22nd August Edition 2024
7 min read

Rodents

I and most of my neighbours have used rat baits regularly as we have a huge problem with a neighbour with an overgrown yard full of junk giving rats a perfect home and we have tried every avenue council etc to have something done but it appears this person has more rights than us. Lately cockroaches invaded everyone as well. I personally had rats in my ceiling and finding them dead around my yard is disgusting. The ranger told me there are 90 of these places in Hervey Bay. Australia is going downhill fast with politicians ruining our country and life is getting tougher for so many and to live with this scenario on top of that is beyond the pale.

J. French - Hervey Bay


Seymour innovative Truscott same old same old

The multi-story Sheraton development, that represents 'growth', in reality extracts from nature and communities, destroys nature and communities. This style of development is not good enough.

Who benefits from developments such as the Sheraton one? A very small number of people who don't live in our community. Who don't have much thought about our nature and quality of life.

Many communities are now saying, "No, we don't want this type of development, growth! Because we lose everything that is us. We will lose the things that shape us. All developers ask is how much can we extract, how much money can we make? Not how can we leave systems (nature & communities) thriving.

Cr Truscott is same old same old. Mayor Seymour, Cr Govers, Cr Cosgrove, Cr Weiland and Cr O'Keefe are progressive in their thinking. They are asking an excellent question of us; what is our end in mind, what type of place do we want to create and live in? A place like Maroochydore with high density high rise apartments, an increased number of people that crowd us out, increased stress and the destruction of our natural beauty and the feel of our place? Or stunning beaches and water that is clear and calm, that we can access easily. Beautiful patches of bush, home to birds, koalas, gliders and so much more life and a magic quality of life? We want the latter, it's a no brainer.

Noosa has said no to crass development like Sheraton's and have placed an 'in-principle' cap on their population. This has not hurt their economy and has maintained all the things that they value and that benefit their locals.

Know that this Sheraton multi-story development will be the opening of the flood gates to more high rise.

What century are we in? Surely corporates such as Sheraton can build, create developments that align with the things we locals value, that compliment nature and our quality of life!

Jane Gray - Booral


Publisher’s Point Response

Responding in your article about George Seymour that based on his opinion opposing the monstrosity of the Sheraton Hervey Bay resort, "Will have consequences in damaging his political career".

I would have to say that you are very very wrong.

I want to clarify that I am not on the Mayor's friends list.

In his speech, the Mayor demonstrated that he was a person with a lot of honesty, integrity and who knows how to listen to the opinions of the people of this city.

That deserves my respect and admiration.

I myself decided to stay in this city in 1993 because of what this city have to offer. In that time Fred Kleinschmidt was the Mayor and Bill Nunn the local member of Parliament. This makes me know a bit about the history of this city and also why people want to come here.

When I heard the future candidate talk about how on his morning walks people told him that they agreed with this building. Well...I also walk on Torquay beach and I never saw Mr Truscott walk there.

Paul Truscott's speech referring to a saying by Nelson Mandela, possibly Mr Truscott searched for something on Google to put in his speech, Without knowing that Nelson Mandela was a freedom fighter from South Africa who fought against apartheid. Like other freedom figthers like Fidel Castro (Cuba) Yasser Arafat (Palestine) Paul Kagame (Rwanda) Xanana Guzmao (East Timor) etc... is nothing to do with what was being discussed.

George Seymour with his position in this situation guarantees his permanence as Mayor, raising his image.

Paul Truscott has no history in this city, the two previous Mayors we had from Maryborough have not left a very good impression.

I personally believe that we should cut this amalgamation because it does not benefit us at all.

I also want to add that a local group has been formed in which it opposes the altitude of this building. To which I invite all residents to put their names. When we talk about protecting the environment, the kind of life we ​​want and the care of this city, we don't need someone that lives 30 kilometres away from here. With no history at all. When ethnic, religious and political groups come together to protect our city the change will occur. If you don't believe me, look how Traveston Dam ended up. with the people power!!!

Jorge Pujol - Torquay


Restoring the Pride of Point Vernon Foreshore

In 1981, I first called Point Vernon home, and for the last 30 years, I've watched this community evolve. Back in the 1980s, Point Vernon was the premium residential address in Hervey Bay. The foreshore was a source of pride, with well-maintained parklands and natural vegetation, offering stunning views across the bay. Families enjoyed the parks, felt safe, and the area exuded a sense of community.

However, over the decades, the gradual decline of the foreshore has been alarming. In the past eight years, it seems as if a deliberate policy has been implemented to let the area deteriorate into a weed-infested jungle. Once magnificent parks have shrunk, overtaken by uncontrolled regrowth, mulch, and weeds. The natural areas, once meticulously cared for, have been left to be overrun by noxious weeds.

This is not a call for manicured tourist parks. The residents of Point Vernon are asking for the restoration of the parklands to a natural state, where families can again enjoy the space, views, and sense of pride. We don't want the trees removed, but we do want the weeds and undergrowth tidied up to reflect a community that cares about its environment. Proper maintenance will also mitigate risks associated with vermin, snakes, and other predators that thrive in the overgrown areas.

Hervey Bay's population has grown from 15,000-20,000 in the 1980s to around 65,000 today, with projections suggesting a potential tripling in population this century. The water and foreshore are key attractions for residents and newcomers alike. It is illogical to continue reducing recreational space as the population grows. We have a new council with fresh energy and a better understanding of community needs. The Point Vernon Esplanade is a crucial asset that, if properly cared for, will enhance the area for future generations.

The argument of erosion, often used as an excuse for neglect, doesn't hold water—most of Point Vernon is on bedrock and identified as low risk. A well-maintained foreshore can counter these concerns.

It's time for the silent majority to be heard. Let's restore the pride in our foreshore. I urge everyone to sign the petition initiated by the Point Vernon Foreshore Enhancement Group. Let's work together to ensure the Fraser Coast Regional Council supports Councillor Lachlan Cosgrove’s motion for increased maintenance and enhancement.

By signing this petition, you're not just supporting a piece of land; you're standing up for a community that deserves a safe, beautiful, and well-maintained foreshore. Let's bring back our foreshore—it's not just about preservation, but about creating a space where families can thrive and where our natural beauty is showcased for all to enjoy.

Join the effort to protect and enhance one of Hervey Bay's most treasured assets. https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-weeds-petition-for-the-enhancement-of-the-point-vernon-foreshore

Glen Winney - Point Vernon Resident


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