21st September Edition 2023

E-bike Debacle

Dear Editor, My Heading should really be: E-bike Debacle. The Council in their Wisdom? have foisted upon us the E-bike calamity causing consternation for all people using the Esplanade as their main source for exercise; walking used to be so much fun until the deadly use of E-bikes, or should we call them The Deadly Silent Assassins?
The only true way to control the outlandish behaviour of the E-bike riders is to ban the contraptions totally. However I cannot see the council doing this as they reap revenue from the E-bike hire companies, and so once again the poor suffering Rate Payers have to put up with stupid Council decisions!!
We should force the Council Members to walk the walk of shame by making them walk along the Esplanade as the E-bike riders mow them down.
Regards
Alan Moule

Disabled Parking

0n 7th September I was with my friend in her car trying to reverse out of Stocklands Disabled Parking area around 10.30am --10.45am outside RACQ. She had to continually drive forward back into her space as the traffic would not let her out. After about 15minutes a kind elderly gentleman stopped to help her as every attempt to reverse out was foiled by such impatient and rude people who would not let her back out. He stood and stopped the traffic himself to allow her to back out. PLEASE HAVE RESPECT FOR THE DISABLED PARKING SPACES. Surely 1minute of your time will not upset your day as it did ours!!

Thelma & Louise - Urraween

Dementia Action Week

Dear Editor,
During this year’s Dementia Action Week (18-24 September) we are encouraging people to learn more about the signs and symptoms of the condition and how to make their communities more accessible to people living with dementia.
There are estimated to be more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia and more than 1.5 million involved in their care - and those numbers are set to rise.
As dementia diagnoses increase, it’s important to learn more about the signs and symptoms and how to make our communities more accessible to people living with dementia. That’s why this year’s theme for Dementia Action Week (18-24 September) is ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’.
Many people can continue to live well with dementia, but it’s important they feel supported in their community.
Greater awareness helps to create discussion and break down stigma or barriers that could stop people from seeking help.
Increasing our understanding of dementia can make a big difference to the lives of people around us who are impacted.
There are things we can all do to make our communities more dementia-friendly. To find out how you can make a difference, please visit dementia.org.au.

Yours Sincerely,
Maree McCabe AM Bobby Redman - CEO Dementia Australia Chair Dementia Australia Advisory Committee

Pathway too dangerous

Each week I hear of more people not walking on the beachfront pathway as it's too dangerous. These scooters are silent fast even if regulated and I am reading that France has just from today banned the rental ones. They have been legal since 2018 and the accidents and injuries has gotten out of hand. Here in Long st the private ones are flying past obviously going to work, school or fun often 2 or 3 on and no helmets. Another accident waiting to happen with them is coming out of driveways particularly in Pialba Place, Stockland or petrol stations as it's normal to drive out to the edge as you check for traffic. Now I pull up on the property boundary as often either bikes scooters or mobility scooters whizz by.

J. French - Pialba

A Cuppa for Cancer held on August 24 2023

Congratulations to everyone involved with this fabulous open garden event at Craignish. The Cancer Council Queensland Fraser Coast volunteers put on a magnificent morning tea for over 30 people, in one of the region’s most creative gardens. Owners Rita and Tony were perfect hosts. When we weren’t exclaiming at the wonderous collection of sculptures built by Tony, we were enthralled by the huge variety of plants and wildlife. The event was a complete success thanks to the tireless work of the loveliest volunteers, who also welcomed two new members on the day! The monies raised goes directly to supporting cancer patients with accommodation and transport services, emotional support services and of course research into prevention and cure. So maybe it’s a good time to join in with our Fraser Coast volunteer crew for more fun times like this! The more the merrier!

Sincerely,

Belinda Nunn – Bundaberg North - Cancer Council Queensland

 Accessible Councillors

Creating an effective local government hinges on the core principles of being easily reachable, approachable, and readily accessible to the community it serves. As a candidate running for the Division 10 council elections in March 2024, it has become abundantly clear that the constituents of Division 10 are actively seeking a local council representative who can be easily contacted and who actively engages with the local community.

It is evident that the people deserve a representative who will act as the vital link between their needs and the elected body. To wholeheartedly commit to this endeavour, I am delighted to announce that, if elected as the Division 10 Councillor, I will establish a self-funded divisional office within our community. This office will serve as a dedicated space for residents to reach out, voice their concerns, share their innovative ideas, and seek assistance with local issues. It will be a place where accessibility and transparency thrive, enabling me to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and aspirations of our community.

My primary goal is to cultivate a stronger connection between the people of Division 10 and their local government. Through this office, I will tirelessly work to ensure that your voices resonate and that your needs are addressed. Together, we can forge a more vibrant, responsive, and united community that thrives on collaboration and active engagement.

Rolf Light - Candidate for division 10