9th March 2023 Edition

River Heads Markets Access

Dear Editor, Thank-you for a wonderful newspaper – having an actual paper to read is much preferable to the digital form. In regards to the subject line, having a permanent disability, a friend of mine who lives at River Heads came to Urangan to take me to her local Markets. I was impressed with the variety of stalls, and the only downside to it was the access to the site. The ground is uneven, with rocks, pebbles and gravel scattered everywhere, making navigation around the stalls a challenge for me. If it wasn’t for my friend’s assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to cope on my own. I am wondering if the Council has plans to make the markets site disabled-friendly? 

Kind regards, Mrs Colleen Crabb - Urangan

Do they notice our needs..

I have always believed (silly me), that local, state and federal governments heed the needs of the people. But do they? Our country, we are told, has people sleeping rough; reason, a lack of accommodation. Why is this so? Sadly, I have already covered that. But I read in our local paper (Advertiser), that a property on the Esplanade with the ability to house somewhere between 50 and 100 persons is on the market for $ 2.9 million. It is there ready to go, maybe a little TLC, but nothing more. We the ratepayers, via our council, could buy this and use it for emergency housing. Limit the time of stay (that gives everyone a go) and set rents at cost coverage only, no profit. Let’s see if we are really a caring community and if our councillors really give a dam.

John A Neve - Torquay

Caravans in backyards for six months

Statistically from ABS census there could be up to 1,600 or more, mortgage holders changing from a low interest rate to over 6% and having mortgage payments increased by a thousand or more per month. Many will have maxed out their loan borrowing to buy the dream home. If they are not able to pay their mortgage, what choices do they have? (sic) Firstly, they could sell the home and end up owing the bank and rent a place. Secondly, they could rent their house and rent another place cheaper hopefully and cut their living costs.  Thirdly get some housemates in to share the mortgage costs and there may be other options. If there was an option to rent their house and live in a caravan at the parent’s house, while not ideal, it is a temporary solution to their needs. What parent would turn their children down if they really need help and not have them living in a car? The rental crisis in Australia is to quote our treasurer’s words “It is bad now but will get a lot worse before it gets better”. The influx of 200,000 new immigrants and the 20,000-boat people will all be looking for a rental and the capacity is not there so for the mortgage crisis people the caravan may well be the best option.

Dr Selwyn Brindley - Urraween

Publisher on Point

I want to congratulate your Publishers Point column in the Hervey Bay Advertiser February 23rd edition. The last couple of years has seen property prices increase by more than any other time in the history of the region and has added Billions of dollars in equity to this region. This will become a major driver for our local economy that many industries can benefit. The reality is many home owners will use this equity in many ways to finance new investments such as properties, cars, home improvements, etc. Yes, they will have to deal with higher interest rates and deal with the risk, but ultimately there is a massive injection of funds that will benefit many organisations which creates more jobs. Yes, the affordability of housing has become an issue again but that is the facts of being a region that people have confidence in to invest. Let’s not be critical and discourage a town that is partly driven by confidence levels. The only risk I see is council leveraging this growth with much higher council rates which I would suggest is not going to happen with a local election 12 months away. The Fraser Coast Property Industry Association now have a very important role with working with the local council to plan ahead to develop this potential and support home owners and investors. We have more younger families coming to this region than ever before. Lets plan for their future.

Hervey Bay Resident

E-Scooters

When is action going to be taken around e-scooters? The amount of times I have nearly been run down by a rider not abiding by the rules is crazy! They fly up and down the esplanade, through crossings and public pathways with zero concern for anyone else. Still seeing many riders with no helmets or using a bell upon approaching the public. I have seen riders fly across driveways with a couple of near misses but did see one young girl hit the side of a car, luckily no one was injured. One day someone is going to be in a serious accident. What are we doing about it?

Marie Brown - Torquay

Booming

Hervey Bay is booming and growing at a rate never seen before. I love seeing all the new and young families take residence here. I hope that local council start to see us as a large town and no longer sleepy Hervey Bay. We need more facilities and attractions, especially medical and policing to help with our growing population.

Anne Cooper - Wondunna