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Malcolm McKellar, 10-02-12 09:08:
Dear Mat,
Re: Power Failure 8th February 2012 & Ergon Supply to Douglas Shire Area
We in the old Douglas Shire area know that we live in the country and at the end of the line as far as power distribution is concerned, however the nearly 4 hour power failure yesterday evening (8th February 2012), just as families prepared for dinner, is unacceptable given that Ergon has an alternative, extremely reliable supply line into the area in the form of its 132kV transmission line which was installed in the mid-90s to provide reliable power for the tourism industry in Port Douglas.
As anyone who could see Port Douglas last night during the power failure is aware, Port was ablaze with light right through the failure episode; as it was during the recent lengthy failures of 29th November, 1st December, 20th December, 4th January, and 24th January (and good luck to them).
It is high time that Ergon honored a promise to land-holders whose land the 132kV line crosses (and, at the time, I was one), to dismantle the very old and very vulnerable 66kV line and to switch its customers who are on that line – everyone in the old Shire area except Port Douglas residents – onto the 132kV supply at the Cassowary sub-station where both lines (the ‘new’ 132kV and the old 66kV) converge, and to bring the remainder of the Shire into the 21st Century.
I would like to think that our big new Regional Council, our local Councillor Julia Leu, our State Member Jason O’Brien, and the new candidate(s) for the electorate of Cook, would strongly and vocally commit to having Ergon get this done this year.
It is outrageous that this was not done 10 to 12 years ago, and there is no excuse for not doing it now!
Sincerely,
signed
Malcolm McKellar
Maz Manns, 30-01-12 10:43:
My son Matt has flown back to Wodonga with me for his recovery of his broken jaw, and I never got around to say thank you to a lot of people in Port. The generosity of the town was just so overwhelming.
Maz
Jann Stuckey, 20-01-12 16:20:
Dear Editor
Your article on 19 Jan about my visit to Port Douglas reflected the concern many local tourism operators have about the industry in Queensland.
But we can’t blame the many talented and dedicated people who work for Tourism Queensland, for the Bligh government’s failure to support tourism over many years.
Our DestinationQ initiative will restore TQ to a position of strategic leadership.
Over the past decade jobs in tourism have plummeted from 150,000 to 118,000. Operators across Queensland have stated they have lost confidence in this Government and accused it of gross political interference.
Bligh government waste, mismanagement and red tape is strangling the many fantastic businesses and people in places like Far North Queensland who are trying to survive against the odds.
People in the industry know it, and are crying out for change.
Campbell Newman and the LNP have made a commitment to restore accountability in Government which has been sadly missing under the tired, long term Labor government.
I thank everyone who attended the tourism forum for their important feedback and their unshakable commitment to their region.
Jann Stuckey MP
Shadow Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing & Small Business
Dear Editor, regarding your Helter Shelter editoiral, may I ask what your Councillor's thoughts are about their electorate not being able to decide on whether its wants to pull or push on any major matter. It does appear a little unorgansied from an outsiders point of view. Should more effort be made in forming a written plan or mandate of direction from this region first? Perhaps this is what they or someone should go to the up coming election with?
A R Mackee , 16-01-12 10:38:
Dear Editor
Australian voters have been brainwashed into the idea that we must only have two political parties. That no one else should have a say in how our Country, State or Electorates are run except for the people who control the Liberal Party and the Labor Party.
The people propagating these ideas have a lot to gain from having people think this is the way it should be. It secures their job and ensures they get a run at government every couple of years.
This is the system LNP candidates are using as their only credentials for being elected at the next state election. Not because they have any policies that will bring about long term positive change for Queensland, not because they have values and principles that will benefit Queensland, but because they are not as bad as Labor.
It’s like having the choice between a punch in the face or a kick in the marbles.
Queensland does not benefit from this system. Nothing really changes, nothing improves. We get a new leader and a new catch phrase but ultimately, there is no difference between the Liberals and Labor.
Both have and will continue to sell off state assets. Both have been complicit in the collapse of our manufacturing and agricultural industries.
Both seem to take a perverse pleasure in the regular removal of our fun and freedoms. And both will offer endless platitudes to say they will do better than the other, without offering any real long term solutions, and think they deserve to be elected as a reward.
The introduction of a third political force through Katter’s Australian Party finally gives the people of Queensland a choice. A choice for someone who will protect our state assets, protect Queensland industries, protect our rights and freedoms and offer real solutions to rejuvenate Queensland.
Regards,
A R Mackee
Mr Editor I think it is a shame that local politicians dont have the courage of their convictions/comments to use their own names and stand by their comments instead of being a NERKS??
Josh McConnell , 03-12-11 11:31:
Great to hear one of our young guns has made the Queensland state team to play Tassie. Well done and congrates David Coulthard on your Queensland hounors. Look forward to watching some more classy cricket over the next few years and good luck in Feburary with the game.
Soula Kazakis, 30-11-11 08:18:
Unit Owners of Port Douglas Facing High Insurance Can Now Take Action
Attention all strata titled Property Owners in Port Douglas Queensland.
The Federal Government yesterday has announced a parliamentary inquiry into the HIGH COST of strata insurance in Far North Queensland – Port Douglas included.
Century 21 Port Douglas Real Estate know and have spoken to many property owners who are stressed because of the ongoing difficulties in obtaining insurance for strata titled units/complexes and the unjustified ever increasing cost.
We urge all unit owners, all townhouse owners, all villa owners, to follow the instructions below and make a submission to the current parliamentary inquiry.
Port Douglas strata titled owners finally have the opportunity to be heard and to make a difference to the cost of insurance on their property.
Do not sit back and expect the unit owner next door to make a submission, contact your fellow owners in the complex, contact your body corporate, but make sure you all call or email as per the details below, if you want something done about the high cost of your insurance.
This is the link to view more information on the Federal Government Inquiry:
Quote by Bill Shorten Federal MP yesterday : “In particular I’ve been concerned about the news coming out of cities and towns like Cairns, Townsville, Port Douglas and others in the region, where anecdotal evidence suggests residential strata insurance is becoming an increasing issue.”
Unit owners are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the inquiry.
Information on making a submission is available by phone 02 6277 2358 or be email to spla.reps@aph.gov.au.
As discussed with Peter Adams, this matter will be placed in abeyance due to the amount required to endorse the existing policy.
Public hearings are to be undertaken in Northern Queensland during the parliamentary recess in January and February 2012.
Re: Power Failure 8th February 2012 & Ergon Supply to Douglas Shire Area
We in the old Douglas Shire area know that we live in the country and at the end of the line as far as power distribution is concerned, however the nearly 4 hour power failure yesterday evening (8th February 2012), just as families prepared for dinner, is unacceptable given that Ergon has an alternative, extremely reliable supply line into the area in the form of its 132kV transmission line which was installed in the mid-90s to provide reliable power for the tourism industry in Port Douglas.
As anyone who could see Port Douglas last night during the power failure is aware, Port was ablaze with light right through the failure episode; as it was during the recent lengthy failures of 29th November, 1st December, 20th December, 4th January, and 24th January (and good luck to them).
It is high time that Ergon honored a promise to land-holders whose land the 132kV line crosses (and, at the time, I was one), to dismantle the very old and very vulnerable 66kV line and to switch its customers who are on that line – everyone in the old Shire area except Port Douglas residents – onto the 132kV supply at the Cassowary sub-station where both lines (the ‘new’ 132kV and the old 66kV) converge, and to bring the remainder of the Shire into the 21st Century.
I would like to think that our big new Regional Council, our local Councillor Julia Leu, our State Member Jason O’Brien, and the new candidate(s) for the electorate of Cook, would strongly and vocally commit to having Ergon get this done this year.
It is outrageous that this was not done 10 to 12 years ago, and there is no excuse for not doing it now!
Sincerely,
signed
Malcolm McKellar
Maz
Your article on 19 Jan about my visit to Port Douglas reflected the concern many local tourism operators have about the industry in Queensland.
But we can’t blame the many talented and dedicated people who work for Tourism Queensland, for the Bligh government’s failure to support tourism over many years.
Our DestinationQ initiative will restore TQ to a position of strategic leadership.
Over the past decade jobs in tourism have plummeted from 150,000 to 118,000. Operators across Queensland have stated they have lost confidence in this Government and accused it of gross political interference.
Bligh government waste, mismanagement and red tape is strangling the many fantastic businesses and people in places like Far North Queensland who are trying to survive against the odds.
People in the industry know it, and are crying out for change.
Campbell Newman and the LNP have made a commitment to restore accountability in Government which has been sadly missing under the tired, long term Labor government.
I thank everyone who attended the tourism forum for their important feedback and their unshakable commitment to their region.
Jann Stuckey MP
Shadow Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing & Small Business
Think Congratulations are in order for Gennai Goodwin, Junior Champion & Ladies Senior Champion at Mossman Golf Club. Gennai has been selected to represent Queensland again in 2012
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=iapymrgab&v=001QORyCDlYxyuSNgrjCse_FaMn1jF3G3WIaatXON0mplsyJeO6V-wlz1cx22GQroQYF4j1a5RvNgJ2Am1TnmCWpi4z8aH0Sae3f3JGmRk9T_GA-wYr_9D4aGLFOBpZkrrw7x5alomJZcKEnmNxBGFIctATHNbbhFYLktlIti6tVg-qSSNY8o9pBIpHdgQGMe_D
Gennai is a perfect Champion
- Go Gennai John Carney- Mossman Mens Club Captain
Australian voters have been brainwashed into the idea that we must only have two political parties. That no one else should have a say in how our Country, State or Electorates are run except for the people who control the Liberal Party and the Labor Party.
The people propagating these ideas have a lot to gain from having people think this is the way it should be. It secures their job and ensures they get a run at government every couple of years.
This is the system LNP candidates are using as their only credentials for being elected at the next state election. Not because they have any policies that will bring about long term positive change for Queensland, not because they have values and principles that will benefit Queensland, but because they are not as bad as Labor.
It’s like having the choice between a punch in the face or a kick in the marbles.
Queensland does not benefit from this system. Nothing really changes, nothing improves. We get a new leader and a new catch phrase but ultimately, there is no difference between the Liberals and Labor.
Both have and will continue to sell off state assets. Both have been complicit in the collapse of our manufacturing and agricultural industries.
Both seem to take a perverse pleasure in the regular removal of our fun and freedoms. And both will offer endless platitudes to say they will do better than the other, without offering any real long term solutions, and think they deserve to be elected as a reward.
The introduction of a third political force through Katter’s Australian Party finally gives the people of Queensland a choice. A choice for someone who will protect our state assets, protect Queensland industries, protect our rights and freedoms and offer real solutions to rejuvenate Queensland.
Regards,
A R Mackee
I am pleased that I was able to lobby the Government to broaden the terms of reference for their Social Policy and Legal Affairs committee to give people in the Far North an opportunity to have a say about the exhorbitant increases in strata title insurance and other property insurances. If you would like further information or to keep updated on venues for the inquiry please visit www.warrenentsch.com.au
To get more information on my involvement in facilitating the inquiry please click here to view my correspondance on this issue. http://www.warrenentsch.com.au/Media/MediaReleases/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/93/Inquiry-into-Strata-Insurance-welcome-news-for-Far-North-Queenslanders.aspx
Warren
Attention all strata titled Property Owners in Port Douglas Queensland.
The Federal Government yesterday has announced a parliamentary inquiry into the HIGH COST of strata insurance in Far North Queensland – Port Douglas included.
Century 21 Port Douglas Real Estate know and have spoken to many property owners who are stressed because of the ongoing difficulties in obtaining insurance for strata titled units/complexes and the unjustified ever increasing cost.
We urge all unit owners, all townhouse owners, all villa owners, to follow the instructions below and make a submission to the current parliamentary inquiry.
Port Douglas strata titled owners finally have the opportunity to be heard and to make a difference to the cost of insurance on their property.
Do not sit back and expect the unit owner next door to make a submission, contact your fellow owners in the complex, contact your body corporate, but make sure you all call or email as per the details below, if you want something done about the high cost of your insurance.
This is the link to view more information on the Federal Government Inquiry:
http://www.alp.org.au/federal-government/news/inquiry-into-residential-strategy-insurance/
Quote by Bill Shorten Federal MP yesterday : “In particular I’ve been concerned about the news coming out of cities and towns like Cairns, Townsville, Port Douglas and others in the region, where anecdotal evidence suggests residential strata insurance is becoming an increasing issue.”
Unit owners are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the inquiry.
Information on making a submission is available by phone 02 6277 2358 or be email to spla.reps@aph.gov.au.
As discussed with Peter Adams, this matter will be placed in abeyance due to the amount required to endorse the existing policy.
Public hearings are to be undertaken in Northern Queensland during the parliamentary recess in January and February 2012.
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