24th August Edition 2023

Scooters - Is anyone listening in Hervey Bay?
Around the time of the introduction of e-Scooters, and as time went on, much was discussed in the Letters to The Editor, when rules and fines were introduced with regards their use and non compliance, especially related to many of the privately owned e Scooters. What a waste of time!

Others and myself, have seen non compliance all the time, even after the hefty fines have been introduced related to lack of helmets more than one person on a scooter, dangerous riding and lack of adherence to road rules, and speeding scooters that have been doctored, with new chips and stronger batteries, to mention a few. 

So the council is going to focus on education and training, rather than behaviour. Who is kidding who? 

I am a sceptic of this statement, especially after 45 yrs of teaching, with eight of them running the GAP Program. 

Hervey Bay. Who is the “Brainwave” coming up with these problem solving ideas. 

The main offenders are some privately owned scooters, and many of their owners who don’t give a dam, because they are young, and their parents turn a blind eye, until there is an accident, and then we hear what a wonderful person they were. 

The same old story.  Many people I know of, don’t use the walk way on the Esplanade anymore because of fast moving, privately owned scooters. 

Bikes don’t concern them, as the majority of riders ring their bell, to warn when approaching from behind. Privately owned Scooters should all be registered, and at the same time checked for legal compliance. Maybe the Bin Police could do this!

All privately owned scooters should be registered and compliant with the restrictions they are supposed to have. 

Mike Adamson

Weed Infested Lakes and Waterways
Dear Sir, 
Is there something that can be done about the overgrown and weed infested lakes and waterways around Hervey Bay?

It was always such a pleasure to see the bird life on these lakes, now, it is very unappealing to see how these pest weeds are overtaking almost every water way in our city.

Gympie Council appear to have a system of adequately managed lakes at both entrances to the city.

Perhaps some conversation between authorities might help?

Please do something before we have chocked them totally.

The birds seem to have to battle through what was once pristine water, and don’t see the fish splashing in them as much anymore.

Can we get some action on this please or at least some answers on what future plans there are to manage this problem?

I, and many of my lakeside neighbours look forward to some positive action or at least some answers, to save our lakes and waterways before they are depleted of birds and fish altogether.  

Thank you,

Christene Hodgson - Eli Waters

Hooning
I refer to article written recently by Alan Host and agree with everything he has said.  I live at the beginning of Eli Waters and every single night the hoons are screaming up and Dow HVB/MryBro road, doing burnouts at the top of Islander Road, doing handbrake starts at the lights and then the tyres squeal, the engine screams and the take off, obviously way above the speed limit.

One of the guys has a car that loudly back fires constantly.

Several of us have written to Council and  attended council, who advised us it was not their jurisdiction.

I have called the Hoon line, to be told to call the local police, who in turn asked me to go out and try and get a number plate!!!

This at 11.15pm.  I have recorded the noise and taken it, with neighbours, to the police who advised that they could do nothing, and know about the problem.

When we asked for an un marked car to be left, we were told they could not do it “for privacy concerns”….but noted a speed camera car parked on MB road outside golf club the other day.
We even wrote to the chief of police… without reply.

This problem has not just been going on for days, weeks or months, but now for years…..at the end of our tether, I put forward this information to Adrian Tantari MP.  No reply to date!

They should do here what they do in the US.  Trash the cars when they are caught!!

Thanks for voicing this Alan Host.

Syl Mod

A case for gender equity in our Council
Changes are afoot in Fraser Coast Regional Council with the recent resignation of Councillor Darren Everard and of course there is an opportunity for us all to have our say when we come to the March 2024 local council elections.

I wish Councillor Everard well in his future endeavours and thank him for his many contributions to our community.

As a woman, mother of two daughters and long term resident of the Fraser Coast it is quite disconcerting to see the lack of gender equity in our local council.

Despite just over half (51.1%) of the Fraser Coast region being female only 9% of our current Councillors are women.

Just one female Councillor out of 11 does not bode well for gender equity and diverse representation.

We are falling a long way short compared to neighbouring councils.

Bundaberg Regional Council in comparison has 27.3% female representation, Gladstone Regional Council and Gympie Regional Council each having 22.2% female representation.

Brisbane City Council on the other hand has 60% female representation.

The lack of diversity and gender equity on Fraser Coast Regional Council is not for lack of credible, capable female candidates, rather there is lack of opportunity and support for women 
who want to represent their community.

It’s important that we all consider what kind of community we are creating and the kind of leaders we are enabling to make decisions on our behalf.

Current Councillors have an opportunity soon to elect a replacement for Councillor Everard and Fraser Coast residents have an opportunity to vote for their division Councillors in March 2024.

Will we see more diverse representation and gender equity on Council going forward?

I sure hope so, I for one am tired of the lack of progress and equity this Council consistently demonstrates.

Bianca Sands - Urangan