Comments, voting and the return of the recently released surveys in relation to Isaac Regional Council’s initiative Adaptable Communities are continuing to arrive and inform the process.

Mayor of the Region Cedric Marshall said that the expansion of mining communities is a critical 21st century issue for the region.

‘The initiative has been conceived to ensure the community voice is heard through the correct channels and through the procedures which the government demands.

‘The final document will be used to put pressure on decision-makers whilst at the same time showing a way forward for the region.’

As public input into the process has begun to finalise this week, lead architect Graham Ledgerton, Architectural Director for ThomsonAdsett, has played a pivotal role in framing community input into tangible designs for community consideration for accommodation models for the non-resident workers.

He said the Isaac community deserve commendation for their focus to achieving workable outcomes for the region’s future.

‘We have worked collaboratively to frame and develop six initial concepts which form the backbone of the community consultation process.

‘It has been very clear that from day one the process has been about choice, sustainability and family: choice for the community and the residents and choice for the non resident workers.

‘Sustainability in terms of buildings which  offer permanency and life cycle cost benefits and most importantly developments which cater for the diverse needs of individuals, families and community living.

‘Developments today can have a positive impact on these communities and help to promote a more sustainable future.’

‘Through the implementation of good design principles, which are informed by individual and community needs, we can future proof these regions and communities  whilst providing appropriate lifestyle choices for the people of Moranbah and the Isaac region,’ he said.

As part of the program, residents and interested parties have been asked to express their preferred concept via the web site, postal voting or at consultation hubs around the town.

Graham adds: ‘Spending time in the region and listening to the community has exposed the need for a diversity of accommodation types.

Voting continues until this weekend with the hotline (4941 4529) remaining open until Friday, and the web site active across the weekend.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Isaac Regional Council CEO Mark Crawley              07 4941 4500
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Cedric Marshall        07 4941 4500
Isaac Regional Council PR & Media Officer              0437 295 910

This media release was issued on 18 March 2011.

An explosion in alcohol and drug addiction across the state of Queensland, in particular in booming metropolitan areas has prompted calls for urgent government attention.

John Close, CEO of Brisbane based recovery centre Goori House, says there are problems facing the Queensland community.

“These are a range of alcohol and drug issues across the majority of metropolitan areas of Queensland. ”

“Areas such as, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton, all the way to the upper class inner city suburbs of Brisbane out to the Gold and Sunshine coasts and Brisbane’s outer regions such as Logan and Ipswich. We are facing a wide spread problem, an almost unnoticed or unspoken epidemic that is eating away at the heart and soul of our state.”

Mr. Close says that all levels of Government need to fund and support the implementation strategies which have a specific focus, in order to be effective.

“What we are dealing with here does not have a one size fits all, quick fix solution. There is a particular degree of difficulty in tackling these issues head on, and this is why we see government officials at all levels shying away from the real issues at hand.”

Mr. Close says a program specifically designed for female recovery is a prime example of targeted strategy which seeks to provide real and effective resolution to substance abuse issues amongst women.

“The increase in alcohol and substance abuse amongst women of all ages is a real concern. We no longer have you typical homeless drunk roaming the streets or a young female from the wrong side of the tracks with a chemical addiction, what are seeing are suburban mothers, intoxicated picking their children up from school or young professional women visiting their inner city drug dealer on their lunch break. ”

Mr Close says that a unique approach for females is a necessity as the issues affecting their addiction can differ so dramatically from that of males”

“In the past decade we have witnessed an explosion in the number of females who are suffering drug and alcohol addiction problems. From young women who spend their weekends binge drinking to mothers with small children at home, to workers and executives. The problem, of the mis-use of alcohol and drugs is now just as rife amongst females as it with males”

Mr. Close says that governments have, in the past focused on the male and the community as a whole forgets that the woman next door could have a seriously deep held secret.

“These days females are very much their own person. They face, in most cases, as many challenges on a daily basis as males and then some. If, for example, a female is working mother she has the added pressures of work stress and family issues. Females who need assistance can become more destructive to the family unit than that a male alcoholic or drug user.”

Mr. Close says it is not surprising that there has been a sharp rise in the number of females who are turning to drug and alcohol usage.

“We expect females to be a worker, a companion, a mother and the shoulder to cry on. Perhaps we forget their needs and it is easy for them to turn to alternatives.”

Mr. Close is calling on the local, state and federal Government’s  to honor several past commitment’s to the people of Queensland, especially helping those who need to be trained and adequately prepared for working the front line of this growing problem.

Mr. Close says the issue of alcohol and drug abuse and dependence is wide spread – requiring an effective intervention approach and essential training.

“We will continue to liaise with the community to ensure outcomes and solutions that provide a win win for everyone.

-ENDS-

For further information

Contact:
Mr John Close
Director
0438 217 646

Redland City Council is being pushed to join with Gold Coast Council and refuse to allow the region water provider to implement a massive hike to water rates.

Mayoral Candidate for Redland City Karen Williams says the Council has one last opportunity to prove it has the interests of ratepayers at heart.

“Council meets this Wednesday and the AllConnex debate is again on the table. I’m urging all Councillors to ensure we make it clear to Allconnex it’s time for a re-think. Clearly a water price hike of up to 14% is unwarranted. It’s time for more lateral thinking and honesty on water and frankly Mayor Melva Hobson and her click need to stop thinking about the money and think about the people.”

Councillor Williams, an avid campaigner against the Water Reform imposed on SEQ Councils, is also calling on Logan City to insist Allconnex take a more realistic view.

“This is Mayor Melva’s last chance to gain credibility on the water issue. You only have to look at her 10Year Financial Strategy to see how dependent she has become on water revenue. The Mayor and her supporters need to understand that water is not a commodity.”

Councillor Williams says, “The Mayor seems to have forgotten that the provision of clean water to a community is the essence of government.

It is because of the provision of services like this that Local Government exists. It is vital to public health, vital for existence and instead of doing the job; we are pricing water as if it was beer. It’s just not right.”

Councillor Williams has been pushing to have the complex and unworkable water system changed.

‘This process has been unworkable for Redland City, remains unworkable for Redland City and will continue to cause heartache for rate payers. In a city where Council has let rates spiral out of control they are now turning to water to establish a money flow which pays for their off the planet fringe programs. Redlands residents will not only be broke, we’ll be thirsty.”

Councillor Williams has again repeated her calls for Redland City to lead a charge to unscramble the complex water system.

‘When I raised this in Council last month, I was howled down. The new Leader of the LNP, Campbell Newman, is advocating return of water assets and pricing to Local Government. It can be done and indeed we have a moral obligation to provide water to a community. It is fundamental of Government.”

Councillor Williams says ensuring a clean affordable water supply is not negotiable.

It’s a basic. Not a service about which we can argue the toss on price. I’m deeply concerned that Mayor Melva and the MELVA All stars will simply continue to bury themselves in letter writing and committees at this week’s meeting instead of showing some back bone and demanding an Allconnex re-think.”

“We are now the AllConnex tax collectors. I’m urging Council to vote to refuse to collect fees until a more realistic approach is developed. If that means getting legislation changed – then let’s get on with it.  I’m urging Redland City Councillors to get serious about the delivery of this most basic of Government services.”

Councillor Williams says it is time for the blame game to stop.

All that has resulted from the State’s Water Reform has been the creation of huge and costly bureaucracies, enabled by the flashing of packets of cash to some local Councils and now our residents and ratepayers are left to pick up the bill.”

“This is not as complex as the greedy bureaucrats and Councillors make out. It worked before, it can work again and it must be sorted out once and for all. My message to Mayor Melva is quite clear. For the good of our community, give us a drink of water please. You are the Mayor – show some leadership. This is the most basic of basic services a Council can provide and you’re allowing it to be washed away!”

Further information:          Bronwyn Hope – 0413 018 457

Councillor Cochrane has made the announcement in response to reports that Steve Pellegrino’s Trinity Park Investments plans to develop another regional shopping Centre anchored by a large BIG W and Woolworths to form the Town Centre.

Executive Director The Retailers Association Scott Driscoll has welcomed Councillor Cochrane’s public assurance and is now calling for her to take further action.

Mr Driscoll said “The fact remains that the developers, Steve Pelligrino’s Trinity Park investments intend to use this site for a Woolworths and Big W. Steve Pelligrino openly stated that this was the case in June 2008. In order to accommodate this, at least 6,000 to 7,000 sqm of speciality retail space is required, which constitutes a major retail centre.”

Councillor Cochrane spoke of population triggers, but Council has not undertaken any independent economic research to ascertain what the population triggers are. The Council had previously agreed to undertake independent economic research to form an independent view of future population growth, which would then form the basis of the population triggers for additional retail.

There are approximately 40,000 residents on the northern beaches. Industry benchmarks for supermarkets are one supermarket for every 10,000 people and one discount department store (DDS) for every 40,000 people.

There are currently four major shopping centres in the area, one at Redlynch Central, one at Clifton Village Shopping Centre, and two at Smithfield Shopping Centre as well as the Smithfield Campus Shopping Centre which includes an IGA Supermarket. There are also a number of local; convenience based shops in the beachfront communities. In addition there is currently one DDS on the northern beaches being K Mart at Smithfield Shopping Centre.

“When all these factors are considered in relation to industry benchmarks and compared against population in the trade area, there is sufficient retail space to meet demand for the foreseeable future” said Mr Driscoll.

Based on these facts Councillor Cochrane is correct is stating the area cannot sustain more major retail, that there will never be the population base to sustain a another major retail precinct and that the existing Smithfield Shopping Centre needs to remain the key retail centre for the area.

‘Therefore if the Development went ahead as planned, we believe that local businesses and local jobs would undoubtedly be put at risk. Why then has the local council allowed draft plans to be sent to the State Government for review which states that  in the Core Precinct claims ‘Large scale commercial uses such as a supermarket or a discount department store are required as the Town Centre develops’ and are located within this Precinct.’. This is a direct reference to Trinity Park Investments plans.

In addition Mr Driscoll adds, “We have Councillors assuring the people of Cairns no major retail hub will occur, but as currently drafted, the community will not be properly consulted on any development application lodged by Trinity Park Investments.”

The Town Centre will shape the future of the northern beaches community and its prosperity; therefore it is absolutely imperative that the people of Cairns have a voice.
“Some simple adjustments on Council’s part to the Draft Plan are all that is needed.”
Council must insist that any development at the site be subject to Impact Assessment and that all references to a discount department store be removed from the Core Precinct in any draft plan.

As currently drafted, the amendment hands responsibility for assessment of the economic merits of an application to the Planning Department.

The current Cairns Plan states that any large scale development of 10,000 sq metres is publically advertised to ensure the local community have a say on the future landscape of their town. The draft amendment takes away their right to have a say.

“It is vitally important that for something of this nature the general public have a voice. If the plans were to be made Impact Assessable the local community would be given a chance to have a say and therefore their needs would be properly assessed.

Council must conduct its own Economic Research and set agreed population triggers which can be incorporated into the plan.

“All we are asking is for Council to support Margaret’s stand with positive action”

-ENDS-

For further details;
Scott Driscoll
Executive Director
The Retailers Association
PH: 07 3352 6088
0413 831045

John Close, CEO of  Goori Recovery Centre, has welcomed the oppositions $1.5 billion funding of early intervention mental health programs, and  urges a focus to mental health related issues related to substance abuse.

“Mr. Abbott obviously recognises that mental health issues- such as alcohol and drug misuse and the on-going mental health issues it creates- is breaking the nation. Alcohol and drug abuse, for example, not only cripples the  health system and clogs hospitals, it creates a huge economic drain as  people fail to be productive members of society.”

“This is a move, at last, that begins to tackle the real issues behind our failing system where they begin. I’m hopeful an Abbot Government  will maintain this focus and  at last bring  relative funding to the alcohol and drug abuse sector.”

Mr. Close says the Government is currently working to a 30 year old  funding formula for beating alcohol and drugs and dealing with related mental health issues.

“This is an approach that has failed every year..each one of those 30 years. My warning to Tony Abbot is commit the money but don’t let the current  pack of so called  consultants and experts guide our Departments on where and how to spend it. They have gotten it wrong for decades.”

Mr Close is calling for a re-think.

“Resourced properly, and with a level of financial committment like the Abbot Plan,  front line services that are results  focused can make a difference. It’s time to stop funding failures and begin to channel  that funding and additional funding like the Abbott plan into  results and outcome focused programs. ”

Mr Close says the alcohol and drug  and associated mental health scourge needs to be met on the streets, with programs that bring the De-tox floor to the streets.

‘We need to begiun to tackle these issues where they begin.”

“This means a new approach and the  whole training approach for workers needs to change.”

“On top of this we need more action, in reality more funding, to provide organisations such as mine and the many others which carry the massive burden, with more locations and more beds to aid recovery alcoholics and drug users.”

“Without the this sort of health infrastructure in our sector all you will see is a continuation of the revolving door that system operated now.”

With over 250,000 Australia’s to be effected by the Abbott mental health plan, Mr. Close believes that similar actions would have a monumental effect on reducing rate of substance abusers, as well as the problems which shadow it, including domestic violence , law and order and crime and improve the economic implications on families and the community.

Mr. Close says the community has waited long enough to a solution for the plague that is substance abuse and the time for action is now.

“For too long communities and front line workers have had to deal with the plague that is alcohol and drugs, our program focuses on providing a holistic approach.”

“This situation can be solved through the correct training and management. The solution is in co-ordination and co-operation.”

Mr. Close has long been campaigning for a co-coordinated approach which involves facets of law enforcement, paramedics and matching them with trained professionals who take the rehabilitation floor to the streets.

“We’re recommending a definitive commitment to a multi-faceted approach that encompasses health, law enforcement, and lifestyle. The Abbott plan is a good start.”

Mr. Close is urging local members, ministers and leaders alike to engage and consult organisations like Goori House Recovery Centre, to ensure that a solution is created which drives and delivers efficient and effective results.

“I welcome an consultation at any level, let’s just make sure something gets done as opposed to blowing hot air for the sake of election time.”

-ENDS-

For further information contact:
Mr John Close-CEO
0438 217 646

OR

Mark Miller- 0438 249 042; 07 3821 7440.

In almost all households, time-poor families face the daily challenge of the  school lunch and the issues that come with leaving it to the school tuck shop or canteen.

Nutrition, cost,  security with money, a down turn in volunteers to staff school canteens or tuck shops and  even school yard bullying have all become today’s issues for students, parents and schools alike and it seems the solution rests with the internet.

schoolshoponline is a parent developed internet based service being offered free of charge to schools across the country as a means of eradicating the  problems.

Developed by parents who wanted to be more involved in their children’s dietary choices, this unique model takes into consideration the needs of all parties involved in the supply and sale of food through school canteens/tuckshops and provides incentives for all to work towards overcoming childhood obesity.

schoolshoponline  Director Ian Clark says while the  program began with the issue of obesity other issues soon came to the fore.

”There’s now real issues for schools in recruitment of volunteers, and also issues of safety and security with  large schools having to handle  very large amounts of cash on a daily basis. As parents we just felt that was a better way.”

“We are determined to make a difference but an easy ans simple one- technically we have replaced the paper bag-and in so gdoing have given parents the ability to have more autonomy in decisions about their child’s nutrition, while working on the other issues.”

The solution came in the form of the development of a school to school transportable cyber system which simply converts the existing canteen menu into an interactive document accessible through the internet.

“It sounds complex and arriving at such a simple solution has been. But the ease of the system means less stress time for parents and it’s quicker than filling in the3  paper bag order.”

“‘We harness the school menu to the approved nutritional rating scheme and we also provide a monitoring system which can be accessed by parents or carers at any time.”

Clark says the other benefits, beyond dietary, then began to fall into place.

“Schools are attracted to the schoolshoponline system because of the nutritional benefits but also because it improves school security and develops a stronger relationship with parents.”

The Tuck Shop Coordinator only has to access the school web site each day, log on and press the print button to receive the orders either as stickers or plain paper slips that are then attached to orders as they prepared. It means the ordering process is dealt with in advance, it speeds up service and freshness and cuts down on vital volunteer time.

The system also means that there’s little or no cash to change hands which in turn means greater efficiency, faster turnaround times and improved school security with less cash is circulating within the school environment.

‘”Having less cash circulating among students could assist in reducing school bullying where money is involved. It certainly means fewer security headaches overall.”

Another bonus is improved parental interaction, according to Clark.

“Because this becomes a dedicated site, controlled by the school it becomes a pathway for other fundraising ventures and all types of message delivery. It’s being accessed by most of the school community  at least once or twice a month. It serves to reinforce school policy, highlight events…schools can utilise it in a myriad of ways.”

schoolshoponline is also proving an advantage to the 21 st century family.

In this system the child is constant. The system allows for multiple parents and guardians to place an order from anywhere in the world as long as they have internet access. A child’s orders are displayed for future days and parents and guardians can alternate with placing orders to cover all days. No credit card details are stored within the system and you will have to enter them each time you order so no one else can order on your card.

For the school or Parent group running the canteen or tuck shop the benefits are also enormous.

It offers real time saving on accounting practices as once a transaction is complete the money is  automatically deposited into a nominated bank account.

“No more taking of cash at lunch or recess and working out change. All that needs to happen is for canteen staff to hand out the pre-packed orders. This in turn also means less volunteer time.”

schoolshoponline can provide daily aggregated reporting for total orders. A history of orders per day and season can be accumulated to make re-ordering and stock control more efficient.

The system is offered free to schools and works on a user pays principal.

“As parents we framed a system that favours the school and the students. This is a user pays system where parents pay a very small surcharge to order items online but ultimately they are still likely to be saving compared to the traditional method of handing over cash to their child in the hope it will be spent on healthy food.”‘

Parent Associations and/or Canteen Coordinators in conjunction with the school can set the total percentage of surcharge to be paid. This surcharge then goes partly to maintain the system (4-5%) and the balance over and above this is paid to the P&C, school and/or canteen as revenue.

This revenue sharing model allows parent associations and canteens to be partners with parents to improve the health of children, save parents some money and assist in school security.

“It also provides funds that over time to purchase such items as air conditioning, sporting equipment and computers.” Clark says.

The need for on-going auditing, tracking down missing dollars disappears and  issues such as stock management also disappear.

The benefits also extend to the playground.

“Having less cash circulating among students could assist in reducing school bullying where money is involved. It certainly means fewer security headaches overall.”

The  on  line ordering process enables  students to work with  their parents or carers to order in advance, it provides  advice and  warnings about healthy and unhealthy choices and  at the same time cuts down on the  panic and rush that can occur at home each morning as mum or dad rush around trying to find change or spare cash for the tuck shop order.

“We were determined to make a difference by giving parents the ability to have more autonomy in decisions about their child’s nutrition and at the same time use technology to solve some of the emerging problems of  a shortage of volunteers without damaging the important role the tuck shop plays as a part of the schools community and social fabric as well as its fundraising  focus.”.

”The big winners we believe will be the students. This provides a smart way to address problems and also opens up a  new channel of engagement with the school community as a whole.”

-ENDS-

schoolshoponline Protected by patent 201 020 2560

For further information contact:
Ian Clark
Director
0418887511

Master Plumbers Association of Queensland (MPAQ) has welcomed the scrapping of the State Government’s Solar Hot Water Program because of a huge funding gap created by the Federal Government’s withdrawal of support.

The Federal Government dramatically dropped its solar hot water rebates as part of the Garrett foil fowl up.

MPAQ President Bob Kimlin says the Queensland system was doomed to fail despite the Federal move.

“This was scheme that seemed green had to happen any cost and left consumers confused and out of pocket. It simply was unworkable because Government failed to engage industry in finding the solution.”"

“Under the failed scheme consumers had to replace electric systems, either  with expensive gas reticulated or green-house gas efficient water heaters such as solar, heat-pump and gas instantaneous.”

“To make matters worse, they then had to use a government approved installer to take advantage of special pricing arrangements. It was simply unworkable and anti competitive.”

Mr Kimlin says that if Premier Anna Bligh or Minister Robertson needed any convincing that Government should not try and manipulate installation markets, they should give Peter Garrett a call.

“That’s a fine example of Government not working closely enough with industry and this State disaster is just another.”

Mr Kimlin is warning the Government not to rush into a “look alike’ scheme, but to take the  opportunity to now find sensible workable solutions in association with the industry.

“We will support any moves to a green and sustainable future that are workable and that do not encourage a cheap approach to safety and installation.”

“We need to remind the Minister that this program will mean highly skilled specialist installation. It’s not like switching to energy effeicent light bulbs.”‘

Mr Kimlin says that if the Government is serious in its commitment to support solar technology then it needs also to commit to proper and safe solar and gas installation.

“It may come as a surprise to the Minister, but solar just gives you sunburn until it’s professionally harnessed and installed correctly.

“MPAQ Executive Director, Adrian Hart says the industry is ready to meet with government and advance pathways to a green solution.

“MPAQ members are doing the right thing, we are now running training programs to meet stringent licensing requirements to install solar and heat pump water heaters – all in support of the Government’s climate change policies. Our members are talking to consumers every day and we think we can work well with government to forge a clever path forward.’

“To achieve the best outcome we need to ensure that the change over price is affordable and the work is only carried out by qualified installers with license endorsements issued by the Queensland Plumbing Industry Council.”

For Further information contact:
Adrian Hart
Executive Director
Master Plumbers’ Association
0419 709 473
(07) 3273 0800