By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

March unemployment figures showed Mackay at a the very low figure of 2.5%, and well below the Queensland figure of 3.8%. It’s a number that is holding steady.

We stand about six weeks from the start of the crush. For the sugar industry, with its seasonal harvest employment, meeting harvest labour needs is once again an issue.

Every year, CANEGROWERS Mackay runs a campaign to drum up awareness of jobs and training opportunities in sugarcane, and support grower-members to obtain the staff they need, including running Haulout Operator courses to introduce new workers to the industry to the skills and safety considerations they will take to the paddock. Applications close today, so call 4944 2600 to see if any spots are available.

Typically, people who do the course are scooped up, because growers know they have had a good basic training delivered by highly experienced and qualified grower-trainers, and backed-up by a Registered Training Organisation, Axiom College.

It has been good to see the return of backpackers as the world emerges from the covid years, and we have been marketing job and lifestyle opportunities to that group, as well as the growing contingent of younger retirees looking to supplement their income and enjoy the warmer winters and great environment and lifestyle that the Mackay-Whitsunday region offers.

Travelling workers are one option, and we are seeing strong interest from those groups already, but we would like to encourage people who live locally to also consider the crush.

Most haulout driver jobs need only a C-Class licence for the more common tractor-trailer combinations. A HR licence is required for truck operations. Obviously, some experience with farm machinery or trucks would be an advantage, but it isn’t essential. Harvest contractors will train people up. A big up-side is a job that gets you outdoors in a rural setting. The work can give the family income a boost for part of the year, delivering a seasonal balance to work and family life.

If working the cane harvest sounds good to you, then you can either post your own work wanted job on our jobs board or apply for one of the many jobs posted there by CANEGROWERS Mackay members. Positions available right now include four on-four off or three on-five off rosters, there are growers seeking people for weekend work only. Check it out- there may be something there for you! Go to www.mackaycanegrowers.com.au/farmers-notice-board for the web version, replicated on a hard copy board in the foyer of our Mackay office.

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There are jobs this crush right across the supply chain. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

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Whatever you do for work or business and whatever success you might achieve along the way there is always someone to thank, usually more than one person, who has given you some guidance along the way.

Whether you are a plumber, solicitor, florist, doctor, teacher or real estate agent, someone has helped you and made the path to success a little bit more direct, a little shorter, a bit quicker than it would have been without the help.

Human behaviour varies and there are plenty of people with a level of experience and expertise that could benefit other, less experienced, colleagues but they choose not to.

But then there are the generous humans who view life differently and do what they can to help colleagues achieve success. For them, a colleague’s success is something to celebrate, not something that diminishes their own standing.

I went into real estate about 12 years ago after a career in journalism and it is the sort of job where there is a lot to learn and the learning is largely done on the job rather than in a lecture hall.

I needed to learn a lot quickly and the person who helped, guided and corrected me in those early days was a bloke called Eric Rickman.

Eric had been in real estate for some time when I started and I worked under him firstly at Vision real estate and then at Gardian.

Don’t get me wrong, Eric is one of the world’s great smart arses and if you say or do something stupid you will hear about it.

But once that hilarious opportunity had been exploited and shared with anyone within earshot, he would get on with providing the necessary advice.

I could go on about how Eric helped me with negotiating skills over an offer on a property, winning a listing at an appraisal, creating a pipeline of potential sales, and he definitely helped me with all that and my career has benefitted as a result.

But there was also this: the constant reminder to always do the right thing, the honest thing.

Real estate is tough and sometimes there is a fine line between getting a sale done and it falling through, getting commission for that sale or not getting it.

Some agents fall for the temptation to blur the lines of honesty, twist the truth to get a sale done … or to downright lie and worry about the consequences later.

I like being able to sleep at night and one of the things that worried me when I decided to go into real estate was whether I would be pressured to change, be less honest, in order to succeed.

It was a great relief when I started working under Eric because he was very successful but also as honest as the day is long. There was no trickery, no deceit, no dodginess.

Yes, he would always push to get the best price for his sellers and, yes, he would work hard to keep a deal together when the building and pest report was an absolute disaster.

But it would be done through good negotiating skills, understanding the buyers and their motivations, using the power of persuasion. Always above board.

In the end, honestly leads to trust and trust is currency in real estate. You want to work with an agent you can trust, whether you are a buyer or a seller.

Sometimes what you get from a leader is not something new and dazzling but a confirmation of what you know to be right and a reminder not to sway from the path. That’s leaving a legacy.

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A mobile dental service is coming to Clermont this May and locals are encouraged to make an appointment.

The dental service is hosted through the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) – Queensland Section and offers a range of services including oral health maintenance, x-rays, extractions, and treatment of pre-existing or acute conditions.

The purpose-built mobile facility is a part of the RFDS’ commitment to linking regional communities across Queensland with holistic health care.

The mobile dental service is a pivotal service in the RDFS arsenal, and 2023 “marks our 10th year of operation.”

According to RFDS Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib, the service, plus the other aeromedical and emergency retrieval services “continues to increase the ways in which RFDS supports those living, working and playing across Queensland.”

“Being able to take such comprehensive oral health services to regional communities such as Clermont saves people having to travel long distances, helping to overcome the barriers that stop people seeking treatment.”

In 2022 alone, the RFDS Dental Service completed 264 clinic stays, with 1,629 patients across over 20 regional locations.

Clermont locals are prompted to arrange a time to see the RFDS Dental team, when they are in town Wednesday, May 3 to Thursday, May 11, with limited times now available.

The RFDS Principal Dentist, Stevie Dilley, who will lead the Clermont stay, said, “while visiting the dentist can be a bit daunting, our RFDS team are not only professionals at oral health, but also in making the experience comfortable.”

Locals can arrange a time to see the dentists calling 1800 002 507.

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The Royal Flying Doctor Service Dental van is coming to town, with times quickly filling up. Photo supplied

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Well, here we are. The end of the week, and you know what that means? Weekend fun and plenty of it.

Let’s start with our Wintermoon Festival at Cameron’s Pocket. This back to nature camping and social gathering has been going for something like 500 years, and it keeps getting better.

Actually, it wasn’t that long ago that there were a few questions being asked as to what next with the changes in properties up there, but now, it’s all moving forward and this weekend will be the best yet. Music, dancing, crafts, food, swimming, conversations and a love of nature, all in one place. Get your tickets, grab your swag, and have some fun this weekend.

You know what else is on? Put your coffee mug down. Let me tell you.

This Saturday the world premiere of Karen Jacobson’s Misogyny Opus show is on at the MECC. Based on that famous speech by our former PM Julia Gillard. It is a beautiful musical written and composed by Karen and it’s featuring members of the QSO as well.

If you love some great piano and strings, with a great message, get along to the MECC and be entertained.

Another thing that you’ll love this long weekend, yes, it’s Labour Day so you need to celebrate. If you have kids or even grandkids with you, this weekend you will be the Queen or King of the household, even before Charlie gets the big King party in the UK.

Both Saturday and Sunday will be your opportunity to get along to the miniature trains at Muller Park at Ooralea. If you think this is a typo, you are wrong. Both days this weekend is when the little ones can have some fun on these trains and all it costs is gold coins. That’s it.

The volunteers do an amazing job every time and they’ve been doing it for years and years. Just make sure before you head down, make sure the kids have closed in shoes with them and a smile. It’s all on from 10am to 2pm both days. Have fun.

Finally, if you’re unsure what to do around our beautiful district, go and see Al Grundy and his team with Mackay Isaac Tourism. These volunteers will point you in the right direction with anything you want to see and explore around our backyard. You’ll be surprised what’s out there!

Have fun and don’t forget to tell your family and friends to come up and visit. They’ll love it. Maybe they’ll stay forever! We hope so. Have fun.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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The Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo (PBE) is back for its second year, once again connecting hopeful and existing parents with the service providers that can make their journey through conception, pregnancy, birth and parenthood a smoother and more knowledgeable one.

PBE is a FREE event that showcases and connects women and families with services that can better their experience during pre-conception, pregnancy, birth and post-partum, while highlighting the many wonderful local businesses Mackay has to offer new and evolving families.

This year’s event has grown to 35 local businesses showcasing their services including, but not limited to, doulas, physios, chiropractors, lactation consultants, photographers, fertility and pregnancy yoga specialists, complimentary natural therapies and massage therapists, and many more.

A host of expert speakers will be sharing advice throughout the day on everything from the benefits of yoga and breathwork, to fertility and post-partum mental health.

PBE Founders Kat Bampton and Kiah Muntelwit are both local business owners and mothers who noticed that the services in the region could be working together to better assist women in pregnancy, birth and motherhood.

“We wanted to bring these businesses together to raise the awareness in the broader community that these great services are all here to improve preconception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum for women and families,” Kat said.

“Our expo is here to make a movement toward positive change through exhibiting services to enhance knowledge, education and support when it comes to preconception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum.”

WHAT: Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo

WHEN: Saturday, May 13 from 9:00am to 1:00pm

WHERE: MECC

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Spine Care Chiropractic will have three Chiropractors at the PBE to chat to all who will be attending. One of the Chiropractors, Dr. Maddilyn Brown, will also be speaking at the event about Chiropractic and Pregnancy Care in Room 1 from 11:00am to 11:15am. Spine Care Chiropractic has multiple locations including Mackay City Spine Care, Northern Beaches Spine Care, Coalfields Spine Care - Moranbah, Dysart Spine Care, Coalfields Spine Care - Middlemount and lastly Coalfields Spine Care - Tieri.

Our team of wonderful and knowledgeable Chiro's are passionate about helping people and families feel and function their best. We carefully listen in order to best help you (patient). We will then examine in order to establish an accurate diagnosis. Once we have formulated an accurate diagnosis, we will create a tailored treatment plan to specifically help you (patient) our team will take a holistic approach to helping you heal.

We have many products ranging from dietary supplements, therapeutic pillows, Denner Rolls, foam rollers and many other products. We will be having a call to action as well. We will be offering a $69.00 New Patient special that will only be accepted at the Mackay City Spine Care location.  We are looking forward to meeting everyone.

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Lower back/pelvic pain is one of the most common conditions experienced by pregnant women, with studies showing up to 50% of all pregnant women will suffer with some kind of lower back pain, and up to 40% of these women will continue to suffer at least 18 months post-partum. Many women find these conditions incredibly limiting in their day to day lives.

Thankfully, there are many options available to help ease these pains and minimise your risk of developing these conditions in the future.

- Keeping up regular exercise.

- Reducing the amount of time you spend sitting or standing still.

- Prescribed exercises and stretches under the guidance of a health professional.

- Heat packs and ice packs.

- Find a team of health professionals who will work with you and your goals.

At Anderson Family Chiropractic Health Centre, our Chiropractors have further training and a specific understanding of the needs of pregnant people, and we use a combination of gentle adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise and orthopaedic/at home care to help keep you functioning at your peak throughout every stage of preconception, pregnancy and postpartum.

Come say hi to our team and get your free Spine and Functional Assessment at the PBE and find out how we can help you!

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Selina Wright, of Red E Personal Training, became aware of the gap in fitness training specifically for post-natal mothers, after the birth of her daughter almost five years ago.

Having spent 19 years in the industry, Selina is no newcomer to training females, and has recently shifted her personal training to be exclusively for mums, including her “Fit Mums Foundations: Return to Exercise” Post Natal program.

Fit Mums Foundations is a six-week program, emphasising education and exercise for new mums from at least six weeks postpartum.

Rebuilding from the inside out, the mums begin with core re-training, then progress to functional movements and more traditional strength training exercises.

Once graduating the program, with the knowledge to continue independently, mums may wish to return to their pre-pregnancy training programs - crossfit, HIIT training, weight training, or sport - however, they are also welcomed to continue training with Selina in her “Fit Mums” sessions.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now, if not for the foundational class,” one of Selina’s graduates has said.

Selina prides herself on her commitment to new mothers, and their fitness.

“I am extremely passionate about helping mums return safely to exercise after having a baby,” she said.

“I believe there is a huge lack of information in this area, and I hope to play a part in bridging that gap, so that mums can go back to doing the things they love, in time.”

Selina will be at the Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo this Saturday, May 13, 9am to 1pm.

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Post-Natal Foundational Fitness

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A group of cancer patients living in Bowen vented their frustrations last week, saying they felt sidelined by the recent announcement to provide free medical transport to people living in Proserpine and Airlie Beach, but not Bowen or Collinsville.

The Mackay Hospital Foundation community medical bus, which was partly funded by a $50,000 donation from Whitsunday Regional Council, is a service that only caters for patients living in the southern half of the region.

“It was a kick in the guts because there are a lot of people in Bowen struggling,” said a member of the Bowen Cancer and Ostomy Group.

“We all live in the same Shire – it just doesn’t seem fair.”

The group shared stories of missed appointments, stressful experiences when driving to appointments and strangers charging exorbitant amounts to vulnerable cancer patients.

One single mum in her forties who is living with a stoma had missed three medical appointments this year because she could not access transport.

As a result, her stoma, which requires specialist treatment when changing, is now five months old and if it breaks, could result in an emergency situation.  

Another lady travelled to Townsville when she was recalled for a breast screen.

Her elderly husband drove her to the appointment which lasted longer than expected and when they drove home, they both fell asleep while driving.

“It was only the sound of the rumble strips on the side of the road which woke us!” she said.

The couple then parked up and slept before continuing their journey home.

It was a stressful end to an already stressful day.

One elderly lady, whose husband had passed away the year before, was forced to rely on a stranger for transport.

She was charged $250 for a round trip to Mackay Base Hospital and on one occasion she was abandoned by her driver with no way to get home.

The situation became too stressful for this lady, and she moved down to Brisbane to be closer to her daughter.

Another couple in their 80s were attending regular medical appointments, but the trips became too tiring, and they didn’t want to rely on others, so they decided to stop treatment.

These stories are all from one small pocket within the Bowen community and there are undoubtedly countless others with similar experiences.

“There are people in town dying who can’t afford to get to medical appointments,” said Natasha Leaver from the Bowen Cancer and Ostomy Group.

“Some people don’t have the means; others can’t afford it, and some don’t have carers that can take them.”

Natasha said that anyone living in a regional area is entitled to a Patient Travel Subsidy when attending medical appointments.

It can, however, often take months for the rebates to come through and patients who do not have cashflow are unable to afford the upfront cost of transport and are therefore unable to attend appointments.

A free community medical transport bus would provide a welcome solution, but so far the only free bus is not able to service Bowen.

Whitsunday Regional Council released a statement last week saying they would “explore options and advocate for ongoing funding” but there would be “no quick fix” due to multiple funding, legal and operational logistics.

Fortunately, one local business has put their hand up to help.

Mackay Whitsunday Buses is local company has been operating for six months and its owner says they have opened a special service to transport hospital patients from Bowen to Mackay three times a day.

This means that Bowen residents can now arrive in Mackay before 10am and depart at 4pm, allowing plenty of time for lengthy hospital treatments and scans.

The government rebate for this travel expense is usually $57 each way and the bus service are charging exactly that so there are limited additional costs.

“We’ve made our price to match so that anyone travelling down will not be out of pocket,” said Martin Martin from Mackay and Whitsunday Buses.

“We are very community focused, that’s why we jumped on board – we heard people are missing appointments and it just broke our hearts.”

In order to make the service viable for the company, the bus will also be open to the public.

Meanwhile, the Mackay Hospital Foundation medical transport bus, that will transport patients from Proserpine and Airlie Beach to Mackay is due to begin its service within the next two weeks.

There had been significant delays on the launch of this service due to legalities and logistics, but Leonie Hansen from the Mackay Hospital Foundation said that it should be up and running by mid-May.

Get It Done Training have donated free first aid training to drivers and patients will be required to organise their appointment times around the bus’s schedule.

The costs to run the service are huge and it is hoped that patients will offer their Patient Travel Subsidy where possible to help ensure its continuity.

When asked whether there are plans to extend the run up to Bowen, Ms Hansen said that they will likely focus on the pre-approved run first to ensure it is working correctly before increasing their commitment.

The group of concerned residents from the Bowen Cancer and Ostomy Group are now meeting with Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall on May 4 to discuss other options on how the Mackay Hospital Foundation Bus can be extended to include the whole of the Whitsundays.

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The Mackay Hospital Foundation community medical bus will not extend services to Bowen at this stage. Photo supplied

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At Queensland X-Ray, we understand that women have unique health care concerns.

We offer a comprehensive range of women's imaging services including obstetric, gynaecological and breast imaging.

We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care, and our team of experienced radiologists and technicians are dedicated to providing accurate and timely results.

Whether you need a routine mammogram or a more complicated procedure, we are here to help.

Visit qldxray.com.au or contact us on 4965 6200 to schedule an appointment.

We’ll be in attendance at the Parenting and Birth Expo and would love to speak with women about our services and how we can assist.

Hope to see you there!

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Hi Everyone,

This week our team attended Anzac Day Services across the region and had the honour of documenting this important occasion by taking over 800 photos right across the community.

From smiling school kids proudly waving Australian flags to sombre ex-service men and women who had fought in a war– our photos captured a moment in time, and we share them with you all in a special six-page photo gallery on pages 18 to 23 in this edition.

Many of the additional images that we didn’t have space to print are also available for free online through our website and on our Facebook page.

At the Cannonvale dawn service, I was stopped by a proud father who had left his phone in the car and wanted me to take a photo of his son.

It felt great to help him preserve this important moment and I feel like our entire team contributed to the community on Anzac Day which was very rewarding.

All the Anzac Day events are organised by teams of dedicated volunteers.

From the RSL Sub Branches to the musicians who come along each year to sing the National Anthem, play the bagpipes or the trumpet.

From the teachers that organise a rabble of school children into a procession, the volunteers who drive the minibuses, hold the Two-Up, hand out flags at the march or give an umbrella to a stranger.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this Anzac Day special.

Anzac Day is not only a day we say a solemn thank you to those that fought in wars to give us the freedom we have today, it is also a time when we come together.

In the spirit of the Anzacs, this is a day when our own community shines, when strangers and friends unite to say thanks for the life we all hold dear.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend”

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In many cases a good deed slips by unnoticed or the kind Samaritan prefers to step away from the spotlight and remain anonymous.

This was the case with a Good Deed we heard about this week and despite being asked to share, the gentlemen preferred to keep his act of kindness a secret.

With that said, we will respect his privacy but tell you a little about his thoughtful gift that will undoubtedly help some of our more vulnerable residents.

A local tradie, who had a few days “up his sleeve” before a new work contract started used his spare time to extend his services for free to any elderly people or those who have been struggling and could not otherwise afford to get something fixed.

“I am dual trades, handyman, can fix almost anything and I am happy to give up a few hours of my time each day,” read the post on Whitsunday Noticeboard.

While many of us would have used this small reprieve between work contracts to relax, unwind, head out on the water or pursue other hobbies, this kind person decided to contribute to our community and help others.

Good on you Mr anonymous!

Fixing small items around the house can seem easy to many but for those without the invaluable skills of a tradesperson, these jobs are often out of reach and out of budget.

The same goes for other skills – such as fixing computers, writing resumes and repairing clothes – do you have a talent that seems simple to you but would mean the world to someone else?

If so – could you help a fellow local in need?

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The experienced skydiver involved in an accident in the Whitsundays over a week ago has died in hospital from his injuries.

Douglas Ball, 52, was completing a solo dive amongst a group of people when he sustained critical injuries after a “hard landing” at Laguna Quays, north of Mackay.

After sustaining the injuries on April 16, Mr Ball was first flown to Mackay Base Hospital before being transferred to Princess Alexandra Hospital, in Brisbane, where he died from his injuries.

Police said initial investigations suggest Mr Ball’s parachute opened correctly. Mr Ball was an extraordinarily experienced skydiver, according to Police, who said he had completed more than 1,000 jumps.

Friends expressed their sympathies in losing a “bloody awesome human being”.

“It was a gift to know you mate free Fallin Blue sky’s never ending,” one friend said. “Life already doesn’t feel the same without you.”

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52-year-old Douglas Ball has died in hospital from injuries sustained in a skydiving accident on April 16 north of Mackay

• Know the abnormal signs – It’s important to be able to recognise abnormal signs and know when to present to an emergency department. It’s always best to seek medical attention if you’re unsure of what to do.

• Know your DRSABCD – Knowing DRSABCD is imperative, as is knowing how to perform CPR correctly and safely: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Compression, Defibrillator.

• Keep a first aid kit handy – Ensure your first aid kit is easily accessible, stocked with essential items and in-date.

• Attend a baby first aid course – Feel empowered and educated as a parent or carer by attending a baby first aid course, giving you the tools to understand and treat breathing difficulties, choking, allergies and anaphylaxis, burns, poisons, rashes, head injuries and more.

Loretta Woodford of Parentmedic will be speaking about airway management and CPR for babies and children at the Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo on Saturday, May 13 in room 2 from 11:00am. Parentmedic provides the Mackay and Whitsunday areas with baby first aid courses, empowering and educating parents and carers with the knowledge to save a child’s life. For more information, visit parentmedic.co or contact Loretta on northqld@parentmedic.co or 0414 967 404.

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Whitsunday Regional Council are facing another Planning and Environment Court battle following an appeal from a developer whose plans were denied for the proposed storage units at 82 Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale.

This appeal represents a second court battle of this nature, as Council is currently fighting a with Save Our Foreshore following its decision to approve the 47.7 metre high-rise hotel at Port of Airlie.

Unlike the Port of Airlie case, however, Council is on the other side of the argument, following their decision to deny the proposal for the 550-unit storage facility on a residentially zoned block of land in Cannonvale.

Due to the rapid growth of the Greater Airlie Beach Area, Council is increasingly tasked with making tough decisions that seem to either put the needs of future growth or the priorities of existing residents first.

Robin Weaver lives on the site adjacent to the site of proposed storage shed development and said that he is pleased with the Council decision.

“We have dire shortages of residential sites in the area, and it would be sad to see it lost to the commercial sector,” he said.

“They choose this site, despite it being zoned 'residential' because it's the easiest development site near town, all the services are there.

“For the same reason it would be the best residential development site and would offer opportunity for many new homes close to town and transport services and which help alleviate a critical housing shortage.

“People need a storage facility to store things they don't need day-to-day and for that reason they should be located on the periphery and not create an eyesore on prime residential land.”

Once the application was denied, developers Middle Pond Pty Ltd, submitted a second application for an alternative proposal to adopt the same footprint as the storage facility but for a different commercial development.

This was accepted by Council.

Mr Weaver believes this could be used for a retail area and he is comfortable with this use of land providing the remaining land on the site remains residential.

Despite this approval, the developers are still appealing in order to fight for their initial proposal, and they seem determined to go ahead with the storage sheds.

“I hope and trust that our Council will vigorously defend their position for which they have very good reasons so to do,” said Mr Weaver.

“I have spoken with a Council representative, and they believe the court will have good reason to reject the proposal and that they are not likely to lose.

“Alas this will result in more wasted ratepayers' funds in defending an application for which the Council had very good reasons to refuse.”

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Council denied the proposal for 550-unit storage sheds which had been proposed for residentially zoned land. Image supplied

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