October 2008

Hi

this is the last newsletter for the year, it hasn’t taken long for yet another year to fly by….. Christmas is only just around the corner and the weather is warming up very quickly before we know it, it will be Summer again. Don’t forget that Santa will be making his annual visit to the Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade.
Make sure you keep an eye out and listen for the sirens on Christmas Eve as he visits your street.

Don’t forget that the newsletter can be viewed online at http://www.oz4u.net/bonoginvalleynews/ you can access local businesses and also make comments.

If you need a web site created for your business you can contact the Webmaster, Frank, he can produce Web Sites for businesses. Frank is a local in the valley and helps maintain and develop the web site for the newsletter.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps with putting the newsletter together, there is plenty of community support here in the valley, also Dianne Reilly who not only contributes to our newsletter but also prints 1000 copies each time. Sally George from Elder’s Mudgeeraba gets the newsletter delivered to us so a very big thank you to Elder’s for their ongoing commitment to the Bonogin community.

Till next time
Janice

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Hi Bonogin Residents,

Included in the newsletter this month is a questionnaire for all residents of the Bonogin Valley area. We are gathering information from residents about access for fire vehicles in a bush fire situation in the valley. Please complete the questionnaire if you haven’t previously done so and return it as soon as possible. If you would like to include a drawing of your property and where sheds and fences are located please use the back of the form. You can either post or fax the questionnaire back to the brigade.
Thank you for your cooperation.

Due to the recent rain, fuel loadings in our district are predicted to increase as we approach the bushfire season. Fuel loading is a measurement dependant on the amount of surface fuel on the ground. As mentioned in previous newsletters take the opportunity to conduct some hazard reduction and housekeeping tasks around your property prior to the bushfire season. If you have fences and locked gates consider fire service access onto your property on days of high fire danger. Remember as property owners we need to be vigilant when lighting fires. Small fires up to two metres in any direction can be controlled by the resident without a permit.

To obtain a permit please telephone Dave Farrer on 55 302 757.
Dave is also a licensed snake catcher.

Helpful information
Continue to clear the gutters on your roof
Manage the bush land vegetation (grass and weeds) around your home for 15 meters
Have sufficient garden hoses available to assist in fire extinguishment of ember attack on bushfire days
Be prepared to block the top of down pipes to allow minimal water to be effectively used in gutters to prevent roof ignition.
Have an evacuation plan prepared and discuss it with your family.
Call 000 earlier rather than later. This allows Firecom to respond crews well in advance before properties are threatened.
And most importantly if you decide to evacuate do not leave it tell the last minute. Give yourself time to leave in favourable conditions that are more favourable.

Currently we are looking for a few new members so if you live in Bonogin and wish to consider volunteering please visit the station on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Training is competency based and most training is conducted at Bonogin or within the Gold Coast district. There are roles for both active (operational) and support (logistics and welfare) members.
You can contact the station on 5522 9041 and leave a message.

Regards,
Paul Kalendra First Officer
Bonogin valley Rural Fire Brigade

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Hi Janice

We just wanted to pass on our gratefulness for David Ward, our local Plumber.

We called David from the contact details out of the Community Newsletter.
David was very prompt with his service.

He did a magic job with the guttering and the water tank on our property. We are 100% satisfied with his work and we would ‘highly recommend’ him to other people in Bonogin Valley.

It is great to know we have someone reliable and close in the Valley in case of those unexpected emergencies….. David also offer’s a discount to all Bonogin Residents.

Once again a big thank you goes to David.

Kind regards

Irene & Morris.

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Snake catcher

The weather is warming up and snakes are on the move!

If you have a snake that needs to be removed from your premises in Bonogin please do not try to kill or catch it yourself. Dave is an experienced snake handler and is licensed to catch, remove and relocate the snake.

Dave is available to only Bonogin Valley residents, so give him a call the next time you need a snake taken away, safely.

Dave
55302 757

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D & D Ward Plumbing Services

Hi Janice
Thought you may be interested in this.
I have already contacted Di Reilly in relation to the lack of broadband services to Bonogin. She has since put me onto the Federal Member who is going to make some inquiries as to why Bonogin does not have Broadband access.

I don't know about other residents, but considering we're at Carol Anne Court, only just out of Mudgeeraba and aren't able to get Broadband, I'm sure your readers would be interested to know about the response from the Federal Member.
I will of course forward any response onto you in future. Perhaps if all residents are aware that we're trying to get this matter address they may want to email me so that I can put forth a partition. I stay up very late every night working through dial up speed. Unfortunately those little wireless pen drives that a lot of phone companies offer don't work in this small valley that we're in.....and the other option for us is Telstra which costs $118.00 per month for a small download limit...(with 2 x teenagers we would be bankrupt within a few months at that rate!!).

take care
Deb :)

Dave & Deb
D & D Ward Plumbing Services P/L
0408 681 180
ddwardplumbing@bigpond.com
Web: www.ddwardplumbing.com.au

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Vets On Wheels- Mobile Vet.

Hi Bonogin

I wanted to give some information in relation to overweight dogs.

Did you know that 33% of Aussie dogs are overweight? Nearly 8% of our dogs are clinically obese and obesity causes MANY problems for dogs.

They're at higher risk of developing diabetes, which requires lifelong treatment with insulin injections, lots of blood tests and intense diet management.

Obese dogs find it harder to exercise, they are less mobile, and they may suffer a decline in their general well-being.

Too much weight puts a lot of stress on the joints - especially knees and elbows- and can speed up the development of arthritis and joint pain, which then results in even less exercise and therefore more weight gain.

You might think your dog has always been overweight, so that's just how they are.
OR
You hardly feed your dog anything but they still don't lose weight...so it's impossible.
OR
They're too old to lose weight.

However, I've been seeing some fantastic achievements that make me just so happy...

'Patch' a 10 year old staffy from Helensvale lost 10 kg and now climbs up stairs in his house that he couldn't climb before. His owner Kimberly says you can literally see a spring in his step now, and customers in her shop recently asked her what happened to the bull dog she used to have...They thought he was a different dog!

'Cassie' the Keeshond from Worongary lost 9 kg last year, and now that she's lighter, her owner Christine can see a huge
improvement in her mobility and only rarely needs to give her the arthritis medication she had every day.

Every dog can lose weight. Different strategies work for different pets, and I've seen owners succeed with home cooked food or
specially designed veterinary diets or just cutting out all snacks and increasing exercise.

It's never easy but it's always hugely rewarding to see the benefits. As always, feel free to call me for any advice or to help with a plan for your own pets.

Emma.

Vets On Wheels- Mobile Vet.
Dr Emma Somerville BVSc (Hons)
0404 888 387
www.vetsonwheels.com.au

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The Bonogin Valley Community Association

Hi Janice

I’d like to insert two parts into the newsletter if I could; one advertising the AGM on 19th October and one talking about the new website we are putting together.

The Bonogin Valley Community Association (Inc) have created a forum where residents can keep in touch with local events and offer feedback on issues pertaining to the local area.

The website is www.bonoginvalley.com and its success will be determined by the involvement of the local community. Several locals have offered their services to help keep information on the website relevant and interesting with already planned features including a gardening section, a cooking section, and Council feedback section.

Jump online, register your details and introduce yourself. Further queries can be directed to Glenn Tozer –BVCA (Inc) President on 0419 55 8685 or via email at glenn@darcyrobinson.com.au

Regards
Glenn

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McGrathmx

Hi There,

McGrathmx is starting to place orders for Christmas for all Motocross/Trail Bike Apparel.

If you would like to place an order for Christmas our deadline is the 5th December which leaves you with 7 weeks to call us with your order. We endeavour to get the best price for you so if you see something in the shops call us, we may be able to do you a
better deal.

Our suppliers include Thor, Fox Racing, Answer and Alpinestars. We stock a wide range of sizes and colours that also includes youth apparel. Available also are accessories including motocross goggles, pants, jerseys, gloves, t-shirts, boots, helmets and lots more.

For all enquires call

Sam
0413561092
www.mcgrathmx.com.au

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Hello Bonogin

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS
Your local Bonogin Agent “Mustang Sally” is not all talk!
This year our pony “Rathowen Scarlet Ribbons” won
Champion Pony Hack at Toowoomba Royal and Brisbane Royal.

Follow her progress at the EFA National Titles to be held in
Victoria on the first weekend in December.
Scarlet Ribbons will be representing Queensland
in the Large Pony Hack classes!!!!

SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS AND WE ARE DEFINITELY
NOT ALL TALK HERE AT ELDERS MUDGEERABA.

NEW LISTING SOLD IN 12 DAYS!!!!!!
71 Tourmaline was listed with us on 3rd September and sold on 15th September. JUST 12 DAYS ON THE MARKET!!!!!! Don’t you wish that was your property!!!!!!

PRICE PRESENTATION PROMOTION

There are generally three reasons a property does not sell MUSTANG SALLY’S tips can help you sell!

* Be realistic about the value of your property
* Make sure you are aware of the properties in your area for sale and check those that have been on the
market for a long time!
* Ensure you present your property in a clean and tidy manner
*Have a good working relationship with your agent and make sure you promote your property for sale….
YOU CANT SELL A SECRET!!

If your property has been on the market too long then perhaps it’s time for a change!!!! For an obligation free appraisal of your property contact me: Sally George on 0419783070.

SOME RECENT LISTINGS:

9 Glenrowan Drive Tallai
Horse heaven! Four bedroom home with superb resort style outdoor pool, spa and gazebo. Four fenced paddocks, stables, extra three bay shed, floodlit arena. All this in prestigious Tallai. $1,375,000

7 Abbott Court, Guanaba
A rare find!!! Eleven acres of Coomera Riverfront land with a house pad cut to take advantage of superb valley views and facing due north. This block has been priced to meet the market and is excellent buying at $675,000

32 Sehmish Court, Bonogin
What an investment opportunity. Priced to sell the owners of this 4 bedroom family home situated on an elevated 5000 sq m block are willing to rent the property back and will pay 6 months’ rent in advance on settlement. $595,000

PONY TIPS FROM MUSTANG SALLY

Summer can be an irritating time for your pony. Insects can create many problems and cause Queensland Itch. We have found that a rug made from Flag material which covers the pony from head to foot (including ears) can provide wonderful relief from biting
insects without causing them to get too hot. Any questions about caring for your pony email me at: sgeorge@eldersmudgeeraba.com.au

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Towards Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland

The Premier’s plan for growing the Queensland economy over the next ten years and beyond was unveiled earlier this month. The watershed document “Towards Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland” outlines ten specific targets for 2020 under five broad headings – strong, green, smart, healthy and fair.

The targets by 2020 are:

Strong – creating a diverse economy powered by bright ideas -
• Building Australia’s strongest economy with infrastructure that anticipates growth
• Increasing by 50% the proportion of Queensland businesses undertaking R&D

Green – protecting our lifestyle and environment -
• Cutting Queenslanders carbon footprint by one third with reduced car and electricity use
• Protection 50% more land for nature conservation and public recreation

Smart – delivering world class education and training -
• All children to have access to quality early childhood education so they are ready for school
• Three out of four Queenslanders to hold trade, training or tertiary qualifications

Healthy – making Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people -
• Cut obesity, smoking, heavy drinking and unsafe sun exposure by one third
• Reduce public hospital waiting lists to the shortest in Australia

Fair – supporting caring communities -
• Halve the proportion of Queensland children living in households without a working parent
• Increase the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities by 50%

However, these targets are not things the Government can achieve on its own. Meeting these long-term targets will require all levels of government, individuals, the community and businesses to work together. These priorities will drive the State Governments program of action over the next twelve months. Thirty public forums on Q2 will be held throughout the State. I will also be holding a free community forum at Firth Park on Tuesday 18th November 2008, commencing at 6.30 p.m., for local residents, community and sporting groups and businesses, who may not have been able to attend the first Gold Coast Q2 Forum and who would like to know more about Towards Q2 – Tomorrow’s Queensland. If you would like to attend this forum, please phone my office on 5569 0482 or send me an email to: mudgeeraba@parliament.qld.gov.au .

The Queensland Government is also seeking your ideas on how – together – we can achieve these targets. To have your say on Q2 please visit the website www.towardQ2.com.au .

Graffiti Removal Powers
Recently I was pleased to be given the opportunity to speak on the Summary Offences (Graffiti Removal Powers) Amendment Bill in Parliament. During my speech I referred to a Graffiti meeting which I recently chaired at the Mudgeeraba State School and included information provided by those present at that meeting. During her ‘In reply’ speech, the Police Minister Judy Spence acknowledged the consistent work by the Mudgeeraba Police Consultative Committee. While we have committees such as this giving freely of their time and effort, our community continues to strengthen and benefit. Thanks must go to this committee for their ongoing efforts and achievements. Copies of these speeches are available on my website www.diannereillymp.com or by phoning 5569 0482.

M1
The Bligh Government is getting on with the job when it comes to upgrading the Pacific Motorway. Joint State and Commonweatlh funding of $910 million for the upgrade from Logan to Tugun has seen work start on the Nerang South Interchange (Nielsens Road/Alexander Drive) and extensive planning commence on the section south of Nerang to Varsity (Stage 1).

Work is expected to commence on the Mudgeeraba Interchange early next year and the Varsity Lakes/Reedy Creek Interchange plans have been finalised with work to start in the first quarter of 2009, to complement the opening of the new Varsity Lakes Railway Station and Transit Oriented Development.

There will also be works starting on the Robina Parkway/Somerset Drive interchange and other busy overpasses between Nerang and Tugun in the coming months. The existing State and Federal Government funding will fight congestion and improve safety on these busy interchanges, but more funding is needed to complete the widening of the M1 from Nerang to Tugun.

Earlier this year the Federal Government announced a $20 Billion infrastructure package aimed at major projects across the country which would have an economic impact on key regions.

These projects are being identified over the next few months and to ensure that the Federal Government considers the Pacific Motorway in this fund, I have started a petition which I hope all Gold Coast residents will get behind. The petition adds another strong voice to the layers of information the Federal

Government will consider when determining projects to be funded under the Building Australia Fund. This fund is an exciting opportunity to secure funds for this full upgrade of the Pacific Motorway to eight lanes.

The Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government recently urged all Australians to be part of the Rudd Labor Government’s nation-building agenda. All Australians have until the 15th October to submit project ideas to Infrastructure Australia for evaluation and possible inclusion on the National Infrastructure Priority List.

To sign the petition or get a copy to collect signatures from your business or organisation, please contact my office on 5569 0482. For those who already have petitions, please forward completed petitions to my office (PO Box 415, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213) by 17th October 2008.

Review of Neighbourly Relations

The State Government is currently conducting a review of the law of neighbourly relations. The aim of this review is to find more efficient ways of assisting neighbours to resolve their disputes, by improving the processes for the resolution of common neighbourhood disputes, providing better access to information and achieving a more efficient alignment of the roles of relevant agencies.

The second phase of the review of neighbourly relations, undertaken by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, has now begun. Nuisance trees can often be a source of neighbourhood conflict and complaints to government departments and councils. A discussion paper dealing more fully with the issues is available on the website of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General at www.justice.qld.gov.au/ourlaws/public . Due to the level of interest shown in the review, the department has extended the closing date for input from Friday 12 September 2008 until Friday 31 October 2008. You can have your say by completing the online survey by submitting a written submission addressed to:
Review of neighbourly relations submissions, Strategic Policy, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, GPO Box 149, Brisbane QLD 4001
To obtain hard copies of the discussion paper, phone the publications hotline on 3898 0178.

There is an online survey available for people to provide their views about this and other issues. Go to www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/consultqld. ConsultQld is your direct link to government about key issues that are being considered. Members of the community can take part in an open public consultation or find out about the outcomes of public consultations that have recently closed.

Revolution in environmental monitoring for Queensland

An innovative wireless sensor network that will be scientists’ “eyes and ears” has been deployed to monitor biodiversity in areas of the Springbrook Plateau. The network of ten hi-tech sensor nodes will record data on temperature, humidity, leaf wetness, soil moisture, wind speed and direction to assist in the restoration of biodiversity to this World Heritage area.

The CSIRO-developed Fleck™ sensor nodes communicate across a wireless mesh network, which allows each node to automatically find the best way to send data to a base station before delivering the data, via the internet, to a central computer, which stores the information.

This innovation allows this valuable information to be accessed by scientists. The time and resources it takes to gather environmental data is one of the biggest issues for our scientists and has limited data collection previously. The wireless network has overcome this problem. Scientists can now access information from the network without visiting the site.

Because of its diverse landscape and World Heritage values, the Springbrook Plateau is a perfect testing ground for this new system. The State Government is working in collaboration with the CSIRO, which has developed technology that builds on wireless sensor networks originally used in healthcare, military and industrial automation.

Over the next three years, a larger network of up to 200 sensor nodes would be deployed at the Springbrook site in partnership with the Australian Rainforest Conservation Society and CSIRO. This innovative technology could identify and record the calls of specific birds, bats or frogs. It will be our eyes and ears to tell us whether certain threatened species have returned to Springbrook and could revolutionise environmental monitoring and biodiversity restoration in Queensland.

The technology can also be applied to monitoring water quality, agriculture, satellite remote sensing, reef monitoring, climate change and others on local, national and international stages.

For more information, email the EPA at: wsn.springbrook@epa.qld.gov.au or visit the EPA website: www.epa.qld.gov.au/sensornetwork , or contact my office on 5569 0482.