Ipswich forecast and planned Wivenhoe Dam releases and shutdown

‪
There has been no significant rainfall since Wednesday 29 December 2010.

The current BOM forecast for SE QLD over the next few days is mostly fine with a few light showers, although there is a chance of storms on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

The catchments remain wet and are likely to generate additional runoff in the event of rain. 

Wivenhoe Dam releases were gradually increased during Wednesday and Thursday morning until the combined release and Lockyer flow reached about 1,600m3/s (140,000 ML/d) in the middle Brisbane River.

This is similar to the flows in the releases made in mid-October and earlier in December 2010.

This release will be maintained until late Friday 31 December 2010, when the shut down procedure will commence and gates are expected to be fully closed by Sunday 2 January 2010.  The proposed gate closure sequence will be such that the releases will mimic the natural pre-dam recessional flows.

At 5am on Friday 31 December 2010, the level had fallen slightly to 68.40m AHD and was releasing about 1,550m3/s (132,000ML/d) Impacts of Wivenhoe Dam releases

 Twin Bridges, Savages Crossing, Colleges Crossing, Burtons Bridge and Kholo Bridge are currently closed owing to inundation and will remain so until at least Sunday 2 January 2011. ‬
‪

Ipswich Flood Update

 
No rain has been recorded across the catchment over the past 12 hours.

Ipswich gauge on the Bremer River is still rising and should peak within the next hour or so around the previous 8.40m level.

Ipswich flooding update

‪
A review of the catchments has highlighted that the initial peak has been reached at the David Trumpy bridge at 8.5m@ 18:23, well below the revised expectations of 11m. ‬
‪ ‬
‪This has now been confirmed by BOM, who believe that it will hover around this level overnight (maybe the next 9-12 hours) with falls and rises as the secondary flow from the Warrill, Western and Upper Bremer catchments move through the system.‬
‪ ‬
‪
As such, the second peak should reach David Trumpy Bridge (CBD) by 5-6am tomorrow morning at levels no higher that of the first peak.‬
‪ ‬
‪Current BOM radar shows that the weather system has moved north earlier than originally predicted, which means the forecast for the rest of the week now looks a lot better.
‪ 
Forecast:

‪Tuesday: Mostly Fine. Only a shower or two. Moderate S to SE winds. Min 21 max 25‬
‪ ‬
‪Wednesday: Shower or Two. Min 20 Max 25‬
‪

Thursday: Shower or Two. Min 20 Max 27‬

‪Friday: Shower or two. Min 20 Max 28‬

‪Saturday: Mostly Fine. Min 18 Max 29‬

‪Sunday: Mostly Fine. Min 18 Max 30‬
‪

Monday: Showers. Min 20 Max 31‬
‪ ‬
‪This will allow Ipswich catchments to fall to lower levels by the end of the week.‬
‪ ‬
‪In terms of the releases from Wivenhoe Dam, SEQ Water has commenced a program to increase the flow in the Brisbane River to a max of 1500m3/sec to allow dam levels to be reduced to below full supply capacity.

This means that Colleges Crossing will reach similar levels to that achieved early this month and will not reopen until late in the week.‬
‪ ‬
‪ 

Latest Ipswich flood situation

Over the last 96 hours, Ipswich catchments have received an average of 150mm, with a maximum of 199mm recorded at Mount Castle at the top of Bremer catchment.

Today:

Rain has continued across the catchment over the past three hours 10-20mm, but has lessened over the last hour to 1-2mm.

The Bureau of Meteorology current prediction is for a peak of approximately 10 at the Ipswich gauge late this evening.

Continued heavy rainfall is still forecast across the catchment overnight and again tomorrow. This will influence the levels dependent upon where and when the falls occur.

Western Creek -

• Grandchester 4.48m (R), .42m below bridge

• Kuss Rd 6.84m (F), .08m over bridge

• Spressers Br. 5.52 (S), .22m over bridge

• Rosewood WWTP 6.38m (S), .08m over bridge

Franklin Vale -

• Greys Plains Rd 3.19m (F), 1.0m over bridge

Bremer River -

• Adams Br 4.45m (R)

• Stokes Xing 4.35m (R), 3.49m above causeway

• Rosewood 5.16m (S), .46m over bridge (7 Mile)

• Walloon 7.00m (F), 1.88m over bridge (5 Mile)

• Three Mile 20.75m (F), 1.35m below bridge

• One Mile 14.95m (R), 2.02m  above old bridge, 2.25m below new bridge

• Brassall 11.1m (S), .6m over Sydney St, 2.7m below bridge 

• Ipswich 8.25m (R)

Warrill Creek -

• Kalbar 79.55m (R), 4.86m above weir

• Harrisville 5.3m (S), .2m below bridge

• Amberley 6.62m (R).

Purga Creek -

• Peak Xing 2.66m (R), 2.39m below bridge

• Loamside 6.05m (S)

Bundamba Creek-

• Ripley 1.55m (S) (51.47AHD)

• Harding 2.13m (R) (23.73m AHD)

• Blackstone 3.30m (R) (18.19m AHD)

• Bundamba School 14.23m (S), 2.10m below bridge

Woogaroo Creek-

• Upper Woogaroo .95m (R)

• Opossum 2.05m (R) (22.05m AHD)

Detention Basins -

• Marburg basin 2.10m (S)

• Rosewood basin .30m (F)

Brisbane River-

• Wivenhoe TW 29.55m (R)

• Savages 5.57m (R)

• Burtons 4.46m (R)

• Kholo 10.94m (S)  .96m below bridge 

• Mt Crosby 8.67m (S)

• Colleges Xing 5.71m (R) 2.15m above bridge ‪

Ipswich flood update

‪In relation to the predicted flood peak of 10 - 11 metres, the Bremer River has risen slower than expected with the peak now likely to impact around 7 - 8pm.‬
‪ ‬
‪In the last 2 hours, there has been 15 - 20mm rainfall with only 1 - 2mm in the last hour.

Late News: Smiths Road extension to open tomorrow

Following the commissioning of the new traffic signals late today at the corner of Smiths Road and Stuart St Goodna, Origin Alliance has advised Ipswich City Council the Smiths Road extension will be opened tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

This will provide a direct link between St Ives Shopping Centre and Redbank Plaza and will eliminate the need for local drivers to use the Ipswich Motorway to travel between the two suburbs.

The speed limit will be 60 kph.

New traffic lights at Smiths Road Goodna turned on today

The new traffic lights at the corner of Smiths Road and Stuart St Goodna were turned on at 3.00pm today.

The Smiths Road extension which will link St Ives Shopping Centre at Goodna and Redbank Plaza is due to open next week.

New Ipswich CBD launched today

Ipswich City Properties, wholly-owned by Ipswich City Council today launched its $2 billion redevelopment of the Ipswich CBD.

More Christmas Lights in Goodna

PIC 1: 19 Martha St Goodna

PIC 2: 3 Alford Ct Goodna

These are pictures of two more magnificent Christmas displays in Goodna.

Congratulations to all those involved.

Christmas lights adorn Goodna

PIC 1: 9 Clive St Goodna
PIC 2: 1 Alford Ct Goodna

The annual Christmas Lights displays across Ipswich are another spectacular effort by all involved.

Around Ipswich's eastern suburbs, two of the best presentations are from the Price family at 9 Clive St Goodna and from the Kane family 1 Alford Ct Goodna.

Congratulations to all involved in this superb annual extravaganza.

VSASA annual function at Goodna

Bill Ashby from VSASA Ipswich presents Cr Paul Tully a scale model of a Black Hawk helicopter

The Ipswich Branch of the Veterans Support and Advocacy Service Australia Inc (VSASA) held their annual Christmas function at the Goodna RSL Function Centre on Brisbane Terrace.

Local Councillor Paul Tully accepted a scale model Black Hawk helicopter for presentation to Ipswich City Council.

Bureau predicts rain for SEQ

The Bureau of Meteorology radar showing plenty of rain around southeast Queensland just after 2pm today.

Sod turning ceremony takes place at Springfield for Hymba Yumba Community Hub

The Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan, Uncle Albert Holt and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale turned the first sod of the Hymba Yumba Community Hub at Springfield today.

Searchlight Education - Welcome to Ipswich.

Shiloh Christmas Carols kicks off the first of three spectacular nights at Goodna

Vivienne Stanbury leads the first of three camels to centre stage last night along with Cr Paul Tully and local MP Jo-Ann Miller.

Last night was a spectacular night of Christmas carols courtesy Pastor Alan Morris and Shiloh Church.

A sprinkling of rain at the end of the night couldn't dampen people's spirits.

It will be on again tonight and tomorrow night,

New traffic lights at Goodna will open next week as part of Smiths Road upgrade

The notorious four stop signs at the corner of Smiths Road and Stuart St Goodna will disappear early next week.

They are being replaced by a set of traffic lights.

Origin Alliance - the delivery partners for the Ipswich Motorway upgrade - is expected to open the new Smiths Road connection in the week before Christmas.

The Smiths Road extension will provide a direct link between Redbank Plaza and St Ives Shopping Centre at Goodna.

Local drivers will no longer have to use the Ipswich Motorway to get from Goodna to Redbank.
A fantastic effort by the Origin Alliance with the project funded by the State Government and the Ipswich City Council.

Goodna medical centre closes

The temporary closure of a Goodna medical centre is putting lives at risk, Councillor Paul Tully said yesterday.

Cr Tully said patients of The Cedars Medical Centre on the corner of Queen and Church streets were unable to access their records to take to other doctors.

"You could really have some serious issues here," he said.

"We're talking about the medical records of hundreds of people, and a lot of them are elderly and need to see a doctor quite regularly.

"This is a real scandal and could be placing the lives of dozens of patients at risk."

Cr Tully said a "distraught" Bellbird Park man had contacted him asking for help.

"This patient cannot access his medical records to transfer to his new doctor to facilitate ongoing medical treatment," he said.

"If necessary, the law should be changed to enable immediate access to such records in these circumstances."

An Australian Medical Association spokeswoman said it was up to patients to retrieve their records. "There is no law in Queensland that says how long your doctor needs to keep the records for," she said.

"If patients can't get in touch with their doctor or the practice, it can be quite difficult for them to get their records.

"In that case they would have to contact the landlord, or if they go to another doctor they could ask them to make contact with their old doctor."

The Cedars, which included a bulk-billing doctor's surgery and Goodna Z-Ray facility, closed without warning last week.

A handwritten note taped to the centre's front door reads: "Due to unavoidable circumstances we are closed", while a recorded phone message says the practice is "temporarily closed".

Goodna X-Ray is permanently closed and its phones have been diverted to a practice in Richlands.

Staff who contacted The Queensland Times said the doctor's surgery was due to reopen on December 14.

www.qt.com.au

Springfield's push for NRL team

Springfield is planning a multi-million dollar sports club facility in a bid to secure an NRL team.

The facility will only be built if the Jets NRL hopes are successful.

Consultant to the Ipswich Jets NRL bid, Brian Canavan, said he was finalising details of a high performance centre that would become the club's home if they were granted an NRL licence.

The facility would be similar to the Broncos' Red Hill base, but whether a leagues club would also become part of the centre is undecided.

Mr Canavan, Sydney Roosters chief executive for five years until 2008, said it was critical to establish a home for the Jets NRL club which hoped to be granted the league's 17th licence for the 2013 season.

"We will likely be playing out of Suncorp Stadium for the first few years so we need a true home base in the corridor and Springfield is the best option for where we want to represent," he said.

"We have not defined the club's boundaries yet, but it will roughly be Ipswich and Toowoomba, then out towards Logan."

Springfield, on the border of Logan and Ipswich, is the fastest-growing region in Australia.

A passenger train line connecting the city to Brisbane will be operational in 2013.

Jets chairman Steve Johnson, who hired Mr Canavan to conduct a feasibility study for the bid, said Springfield was the heart of the western corridor.

"Our club will be a community-based club so you want to be where the fans are and Springfield is right in the middle of our patch," Mr Johnson said.

"We will also be looking to strengthen our ties to Logan and Toowoomba plus you will have the Jets in North Ipswich."

Mr Canavan said the amount of support for rugby league in the western corridor should help the region be granted an NRL club.

"Gallop (NRL chief executive David) loves facts and numbers and the fact is this region has the best case based on numbers," he said.

"In Ipswich and Toowoomba alone you have 5500 junior rugby league players, that is far more than just about every Sydney rugby league club.

"When you add in some Logan areas and the outskirts of Brisbane you are talking about 9000 to 13,000 juniors.

"Juniors mean families and families mean generational support."

Full story: www.qt.com.au

New garden for Goodna kids in child care

Goodna Community Child Care Centre has completed
its new community garden and Angus Gillman, 4,
Kaitlyn Grembowski, 4, and Derell Willcocks, 5 are doing their part.

CHILDREN and staff at the local Goodna Community Child Care Centre are celebrating the completion of their long-awaited garden.

Assistant director Paula Addison was the driving force behind the new garden.

"I've been trying for roughly two years to get a grant from companies but was having no luck," Ms Addison said.

"We were then approached by Cummins who provided the materials for the project as well as the labour and some seedlings for the children to plant."

Community involvement team leader for the Cummins Carole Park branch Alan Routledge said he and the Cummins' employees were happy to help the not-for-profit centre.

"This was our first proper project with the employees giving up their time," he said.

"Everyone involved really enjoyed it.

"We didn't just see it as giving; we also learnt new skills."

The new garden, which has four vegetable patches growing produce such as lettuce and herbs, is a big improvement on the prickle-ridden grass and the small garden in a tractor tyre that the children used to have.

"There's a garden bed for the children to do their own planting and the fresh produce has been used in the cooking," Ms Addison said. "The garden is for the children to benefit from."

Cr Paul Tully donated $500 to the garden which also has new concrete footpaths and flower beds thanks to the hard work by Cummins employees and parents.

"The children are over the moon; they really love it," Ms Addison said.

www.qt.com.au

Ipswich flood update

The following roads are closed or have the appropriate signage advising motorists of water over the road or traffic hazard.
 
Strong's Road Rosewood. - Road closed at Strong's Bridge

Rosewood Warrill View Road Rosewood
- Water over the road at floodway.

Goodna's Kyle Brumby ready to rumble in TV bout

Kyle Brumby feels like a new fighter.

The Goodna boxer fights the Lance Thompson-trained Danyon Greig on the undercard to Anthony Mundine's bout with Garth Woods in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Greig is a rugby league player having his first fight, but has a good 10kg weight advantage over Brumby.

Brumby was scheduled for a fight in Japan at cruiserweight last month but it was cancelled at the last minute so he took the Greig fight when it was offered.

Being televised offers big opportunities if he can impress.

Brumby expects to fight at 93kg and he and trainer Jamie Guy hope Greig is closer to 100kg than 105kg.

Brumby has not fought since he lost a points decision to Cunnamulla's Jason Roberts, for the second time, in May.

When Brumby got his combinations working that night, he looked a million dollars but did not have the conditioning to maintain it throughout.

"I was not as fit as I needed to be," he said. "I started training late."

However, the 25-year-old has undergone a transformation since then.

"I didn't have the dedication I do now," Brumby said. "Since I've come back, I've got a lot more passion and a real hunger to make something out of it."

Brumby has reached the point in his life where it is time to really make the most of his ability . . . or give it away.

"I'm not getting any younger," he said.

The change in attitude has been reflected in his training for this bout.

"He's been sparring really well," trainer Guy said.

  

Full story: http://www.qt.com.au/

Mystery as medical centre at Goodna closes

MYSTERY surrounds the closure of a medical centre at Goodna which served hundreds of patients.

 

The Cedars Medical Centre included a doctor's surgery and Goodna X-Ray facility.

 

The bulk-billing practice on the corner of Queen and Church streets closed last week.

 

A hand-written note taped to the centre's front door reads "Due to unavoidable circumstances we are closed", while a recorded phone message says the practice is "temporarily closed".

 

Goodna X-Ray is permanently closed and its phones have been diverted to a practice in Richlands.

 

State Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller, who has an office in Queen Street, said the centre filled an important need in the community.

 

"No one has come in to tell us about it or ask us about it," Ms Miller said.

 

"We have other doctors in the medical centre at St Ives Shopping Centre and it's a very, very busy practice.

 

"In our area people actively seek out bulk-billing doctors."

 

Mrs Miller said losing the X-ray facility was a huge blow.

 

Goodna-based Councillor Paul Tully said he had "no idea" why the centre had closed down.

 

Full story: www.qt.com.au

FLOOD WARNING FOR THE LAIDLEY, LOCKYER AND WARRILL CREEKS AND BREMER RIVER

Issued at 3:44 PM on Sunday the 5th of December 2010

by the Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane.

 

 

Minor flooding is slowly peaking on the Lockyer and Laidley Creeks. Minor to moderate flooding continues along Warrill Creek between Harrisville and Amberley. Minor flooding also continues along the Bremer River between Rosewood and Walloon, where river levels downstream through to Ipswich will remain well below minor flood level.

 

Minor flooding nears a peak on Lockyer Creek at Glenore Grove and at the Warrego Highway on Laidley Creek. Minor to moderate flooding continues along Warrill Creek between Harrisville and Churchbank Weir through to Amberley.

 

Ipswich flood threat eases

Australian Government

Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

FLOOD WARNING FOR THE LAIDLEY, LOCKYER AND WARRILL CREEKS AND BREMER RIVER

Issued at 12:50 PM on Sunday the 5th of December 2010
by the Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane.

The rainfall has eased during Sunday morning, with creek levels also generally easing.

Some minor to moderate flooding remains on Lockyer Creek at Glenore
Grove, the Warrego Highway on Laidley Creek, Warrill Creek at Harrisville, and
at Rosewood on the Bremer River.

River levels downstream through to Ipswich will
remain well below minor flood level during Sunday.

Some minor flooding continues to rise on Lockyer Creek at Glenore Grove, and minor flooding is peaking on Laidley Creek at the Warrego Highway.

Moderate flooding is also peaking on Warrill Creek at Harrisville, with minor flood levels continuing to rise downstream at Churchbank Weir.

Moderate flooding has also peaked on the Bremer River at Rosewood, with minor
flood levels continuing to rise downstream at Five Mile Bridge at Walloon. River levels downstream through to Ipswich will remain well below minor flood level during Sunday.

Weather Forecast:

Rain easing to showers with the chance of an afternoon thunderstorm.

Floods close Ipswich roads

Rain overnight has forced Ipswich City Council to close the following roads:

Bremer River@ Mt Walker West Rd Road closed 9:30am

Rosewood-Warril View has been closed (John St - Ebenezer Rd)

The Council will closing the following shortly:

5 Mile bridge - currently 1 metre below the bridge and rising fast, expect approaches to go out inside the hour at current rate.

2010 Filipino night at Goodna tonight

The Filipino community of Goodna held a night of singing,
dancing and merriment at the Goodna Rugby League Club.

It was a great pre-Christmas night.

Final flight for F-111s this Friday morning over Ipswich and Brisbane

 
Ground crew prepare a RAAF F-111 to take part in one of the
aircrafts' last major excersise.
 

The Royal Australian Air Force has released details of the last flights of its F-111s ahead of their retirement on Friday.

The F-111s will depart Amberley at approximately 11.20am (AEST) for the last time and fly over Ipswich, Brisbane, northern NSW, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts before returning for their final landings at RAAF Base Amberley.

They'll fly at a relatively low speed and altitude to allow photos and video footage to be taken, an RAAF spokesman said.

They'll pass over Laidley, Rosewood, Amberley, Ipswich, and Brisbane at approximately 11.50am (AEST).

The group will then split, with aircraft flying a northern route over Sandgate, Redcliffe, Bribie Island, Caloundra, Maroochydore and Noosa.

F-111s on the southern route will overfly the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, Byron Bay, Ballina, and Evans Head.

The spokesman said the best vantage points in Brisbane included Mt Coot-tha, Red Hill church, Victoria Park, Toowong Reach, Southbank, the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point cliffs, and Mt Gravatt.

The aircraft will return to Amberley at approximately 12:45pm (AEST), to land for the last time.

"The Royal Australian Air Force and in particular, the F-111 community, wishes to acknowledge the outstanding public support and interest in the F-111 - a unique aircraft that has served Australia very well for over 37 years," the defence spokesman said in a statement.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 

2010 Oxley Community Awards

YOU'VE probably passed them on the street, maybe even exchanged a smile, never knowing the contribution these 19 individuals make in the community, silently and modestly.

But earlier this month these local champions were acknowledged at the 2010 Oxley Community Awards.

The Oxley Community Awards was created by Federal Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll four years ago to acknowledge and pay homage to those unsung heroes in the community who contribute to making Oxley a lively and thriving community.

Held at the Goodna Bowls Club, the recipients were awarded for a diverse range of volunteer activities including sport, multicultural affairs, charity work and servicing the local community.

"It was a humbling experience to be in the room with so many of our local treasures," Mr Ripoll said.

"The work these individuals do every day is inspiring to everyone and shows community spirit is indeed alive and well in our local area.

"Volunteers play a vital role in our community, participating through an extraordinary range of activities - from sporting, arts and recreational clubs to health and welfare organisations, heritage and environmental bodies - the work they do in our local area is breathtaking.

"On behalf of the people of Oxley, I want to thank the 2010 Oxley Community Award recipients and the countless number of volunteers who give up their time every day to help contribute to our thriving local community."

2010 Oxley Community Awards Recipients

Family & Community Support

Brenda Orr (Springfield)

Gillian Middleton (Durack)

Robert Brown (Forest Lake)

Stephanie Beekman (Camira)

Margaret McGillivray (Durack)

Theresa O'Connell (Collingwood Park)

Helen Findlay (Inala)

Miriam Cope (Inala)

Arts & Cultural Activities

Elijah Harari (Goodna)

Sabapathy Paramathan (Middle Park)

Ezzat Guindy (Jindalee)

Senior Volunteers

Ron Cole (Jindalee)

Sandra Fitzgerald (Bellbird Park)

Sport

Pye Augustine (Springfield Lakes)

Joel Barns (Springfield Lakes)

Brian Algeo (Bellbird Park)

Charity Work

Mat Britton (Springfield Lakes)

Peter Ribes (Brookwater)

Adam Atherton (Springfield Lakes)

www.thesatellite.com.au

Media Release: Local Government Act Review welcomed

Changes to the Queensland Local Government Act to allow mayors and councillors to stand for state parliament without having to resign to contest the election have been welcomed by local government.
 
State Parliament's Law, Justice and Safety Committee has released its report with 33 key recommendations on the running of future council elections.
 
Other recommendations include a cap on election expenditure, the introduction of divisions for all local councils with a populations exceeding 30,000 and a ban on radio and television advertising for local government elections in the three days prior to an election.
 
Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully, Queensland's longest-serving city councillor,  said the proposal to allow mayors and councillors to nominate for state parliament without first resigning from council overturned the "unfair and undemocratic laws" introduced by Peter Beattie in 2001. 

Cr Tully said Mr Beattie had a "love-hate" relationship with local government, forcing through unpopular amalgamations and preventing most councillors seeking higher political office.
 
"The Committee Chair Barbara Stone and the other members ought to be congratulated in standing up for the democratic rights of all Queenslanders including the 73 mayors and other councillors across the state.
 
"If the Bligh government accepts these recommendations, it will be a giant step forward for democracy in Queensland and will be the first major policy decision of the Beattie era overturned by the Bligh government."
 
In another recommendation, the Committee rejected plans to introduce a property franchise in Queensland which would have allowed non-residents to vote in council elections.
 
Cr Tully said this would have been the "thin edge of the wedge" allowing cashed-up property owners who live interstate to influence local council elections in Queensland.
 
In a blow to the Greens, the Committee decided against recommending the introducing of a senate-style proportional representation voting system for Queensland local government elections.
 
The committee noted the "harmonisation of voting systems across all levels of government may go a long way towards reducing the level of informal voting by Queensland voters".
 
Cr Tully called on the state government to retain optional preferential voting for local government.
 
"It is fair, democratic and easily understood by voters and has lead to a dramatic reduction in the level of informal votes at council elections in Queensland."
 
Other key recommendations are:
 
• Retaining the last Saturday in March as the quadrennial council election date
 
• Retention of compulsory voting for Queensland council elections
 
• Mayors to continue to be elected by the people
 
• Simplified procedures for absentee voting in council elections.
 
REPORT NO. 78:
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/committees/LCARC.asp?SubArea=reports 

Itchy times are ahead

Ipswich City Council warns that this summer may be shaping as a peak mosquito season.

Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the warm, wet weather would give the perfect environment for mosquitoes to breed.

He said residents could check their properties for any containers which hold water, the preferred breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"Items such as buckets, tubs, wheel barrows and tyres should be emptied or removed.

"If you have pot-plant bases, it is a good idea to fill them with sand. Swimming pools should be regularly treated," Cr Tully said.


http://www.qt.com.au/

The Courier-Mail Brisbane: Tuesday 3 April 1934

This is an amazing newspaper article about Goodna from 76 years ago.

 

And to think that the motion was only narrowly passed!

 

 

The Courier-Mail

Tuesday 3 April 1934

 

GOODNA

 

At the fortnightly meeting
of the Goodna and District
Literary and Debating Society
a debate took place on "That
Goodna should have a water
supply ".

 

The affirmative side was given
297 points and the negative
side 292 points.

Tiger Tennis celebration at Redbank

Tiger Tennis celebrated the end of the year today at the Redbank Collingwood Park Sports Centre.

Dozens of budding Australian players under the watchful eye of Mitch Garen took part in games between themselves and their parents.

Congratulations to Mitch for the day and his commitment to the players during the year.

Residents get their annual supply of free trees at Goodna this morning

The residents of Brisbane River Terraces at Goodna received their annual allocation of free trees courtesy of Ipswich City Council this morning.

All residents of Ipswich are entitled to 8 free trees per property each year.

Local Councillor Paul Tully was on hand to make today's event a success.

Each year Cr Tully brings the Council to the people with the residents of Brisbane River Terraces at Brisbane Terrace the first to receive their free trees on site.

Big night in Redbank tonight

The Redbank State School Christmas Carols are in full swing at the school on Brisbane Road.
It's a great night for the students and their families.

Congratulations to the Principal Colleen Engel and her enthusiastic teachers for a top evening.

Metroplex wins second round planning appeal over Wacol development

A controversial $1.5 billion commercial development at Wacol three times the size of Indooroopilly Shopping Centre has been given new hope today by the Court of Appeal.
 
A 3-year legal saga over the proposed Metroplex on Westgate development ended with the court overturning the decision of the Planning and Environment Court in November 2009 to refuse the application.
 
The developer Metroplex Management had taken the Brisbane City Council to court in 2007 over its failure to approve the 44ha development at the former Wacol Army Barracks near the Ipswich Motorway - Centenary highway interchange comprising warehouses, industrial development and 98,000 square metres of office space.
 
The proposal was vigorously opposed by Ipswich City Council, Springfield Land Corporation and nearby major shopping centres who voiced fears it was contrary to the Southeast Queensland Regional Plan and would draw people away from 10 other major centres in the region and exacerbate traffic problems on the Ipswich Motorway.
 
The case will now be referred back to the Planning and Environment Court for a final decision.

Ipswich City Council Planning spokesman Paul Tully welcomed today's decision saying the first court hearing had strongly suggested the 98,000 square metres component of office space should not be approved.

He said the development originally proposed would have destroyed the town centres of Goodna, Redbank and Springfield.
 
Cr Tully said he was confident the Planning and Environment Court would approve the 435,000 square metres industrial component which was acceptable to Ipswich City Council.
 
Cr Tully said he was encouraged by Justice Atkinson's decision who said: "This decision should not, of course, be seen as suggesting any preference for the outcome of the appeal before the Planning and Environment Court".

Cr Tully said Ipswich City Council also had no objection to a scaled down version of the development which was currently being considered by Brisbane City Council.
 
Metroplex has previously developed the "Metroplex on Gateway" precinct at Murrarie comprising an industrial and office business park.

Great night tonight at St Augustine's College Augustine Heights

The Christmas Carols Night is underway at St Augustine's College at Augustine Heights.

It features an impressive array of song, dance and music.

Congratulations to all involved.

New Redbank rail bridge under construction

A new rail bridge is under construction at Redbank.

It will link from Monash Road to the new service road adjacent to the Ipswich Motorway upgrade.

This will take a lot of pressure off Brisbane Road through the Redbank township.

St Augustine's College Year 12 Graduation a great event

PIC: St Augustine's Principal Leon Capra receives a presentation from Year 12 students.

82 students from St Augustine's College at Augustine Heights received their Year 12 Graduation Certificates last night.

It was a tremendous - and somewhat emotional night - for the students, parents and teachers.

It was held at the Ipswich Region Community Church at Flinders View.

City of Ipswich Gold Cup about to race

James Tully leads No. 4 Night Shivers onto the track tonight.

Tip for tonight's Ipswich Greyhounds

Tonight is the running of the City of Ipswich Gold Cup at the Ipswich Showgrounds at 8.35pm.

At 6.34pm, the Councillor Paul Tully Grade 5 / Maiden will be run.

The tip is Dog 1 - Auriga Tegimi.

The 2010 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal at Redbank Plaza kicks off this morning

Shoppers were entertained by the Redbank State School Choir.

Congratulations to Kmart and the
Salvation Army

Ipswich icon Australian Hardboards set to close

 
The Australian Hardboards factory at Bundamba will be closing down on 17 December 2010.

Plaque recognises 1943 Goodna schoolboy bomb tragedy

A plaque was unveiled at St Francis Xavier School at Goodna today to honour schoolboy John Watson who died in the grounds of the school on 23 February 1943.

He had brought a US military ordnance to the school which he had found nearby and which exploded killing him and injuring seven of his school friends from the Scholarship Class.

The blessing of the memorial garden was performed by Bishop Brian Finnigan and attended by several of the survivors and their families.

At the time, the Catholic school in Church Street was known as St Patrick's.

Despite years of legal claims, the United States government has consistently refused to pay compensation to any of the victims.

100 years of Catholic education in Goodna celebrated

PIC: Former Principal Paul McCann

Dr Paul McCann, now based in Wollongong, addresses a large gathering at Goodna today to celebrate 100 years of Catholic schooling in the town.

Paul McCann was Principal from 1984 to 1993.

In attendance were Bishop Brian Finnigan, Father Peter Casey - Dean of South Country - and Goodna Parish Priest Father Roger Burns.

A fantastic celebration.

Goodna murder sequel: Graham Stafford meets wrongly convicted IRA operatives

Graham Stafford with Gerry Conlon and Paddy Hill, who were wrongly
convicted of IRA bombings in Britain in the 1970s. Photo: Supplied
When Graham Stafford met Gerry Conlon and Paddy Hill in a Brisbane
hotel room, he was a bit tongue-tied.

But, as they "compared ordeals", Stafford began to realise he had a
lot in common with the famous pair - both wrongly convicted over IRA
pub bombings in Britain in the 1970s.

"Their ordeal was far worse," says Stafford. "But as [a convicted
child killer], I guess I was the lowest of the low on the prison
ladder.

Now 47, Stafford served 15 years in Queensland jails over the murder
of Goodna 12-year-old Leanne Holland before his conviction was quashed
late last year. A special cold case unit is now reviewing the flawed
police investigation that led to his conviction on circumstantial
evidence in 1992.

Conlon (one of the so-called Guildford Four) and Hill (the Birmingham
Six) met with Stafford after hearing of his case during a visit to
Australia on behalf of the Glasgow-based Miscarriages of Justice
Organisation (MOJO) in June.

Holed up in one of their hotel rooms, Stafford listened to Conlon and
Hill's jail experiences (immortalised by In the Name of the Father, in
which Daniel Day-Lewis played Gerry Conlon), and told of his own
torments. They included bashings ignored by prison staff, food
contaminated by glass splinters and filth, and being woken hourly by
guards during the early part of his incarceration.

"Anyone accused of murdering a child cops it from both sides,
prisoners and guards," says Stafford, whose conviction has been
described by criminologist Paul Wilson as being based on evidence
"even more flimsy and misleading than [that which] convicted Lindy
Chamberlain."

Also present at the hotel room meeting was Stafford's mother, Jean,
who pleaded unsuccessfully for an independent (non-police)
investigation of her son's case before the current police review -
supervised by a senior Sydney homicide detective - was announced by
Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson in May.

Mrs Stafford told Conlon and Hill Australia urgently needed a body
akin to Britain's Independent Police Complaints Commission to
investigate blatant miscarriages of justice.

"They agreed 100 per cent," she says.

"They also described their own emotional and mental anguish after
getting out of jail, and warned me that Graham would take time to get
over his ordeals and adjust to the world."

Don't miss Frank Robson's in-depth interview with Graham Stafford
about the horrors of life on the inside on brisbanetimes.com.au on
Monday.

Goodna Rugby League Club furious over $12,000 break-in

QT.com.au

COMMUNITY sporting clubs do it tough at the best of times, and theGoodna Eagles Rugby League Club is no exception.

So up to $12,000 in theft and damage inflicted on the club in a Tuesday night break-in is going to hurt, according to club president Gary Parker.

The damage includes smashed doors and walls in the club dressing rooms, smashed storage
cabinets and equipment, stolen alcohol and food and an ultrasound machine to treat
injuries worth about $4000.

The canteen and bar were broken into and about $2000 worth of food and spirits stolen.

Parker believes the value of the theft and damage total $12,000.

"Some stuff probably won't get replaced until we've got the money to do so," Parker said.

"It's just another kick in the guts for the club."

The club has recently undergone extensive renovations with demountable change rooms, bar, toilet blocks and spectator seating installed.

They have been partly funded by the club and Ipswich City Council to the tune of $150,000.

Police are investigating the break-and-enter.

....................................
Local Councillor Paul Tully said the Ipswich City Council was offering a reward up to $2000 for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible.

"Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000," Cr Tully said.

Driver dies in Redbank rail overpass crash

BrisbaneTimes.com.au

A man has died after a collision between two trucks and a bus at a rail overpass in Brisbane's southwest.

The collision occurred on Bridge Street, near the Redbank railway station, about 9.45am, police said.

The person who died was believed to be a male driver of one of the dump trucks, a police spokeswoman said. U

Early information suggested a dump truck had travelled east over the bridge, collided with another truck, then a bus, before hitting a power pole, she said.

Two passengers were on the bus at the time but no one else was injured. Police officers are at the scene.

The overpass is expected to be closed for some time while police investigate. Diversions are in place but motorists are urged to avoid the area.

A Translink spokesman said Redbank railway station was not closed but passengers may be affected by access issues on the southern side.

He said all buses scheduled to travel to Redbank train station were terminating at Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre.

More details were being sought.

Karaoke commences at the Coffee Club Goodna

Friday night karaoke kicks off tonight at the Coffee Club 12 Queen St Goodna.

Customers were asking for the centre owner Manos Saridakis to get up and sing "I Fought the Law and the Law Won"!

Springfield Health Symposium hears State Government is considering health delivery options in the Western Corridor

The Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living Murray Watt MP told today's symposium at the Springfield Central campus of the University of Southern Queensland that the State Government is currently in discussions with Mater Health Services regarding the provision of state funded health services at Health City at Springfield Central.

If this occurs, it will be a fantastic opportunity for the people of Ipswich's eastern suburbs.

The Whitehead Collection - Images of Ipswich launched today

John Whitehead presents the Whitehead Collection - Images to the City of Ipswich.

Four generations of the Whitehead family have been involved in delivering superb photography to the people of Ipswich since 1883.

The collection includes the floods of 1893 and 1974 as well as the devastating Reid's fire of 1985.

Congratulations and thanks to the Whitehead Family.

ABC host Spencer Howson says Ipswich bridge at Gailes is ugly

QT.com.au

The contentious caged bridge over the Ipswich
Motorway near Gailes is now at the centre of controversy.

TOP-RATING radio host Spencer Howson has told his listeners the bridge over the motorway heading into Ipswich makes him feel like he's driving into a prison.

Howson, whose ABC show is the highest rating breakfast program in Brisbane, was talking yesterday about Ipswich City Council plans to cage in David Trumpy Bridge.

As The Queensland Times reported on Wednesday, the council said it was forced to cage in the bridge to stop people throwing missiles on to River Heart.

Howson invited his listeners to air their views about cages around bridges and left them in no doubt what his opinion is.

"As you drive down the Ipswich Motorway to Ipswich – I'm sorry Ipswich – but it does feel like you're driving into a prison when you go under that Welcome to Ipswich sign," he said.

"There's a huge bridge there and it looks ugly, grey; a huge caged monstrosity that you drive under."

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale laughed when Howson's comments were passed on to him.

"I've got people saying it looks very modern. It's designed by an architect so maybe it's a bit like art," Cr Pisasale said.

"Poor old Spencer is entitled to his own opinion.

"I'd prefer to have the sign without the cage but Main Roads built it and they have a responsibility to protect people.

"A lot of people don't like the word caged and I agree but people need to be protected from having rocks thrown from bridges."

Howson also invited Paul Turner from the RACQ for his opinion on whether bridges needed cages around them.

"Where are we going to stop?" Howson said. "Are we going to have to cage every bridge in Queensland to stop rock-throwers; to cave in to rock-throwers?

"It's not a good look to have these prison-style cages on bridges."

Mr Turner said that "there are some obvious bridges which would benefit from caging".

"We would primarily look at those over high-speed motorways and freeways," he said.

"That's where the most damage can be done and the most risk to life and limb can be caused by kids or people throwing stuff off the bridge. In residential areas where the speeds are lower it would not be a priority to cage those bridges."

Not wanting to buy into Howson's comments, a Transport and Main Roads Department spokesman said the department "wishes that anti-throw screens weren't necessary anywhere in Queensland".

"We also encourage the community to help out by being our eyes and ears and reporting reckless and illegal behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."

New traffic lights being installed at Smiths Road Goodna

Work has commenced to replace the four stop signs at the corner of Smiths Road and Stuart St Goodna.

This is part of the new Smiths Road extension which will link St Ives Goodna with Redbank Plaza.

The new link should be open early 2011.

Goodna motorists will no longer have to use the Ipswich Motorway when travelling to or from Redbank and Collingwood Park.

Shakin' All Over - in Goodna

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and Australian Rock stars Normie Rowe, Tony Worsley, Lucky Starr, Denise "Ding Dong" Drysdale and Ian Turpie perform their last routine at the Goodna Jacaranda Festival today.

What a performance!

Cr Paul Tully at Goodna with Normie Rowe today

Things are winding up - and down - on the last day of the 2010 Goodna Jacaranda Festival.

Congratulations to Russell Dewar, Nev Byers and the team for organising the best Jacaranda Festival ever.

Former Ipswich Mayor John Nugent marries today

Former Ipswich Mayor John Nugent married Elizabeth Lerch at Darra today.

A truly dashing couple.

John Nugent was Mayor of Ipswich from 1995 - 2004.

The Ipswich News float is ready for today's Goodna Jacaranda Festival Parade

The Parade starts at 2.00pm from Shiloh Christian Church on Redbank Plains Road via Queen St and Church St to the Evan Marginson Park, Woogaroo St Goodna.

River 949 live at Brentwood Rise at Augustine Heights today

Ruby and Dave in full swing today at the new display village.

Harvey Norman to open in Ipswich in November

WITH the opening of its huge superstore just days away, retail giant Harvey Norman is eager to connect with the Ipswich community. Workers are putting the finishing to the store under the cinema in the Ipswich Mall ahead of the opening on November 8. Soon, the AV and IT superstore will be packed with computers and electrical goods, across 2000 sq m of retail space. It is expected to provide a much-anticipated kick-start for the mall and spark its best Christmas in many years. Moses Ghadban, who will look after the computer side of sales at the store, said it was "100 per cent on plan for the opening day". "We're really looking forward to being in the Ipswich community," Mr Ghadban said. "We've hired a lot of Ipswich people to work here. It's been so long we've been coming here so it's so good to finally be here." Peter Savas, the store's electrical appliances guru, said Harvey Norman was "really happy to be part of the mall rebirth". "It will be good for the bakeries and the small specialty stores too, because they've waited so long for us," Mr Savas said. "It's going to be massive and we're going to be a big part of the Ipswich community." The two jokingly competed for the best opening special with Moses offering a one terabyte hard drive for $78 and Peter a kettle or toaster for $5. Ipswich City Properties (ICP) chairman Paul Tully said Harvey Norman was a boon for Ipswich. "The opening of Harvey Norman shows big business has confidence in Ipswich's future," he said. "Strong development and retail growth is vital to creating a vibrant city that keeps pace with the increasing population.. He said ICP was in negotiations with developers regarding Ipswich City Square and an announcement about plans was expected at the end of November. Go Harvey! Harvey Norman is Australia's leading retail chain It has more than 195 stores It started with a store opened by chairman Gerry Harvey with retailer Ian Norman in 1961.

St Augustine's Choir from Augustine Heights sings at the Jacaranda Festival tonight

A great performance by children from local schools.

Goodna Jacaranda Festival comes alive tonight

PIC: Last night's sneak preview of the 2010
Goodna Jacaranda Festival

It could be the best Jacaranda Festival yet.

Come and celebrate 3 days of fun as the Jacarandas bloom.

The original Goodna Jacarandas on Brisbane Terrace were planted in 1932 by work gangs during the Great Depression.

Tonight's official opening will be at 6.45pm with the fireworks at 9.00pm.

Channel 10 is presenting their weather live from the Evan Marginson Park at Woogaroo St Goodna at approximately 5.55pm tonight.

Goodna Teaching mentor Rechelle Edwards top of the class

Rechelle Edwards from Westside Christian College was
recently awarded for her excellence in education and teaching.

QT.com.au

WESTSIDE Christian College junior school mentor, Rechelle Edwards, has joined an elite group of teachers who will be rewarded as part of World Teachers' Day today.

Ms Edwards was nominated by her peers for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) for her work in guiding the education of more than 200 students from prep to year three at the Goodna school.

She was announced as a winner today – one of only 15 from schools in Queensland.

A humble Ms Edwards said she was delighted to have received the recognition.

"I think the best thing about working here is that the kids love learning and the parents are interested in their kids' schooling – and half the battle is won when that happens," she said.

"I also have a dedicated staff.

"I may have been the one nominated but it takes a team of great people to make it a great place here."

In addition to her work around the classrooms, where she oversees the curriculum for the 220 junior students, Ms Edwards also plays an influential role in extra-curricular activities.

In its profile, NEiTA said Ms Edwards hosted the college's open nights and the annual celebration night concert.

"Rechelle also encourages student participation in dance eisteddfods, book week parades, sport carnivals and service to others projects," NEiTA said.

She also volunteers at her local church and is a worship leader and praise singer.

A teacher for the past 10 years, Ms Edwards said incorporating new technology would be an important part of improving kids' education.

"I think the teachers here have been willing to change and go with the times in an effort to make things more interactive for kids," she said.

"Being able to incorporate that into their learning has been very valuable and its such a positive Ms Edwards will be presented with her award at assembly on Monday morning.

TEACHERS' DAY

World Teachers' Day was started on October 5, 1994 by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

More than 100 countries observe the day including India, Africa, America and Europe.

The day aims to mobilise support for teachers.

This year's theme 'recovery begins with teachers', celebrates the role of teachers in recovery from natural disasters and economic crises.

QT.com.au

Village not good enough: MP slams Brisbane River Terraces management at Goodna

QT.com.au

 

MEMBER for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller has spoken out about the concerns of residents at a Goodna retirement village.

Mrs Miller was speaking in Parliament this week in support of the government's Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Amendment Bill.

She said elderly residents at Brisbane River Terraces had raised issues with her including rent, lighting and safety.

"For example, I am aware that some of the residents have agreements that are different and some pay different rents, which causes difficulties among residents," Mrs Miller said.

"I am also concerned about the deaths of some residents, the potential sale of their homes and the burden that that places on their families.

"Some families find it difficult to sell these homes and in the meantime they have to keep paying the rent and maintain the home, even though there is no use of water or power.

"I am also aware that the burden on these families can go on for years.

"In fact, a weekly rent of more than $120 can cause severe financial stress for the surviving relatives."

She said she had several meetings with residents and escorted Minister Peter Lawlor on a visit to Brisbane River Terraces.

"The residents are also very concerned about the lighting around the village. They tell me that the lighting is next to none and for elderly people that is dangerous," Mrs Miller said.

"I am also extremely concerned because the residents advised me that three residents have fallen on the badly maintained roads in the village and that one resident had to be hospitalised for eight weeks after a fall.

"The people who live at Brisbane River Terraces are really good people. They are the salt of the earth. I do not think it is hard for the owners or management to fix up some of these issues they are talking about."

Mr Lawlor agreed with Mrs Miller that "the people at Brisbane River Terraces certainly deserve a better performance from the managers than they are getting".

A spokesman for Shell Villages which owns Brisbane River Terraces said management was "aware of the residents' concerns and were attending to issues raised by the residents".

Goodna goes purple for annual Jacaranda Festival

 

The annual parade will be a highlight at the Jacaranda Festival on Saturday.

QT.com.au

 

THE clouds look set to part for the majority of this year's Jacaranda Festival, with forecasters predicting only passing showers for the first night of the celebration this Friday.

Preparations are well under way at Goodna's Evan Marginson Park, where as many 50,000 people will enjoy what will be the iconic festival's 30th year.

Traditionally marking the flowering of the jacaranda trees, the three-day event – which runs from Friday night to Sunday – is a showcase of more than just nature.

Live bands, more than 100 stalls, a 10km fun run, talent quest, street parade, skateboard competition and fireworks will feature at this year's festival.

Local area Councillor Paul Tully said Goodna residents had been working 30 years to ensure their festival remained successful.

"Goodna has been celebrating its beautiful jacaranda trees since the 1940s with various garden parties, shows and festivals," Cr Tully said.

"This year marks the 30th anniversary since the current festival began in 1980.

"Ipswich residents are very proud to continue the tradition of embracing the community spirit and pride that the Jacaranda Festival instils in local schools, businesses and sporting organisations.

"People come from far and wide for the three-day festival and with the support people continue to give, we plan to continue showcasing Goodna and Ipswich to make the festival bigger and better each year."

Things are looking good weatherwise, with sunny, hot days predicted throughout the festival weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting maximums of 26 on Friday, 27 on Saturday and 28 Sunday, with only a chance of a brief shower on Friday night.

Hopefully it won't put a dampener on the fireworks, which will light up the sky on both Friday and Saturday at 9pm.

Festivities will end with a bang on Sunday afternoon, with a star-studded line-up set to entertain as part of a new event called Rock Fest.

Australian rock and pop legends including Normie Rowe, Lucky Star, Denise Drysdale, Ian Turpie and Tony Worsley will hit the stage from 1pm.

As always, entry to the festival is free this year, apart from a $5 fee for those wanting to take part in the fun run or talent quest.

New lanes on Centenary Highway - a clear winner for motorists

Media Release

Minister for Main Roads

The Honourable Craig Wallace

27/10/2010

New lanes on Centenary Highway - a clear winner for motorists

Another congestion-busting milestone for Brisbane's busy Western Corridor was reached today with two new lanes of high-speed road opened to traffic on the Centenary Highway.

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said the 4.5 kilometre four lane stretch between Richlands and Carole Park would slash travel times and ease congestion for busy motorists.

"It's a welcome relief for the 40,000 commuters who travel the stretch between the Logan and Ipswich Motorways every day," Mr Wallace said

"The opening of the new lanes signals the end of construction of the road component of Stage One of the $800 million Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project.

"It took a little over two years to upgrade the road. All four lanes are now open and signposted at 100 kilometres an hour, delivering two high-speed lanes in each direction between Carole Park and Toowong," he said.

Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk said the design of the new, upgraded Centenary Highway allows for an extra lane to be added in each direction if there is a need in the future.

"I thank the community and the many motorists who pass through the area for their continued patience while these important works are underway.

"They will be the ultimate beneficiaries for a first class road and transport network," Ms Palaszczuk said.

The Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor is part of the Queensland Government's $124 billion South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program
2009-2026.

"It's a big jobs generator with around 650 full time jobs a year. It couldn't have come at a better time with jobs and job security more important than ever," Ms Palaszczuk said.

For more information, email
info@horizon.incite.com.au or visit
www.qr.com.au/seqip

Police car badly damaged in crash at Collingwood Dr and Namatjira Dr at Collingwood Park

Police car that was damaged in an accident at
Collingwood Dr and Namatjira Dr, near Redbank Plaza.

A POLICE officer was injured and a police car severely damaged when the vehicle mounted a kerb and crashed at a set of traffic lights at Collingwood Park.

A witness on the scene said he saw the police car, which was travelling with its lights and siren on, just seconds before the crash at the intersection of Collingwood and Namatjira drives about 8.15pm.

"I saw the police car coming through full through lights and sirens," said the man who asked not to be named.

"I lost sight of him for just a second but he's actually swerved to miss an oncoming car that pulled out in front of him.

"Then he's gone up the gutter and straight in to the pole."

The witness said the police officer appeared winded and "bashed up" after the crash but was able to walk.

A police spokesman said the crash happened after the officer swerved to avoid another vehicle at the intersection.

Full story:  CourierMail.com.au

Police search for Goodna robbery suspect

QT.com.au

Knife used in Goodna robbery

POLICE are searching for a man who robbed a person at knife point at
Goodna on Wednesday morning.

The offender escaped with the victim's credit cards after threatening
them with a pocket knife on Queen Street about 10am.

He was last seen running towards St Ives Shopping Centre.

Goodna woman devotes life to care

Goodna's Harry Chalk with his wife Ellie, who cares for her husband around the clock.

DISPLAYING a level of dedication few can match, Ellie Chalk is among the millions of carers Australia-wide who unselfishly provide love and ongoing support around the clock.

For the past 20 years, the Goodna resident has been her husband Harry's primary carer after his health deteriorated.

With limited mobility, Harry now uses an electric wheelchair and has no function or feeling from the neck down.

Doctors have so far been unable to diagnose his condition, but it is thought to be a virus similar to polio, which has caused permanent paralysis.

In the midst of National Carers Week, the Chalks highlight what is an often unspoken reality, that carers are the foundation of our health, aged care, palliative and community care systems.

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said unpaid carers played a vital role in the community.

"And while it's a role that people often take on unquestionably because they're caring for a loved one, being a carer can take an enormous toll on your health," he said.

"A 2007 survey of carers' health and wellbeing found caring for someone does not get easier with time, more than one third of carers experience severe or extreme stress, and the major reason carers don't receive treatment for themselves is that they have no time.The role of carers cannot be underestimated."

Mrs Chalk said there was never any option about caring for her husband of 38 years – she just had to.

"We've only had paid support workers come to our house to assist Harry for the past 10 years," she said.

"We receive four hours help a day but it's not really enough. When you consider that Harry needs assistance with everything from the time he wakes up in the morning to the time he goes to bed at night, four hours isn't a lot."

While they face many ongoing challenges, the Chalks also have a lot of love and laughter in their lives, with two daughters and five grandchildren.

"There's no point moping about it. Have a bit of fun," Mr Chalk said.

"It can be difficult, but it's a two-way street and I try to be supportive of Ellie and the challenges she faces."

QT.com.au