Seahorse Park Bridge. Digital TV. Fun On The Water. Wine Tasting. Presidents Report Dear Fellow Residents, Capture of shark in Noosa Waters canals

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1 Presidents Report Dear Fellow Residents, Capture of shark in Noosa Waters canals Seahorse Park Bridge You will be aware from advices that we have sent over the last few years that there have been increasing sightings of sharks in Noosa Waters canals. Unlike the sharks in the Noosa River and ocean these sharks are effectively captive in Noosa Waters and cannot get out. We have discussed the problem with Council who agreed to take action to remove large sharks. Council has also had discussions with the State Government who have approved the capture programme and issued the necessary permits. We have not, until now, advised you of the netting which started last Friday, as Council and its contractors did not want unnecessary media distraction. The media are now aware that a shark has been caught. The female bull shark was caught yesterday afternoon and was 2.56 metres long. It is estimated to be 10 to 12 years old. The Fisheries Department has been advised of the capture. Digital TV The netting contract is for four weeks. The nets are clearly marked with buoys. They are partly across the canal in various locations. Boats and kayaks can still get around the outside of the line of buoys. Please take care when navigating, particularly at night. The nets are checked by the contractor every second day. Fun On The Water Wine Tasting BULL SHARK MEASURING 2.56 METRES CAUGHT IN CANAL Whilst it is hoped to catch further large sharks in the next four weeks it is expected that small sharks will remain. After the netting contract finishes we will review the results of the netting programme with Council and discuss what action should be undertaken in the future.

2 Lock and Weir Levy Some great news for property owners fronting the canal: The Association has carried out a detailed review of the Council s maintenance plans of the lock etc, costs for the next thirty years, the current balance of the levy account and projected revenue. We then had a number of meetings with Council staff and our Councillor Russell Green. We recommended that the levy for the lock and weir should be significantly reduced. Council agreed with our recommendation at its budget meeting at the end of June and the levy has been reduced by 38% from 1 July 2011 i.e. from cents in the dollar rateable valuation to cents in the dollar rateable valuation. Council Survey Results on Possible Landscaping Maintenance Levy About half of Noosa Waters 1,141 ratepayers responded to the Council survey about whether or not to introduce a levy to fund the restoration of landscaping maintenance to the level that prevailed for the past 13 years. The results of the survey are that 51% were in favour of a levy and 49% were against a levy. As there was not a clear majority of ratepayers wanting a levy, Council will not introduce a levy. The Committee was very disappointed in the survey result, particularly in view of the unanimous support at the General Meeting. We understand a lot of rate payers who voted No commented on the forms that they thought that Council should provide the service standards that previously applied and voted No on principle. We agree that Council should continue to maintain the standards. The reality however is that the new Council has adopted a one size fits all approach regardless of what standards previously applied. There seems to be a belief in the new Council that the old Noosa Council over serviced its ratepayers. Council will not reconsider another survey until, at least, the next budget preparations in about 12 months time. However, as State elections are due early next year, the result may affect any review. It could therefore be some considerable time before the issue can be revisited. Our landscaping volunteers supplemented work that Council previously did and further enhanced the appearance of the Estate. The Council previously recognised the large amount of work done by our volunteers by making available a significant sum of money to do additional works e.g. playgrounds, mulching etc. The No vote has had a negative impact on the enthusiasm of our volunteers. We expect that this will also contribute to the decline in the appearance of the Estate. Sharon Woodford, our Landscaping Coordinator, has resigned. For over 13 years, Sharon has liaised with Council, coordinated and looked after our landscaping volunteers and helped maintain our parks and surrounds. 2

3 Special Thanks For A Job Well Done On behalf of all members and residents, I would like to thank Sharon very much for all the hard work that she has done. The appearance of Noosa Waters, up to the time Council changed the standards, was significantly due to the efforts of Sharon, John Langdon and the many volunteers who have contributed so much. Our volunteers are not able to make up for the reduction in Council services. The lower level of services, which will not only affect our enjoyment of the area but could also impact property values and will become increasingly obvious in summer. The service levels that will now apply, compared with what previously applied, are shown below: Item Maintenance frequency for last 13 years New Council imposed frequency Mowing cuts per year Edging times per year 24 4 Hard surfaces blown or swept Yes Not mentioned Garden bed maintenance Every 3 or 4 weeks depending on the season Not mentioned Hedging Every 3 to 4 months Not mentioned Weed control spray p.a. When required including bindis in parks 4 times per year Mulching that breaks down Yearly Every 3-5 years Timber maintenance As required Every 2-3 years Dog bag refills As required Monthly Proposed Gibson Road Development Over 240 submissions were lodged against the proposed Gibson Road retail/commercial development application. It seeks to change the zoning from attached housing to retail/commercial. The nursery has existing use rights. The Council voted against the proposed development. However before the Iconic Panel could consider the application the Developer indicated that they wanted to change it. We will keep you informed of any changes. Revetment Walls Property owners are responsible for any damage to the revetment wall and for its maintenance. The canal fronting boundary of properties extends a variable short distance into the canal. Two property owners have had problems with their revetment walls. Cardno, the engineers responsible for the canal construction, have investigated. When the problems have been resolved, an providing details of the problems and solutions will be sent to members. 3

4 Noosa Waters Estate In the Pursuit of Excellence Seahorse Park Bridge opened 20th December 1995 How to be kept up to date It is not possible, via Newsletters, to keep you fully informed in a timely manner on the many issues that can affect residents. If you wish to be kept fully informed, have input into issues that affect your lifestyle and amenity and be able to participate in the very successful sports and social activities you need to join the Association. s are regularly sent to members. If members do not have access to the Internet, they can arrange with other members to receive the updates. Owners and long-term tenants of properties in Noosa Waters are eligible to become members of the Association. Subscriptions are now due. We have not increased the subscription rate for many years. We have spent significant monies on entry statements and wish to finalise them over the next twelve months. The Sports and Social Groups are self-funding and your subscriptions are not used for any of these activities. This year the rate is $15. A form is enclosed for those who do not have internet access. You can join online at The cost is only $15 p.a. to belong to NWRA and $5 for Neighbourhood Watch. Gary Trevithick President 4

5 Sports & Social Group Activities Report Boating Picnic A boating picnic was planned for the 29th May but was cancelled due to an inclement weather report. Wine Tasting On Sunday the 5th of June the Sports & Social group hosted a wine tasting and luncheon at Blue Ginger Restaurant. The place was packed to overflowing. Four wines of two varieties were tasted from different regions followed by a two course lunch. Convener Liz Meikle and helpers did an outstanding job organizing this most entertaining and enjoyable afternoon. We Care Luncheon River Edge Bistro in Gympie Terrace was the venue for a very special ladies luncheon. The We Care group organized the luncheon to help raise funds for care packages to be sent to our troops in Afghanistan in time for Christmas. If you missed out on this afternoon don t fret - there are sure to be more. Check the website at register, and tick the We Care box. Then you will automatically receive s from this group. You can join any of the groups on this page just by ticking the box. Dining With Friends Fine Dining is now up and running under the new name of Dining with Friends. Peter Williams will be organizing the outings starting with a Christmas in July Dinner on the 29th July at The River Deck Restaurant, Tewantin Marina 7.00 for 7.30pm. Bookings essential Ph: To find out more visit the web site or ring Peter on

6 Are you ready for Digital TV? Between 2010 and 2013, Australia will be switching to digital TV. How will this affect Noosa Waters residents? In this article, you ll find the answers to the most commonly asked questions. How is Noosa Waters affected? The current underground system provides a TV signal to all Noosa Waters homes. As many residents have experienced, the signal may vary in quality causing pixellation or no signal messages to appear when watching digital television. In these cases, your signal strength should be checked by a professional antenna installation company. Some homes have elected to have their own independent antenna systems installed on their property. What benefits will I get from digital television? Simply put, digital TV will give you DVD-quality pictures, CD-quality sound as well as widescreen format and high definition channels. It will also bring new digital TV channels and interactive features like a digital TV guide and weather updates. What equipment will I need? You can connect a set top box or digital TV recorder to your existing analogue television. Or, you can upgrade to a TV with an integrated digital tuner. If you already have a set top box, digital TV recorder or a digital TV, you should be receiving digital signals, and should not need any other electronic equipment. Visit the Government website to find out more. Jim s Antennas can conduct a free signal test at your premises before providing you with a free quote on the best options for your reception levels. Article by Ian Martin, Jim s Antennas Noosa Heather McNeice has organised a trek in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan in October. She will be walking with a friend over 100km, getting up to an altitude of 4000m, from the end of a dirt road to a village called Laya, near the Tibetan border. Her aim is to raise money for an education project in Bhutan which sponsors children (mainly girls) to attend boarding school. Many children live in settlements so remote that they are unable to get to school and back in a day so boarding is the only option. Although the cost of boarding for a year is only $100, this is beyond the means of many families. For more information go to Thank you for the article Heather and good luck with your venture. The Evergreen Centre in Eumundi Road is being converted into apartments. Work on the project is due to start very soon. Tony Bonenti has moved his restaurant Blue Ginger to the Tewantin Noosa Bowls Club. Call in for lunch or dinner and sample his fare. 6

7 Over 100 specialty stores... grreat! Noosa s largest Shopping Centre, just 5 minutes from Noosa Waters. 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Open 7 days noosacivic.com.au bsa Sarah Waller Mob Tel master builder building Pty Ltd To Advertise Here newsletter@noosawaters.org Noosa Waters Residents Association Inc Newsletter printed by Noosa Colour Copying Place 7

8 Activity Group Convenors Register with Your choice of Activity Group(s) Boating Barry Maloney Alan Hall Cinema Liz Meikle Appreciation Kayaking Stan Hendriksen Table Tennis Joan Luguel Walking Jane Knight Classic Cars Rob van Wegen Bridge Geoff Hore Other Local Groups That May Be Of Interest Art Lessons For more information contact Yvonne Theron on Classical Music Appreciation Group Meet each Thursday morning am Lyn Carter Croquet Club Seashell Place Noosa Waters President Helen Philpott Home Based Business Group Meet 2nd Friday each month at Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club Hilton Terrace Noosaville Convenor Celia Maloney Tennis (Noosaville) Mon evenings and Thurs mornings. Margaret Dorling Table Tennis Social and competition M/W/F 1-3pm (SB Bicentennial Hall) Margaret Dorling Useful Phone Numbers SES Coastguard - Emergency Coastguard - General Local Council RSPCA Wilvos Wildlife Rescue Sea Bird Rescue Professional snakecatcher Bat Rescue - Jan Davey Neighbourhood Watch New Police Telephone Number. The police have introduced a new telephone number for non-emergency matters. The new number is called police link and is a national number and is the cost of a local call. The number is The local police say that for emergency matters (life threatening) you dial 000. For non-emergency matters where a police presence is required, you first ring (as generally it would be quicker) if the line is busy or you have to hold on hang up and dial You can also ring Complex Security on although they are based in Cooroy, there may be a vehicle patrolling our area. For reporting a suspicious occurrence or crime when a police presence is not required ring Crime Stoppers on Keep Safe Noosa Waters Sport & Social Group Main Events Calender for 2011 July: Fri 29th Dining with Friends is holding a Christmas in July Venue: The River Deck Restaurant, Tewantin Marina. Time: 7.00 for 7.30pm 3 Course menu, champagne on arrival, Cost: $45.00 per person. Booking is essential Ph Proceeds to go to the Queensland Cancer Council Noosa Branch The WE CARE Group will be holding more ladies luncheons between now and December to raise money for care packages to be sent to our troops overseas. They are also progressing with the SHOE BOX programme which will far exceed last year s efforts. Check the web site for more details. If you would like to help go to click on Sports & Social Groups, register and tick the We Care box. Wine Tasting (Due to public demand there will be another wine tasting organised for later in the year. Date and venue to be set) Oct: Dinner Dance (Date to be set) For more information on any of these events check the web site or next newsletter closer to the event. These events have been planned for your enjoyment. Please feel free to come along, join in and have fun. Committee Members 2010 President Gary Trevithick president@noosawaters.org Vice President Dick Patterson vicepresident@noosawaters.org Treasurer Tony Van Der Linden treasurer@noosawaters.org Secretary Kay Passenger secretary@noosawaters.org Water Watch Warren Burrows waterwatch@noosawaters.org Landscaping John Langdon Committee Case Smit Non Committee Posts Webmaster Howard Martin webmaster@noosawaters.org Insurance Allan Day insurance@noosawaters.org Legal Advisor Harvey Williams legaladvisor@noosawaters.org Archivist Ian Wallbank ianhi@mtel.net.au NHWatch Tony Mitchelhill nwnhw@oz .com Advertising/ Cathie Martin advertising@noosawaters.org Membership Welcome Heather Mills heathermills@dodo.com.au New Residents Newsletter Cathie Martin newsletter@noosawaters.org Noosa NorthRise Impact Committee nic@noosawaters.org Lost & Found Janet & John Day (Noosa Waters canal only) Important Contact Numbers Police: Noosa Policelink Police: Maroochydore (24 hours) Life threatening emergency 000 & ask for fire, ambulance or police...do NOT HANG UP Noosa Waters Community Website For the latest information on all NWRA activities or events; emergencies or local matters: DISCLAIMER Noosa Waters Residents Association (Inc.) PO Box 197 Noosaville 4566 The information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. No responsibility for error or omission, can be accepted. Interested persons should rely on their own enquiries.