones is appalling and offenders who engage in this sort of insensitive and stupid behaviour will face the full force of these new laws," Mr Dick said.

The package of measures includes:

• increasing the maximum penalty for wilful damage of property such as graves from five years' jail to seven years' jail

• the creation of a new offence of unlawfully interfering with a grave, carrying a maximum penalty of 12 months' jail, in the Summary Offences Act 2005

• removing the need for prosecutors to establish an absence of consent from the grave owner.

"Gravestones have a deep and lasting significance to people's families and their descendants, and should always be treated with dignity and respect, no matter the age of the grave," Mr Dick said.

"However, a recent review of the relevant laws showed that changes were needed to ensure prosecutions against this inexcusable conduct could be properly pursued.

"The increased penalty for wilful damage reflects the seriousness with which the Bligh Government and the community regard this sort of offending behaviour.

"The increased penalty for wilful damage will apply to damage or destruction caused to a cemetery, gravestone, place of worship, or war memorial.

"The government has also decided to create a new offence of unlawfully interfering with a grave, carrying a maximum penalty of 12 months' imprisonment.

"The offence will apply to a person who unlawfully interferes with a grave, vault, niche or memorial, unless the cemetery's authority has approved."

Mr Dick said significant community concern arose in April this year when four people charged with damaging gravestones had charges dismissed over the question of whether the damage had been caused without the owners' consent.

"The proposed amendments have been developed after detailed consideration of the issue by the government and widespread debate in the community," Mr Dick said.

"The increased penalty reflects the seriousness with which the State Government and the community regard such offending behaviour.

"The government recognises that vandalism is a serious issue for our community and condemns all forms of wilful damage.

"The proposed legislation reflects community expectations in how places of remembrance should be respected and why those people who commit serious acts of vandalism should be punished."

Mr Dick said he expected the new legislation to be introduced into Parliament by the end of the year.

Goodna Rugby Union seniors trounce Brisbane Irish

2010-07-17T16:23:00.001+10:00

Goodna Gladiators 27 defeated Brisbane Irish 12 at Goodna today in a hard-fought match.

This secures Goodna's position in the first 4 for this year's grand final.

The Goodna Rugby Union bus is back

2010-07-17T12:59:00.001+10:00

The Goodna Rugby Union Open Day is in full swing at the Evan Marginson Park at Woogaroo Street Goodna today.

And "The Bus" is on the road again!

Good luck Goodna for the rest of the year and 2011.

Office of Fair Trading Smart Business Bulletin

2010-07-10T13:47:00.001+10:00

July 2010

Welcome to the July edition of the Smart Business Bulletin, linking Queensland businesses with fair trading information and tips.

Message from the Minister

July not only marks the start of a new financial year, but this year also signals the transition of a number of regulatory functions from the Office of Fair Trading to the Commonwealth. These transitions are just some of Council of Australian Governments (COAG) projects currently underway to ensure a more streamlined approach to regulation.

We will continue to update you on our remaining COAG reforms through this e-bulletin, the OFT website, and where possible, information sessions or direct mail.

For more information on COAG and its plans for reform, visit www.coag.gov.au

What's in the news?

Before you donate, check the organisation is legit

Have you ever wanted to donate but weren't sure your money was going to the right place?

The Office of Fair Trading's new online register allows you to check if a charity is registered to fundraise or if an association is incorporated in Queensland.

Dodgy Brisbane painter ordered to pay up

In a win for registered builders, a dodgy Brisbane painter was recently ordered to pay more than $10,000 for falsely claiming he had a Building Services Authority licence and failing to register his business name. This prosecution by the Office of Fair Trading acts as a warning to other operators who might try to work around the system to undercut those people doing the right thing, or to make their dodgy deals harder to trace.

Features

What's fair got to do with it?

On 1 July consumers gained greater powers when it comes to standard form contracts (contracts where consumers have limited or no option to negotiate, such as gym memberships, mobile phones and credit cards).

If you believe a contract term is unfair, you can contact the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC), or for contracts relating to financial services, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

For more information on Unfair Contract Terms law and who it applies to, visit

www.accc.gov.au or

www.fido.gov.au

Not new… just improved.

Fair Trading's annual forms update

Fair Trading's annual forms update is now complete, with one major improvement – you can now save a partially completed form for later!

It's easy to tell if you're using an up-to-date form with the correct fee information – just look for "Effective from 1 July 2010" in the top left hand corner, under the form name.

Trade measurement goes to the Feds

On 1 July 2010 Fair Trading passed the trade measurement baton to the National Measurement Institute, Australia's peak measurement body.

For more information on the transition to the national system, visit
www.measurement.gov.au

Consumer credit goes to the Feds

Responsibility for the regulation of consumer credit passed to the Commonwealth on 1 July 2010.

If you have not yet registered for a credit license you will need to stop providing or facilitating consumer credit immediately and contact the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for advice.

The Queensland Government will continue to regulate the interest rate cap.

Get involved in Queensland Week 2011 – sponsorships now open

Queensland Week is a special time for all Queenslanders to celebrate what's great about our State.

Each year, a range of diverse activities are held that involve families, businesses, schools and a range of community groups throughout the State, each celebrating Queensland's people, places and achievements.

The Queensland Government is offering sponsorships up to $10,000 to help you get involved in Queensland Week 2011.

Business tips

Not… happy… Jan… The scam targeting small business

Queensland businesses are being targeted by a fake fax claiming to be from Yellow Pages. The fax offers to make company details available on Google Maps.

Fake Yellow Pages websites also form part of the scam, designed to make you part with your money.

For information on fax back and other scams targeting businesses, visit our 'common scams' page.

Fair Trading drives good business practise in the car rental industry

More than 500 car rental businesses were invited to attend free information seminars in Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Proprietors were given advice and information to help them ensure their business complies with the law, particularly in relation to advertising and business management practises.

For more information, visit our 'car rental' page.

How smart is your incorporated association?

A new guide is now available to help Incorporated Associations run smoothly. The 'Incorporated Associations Smart Business Guide' covers everything from financial management, to running meetings, to your association's rules.

You can view or download a copy from our website.

Hard copies will also be available for order from the Queensland Government bookshop in the coming weeks.

Don't get brought down by advertising

When it comes to advertising we've seen it all, the good, the bad and the ugly. But at the end of the day there is just one golden rule… don't be misleading.

For information on how to ensure your advertising is ok, visit our 'advertising and marketing' page.

Ipswich selected for early rollout of NBN broadband network at Springfield Lakes

2010-07-08T17:11:00.001+10:00

Media Release

8 July 2010

NBN Co announces next rollout locations

NBN Co, the company established to design, build and operate the national broadband network, today announced 19 locations for the next stage of its rollout on the mainland. These second release sites comprise 14 new locations and five sites adjacent to existing first release sites.

The new sites are:

Victoria
– Bacchus Marsh, South Morang (Melbourne);
Queensland
– Brisbane (inner north), Springfield Lakes, Toowoomba;
NSW
– Riverstone (western Sydney), Coffs Harbour;
South Australia
– Modbury, Prospect;
Western Australia
– Victoria Park (Perth), Geraldton, Mandurah;
Northern Territory
– Casuarina; and
ACT
– Gungahlin

The five existing locations getting an additional, adjacent rollout site are Minnamurra/Kiama Downs (Kiama) and Armidale in NSW, Townville Qld, Brunswick in Melbourne, and Willunga in South Australia. As the whole township of Willunga is already part of the rollout, the nearby area of Seaford/McLaren Vale will be the adjacent site.

Initially each site will see the network rolled out past approximately 3000 premises, but the exact area to be covered will be determined after further discussion with local authorities to ensure local considerations are factored into the final decision.

NBN Co CEO Mike Quigley said: "We have selected these second sites to build upon the work we are doing in the first release sites and to progress the rollout in areas of future network growth."

"These sites have been selected based on a range of criteria including engineering and construction requirements, network design and the level of existing broadband infrastructure. The engagement of local government and the receptiveness of communities to broadband initiatives were also factors taken into consideration," Mr Quigley said.

The NBN Co network design is based on a series of building block or modules. The basic operational module covers approximately 3000 premises. These modules are replicated into a fibre serving area or FSA. FSAs are in turn linked by fibre, or aggregated, to feed into points of interconnect where the network traffic is handed over to the Retail Service Providers.

"The first and second release sites are the areas from which we can expect to see future rollout – extending and expanding the network. We will also see the announcement of additional release sites as the national rollout ramps up," Mr Quigley said.

The first release sites were announced in March this year. Following detailed design work, NBN Co expects construction to commence this month in the first release areas. Construction in the second release locations is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2011. A three-stage rollout in Tasmania has been previously announced, with NBN Tasmania to officially launch its stage-one services later this month.