NOOSA WATERS Residents Association

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1 NOOSA WATERS Residents Association Issue 72 Summer 2015 Merry Christmas! Noosa Waters Festive Flotilla Friday 18th December from 6.45pm Dear Members and Residents Summer is here again and with it comes our next newsletter. This is a time when the special lifestyle of our Noosa Waters community is clearly evident. The water, parks, quality landscaping together with the nearby beaches and national parks make this a very special place. last year. Please join in - decorate your boat and be part of the fun! Remember Marine rules apply. (Refer NW website) Do ensure your navigational lights are working! What about some Christmas lighting around your house? This certainly makes for a great Christmas feeling throughout the estate. Judging Christmas house lighting, week commencing 14th December. Christmas Celebrations Friday, 18th December will be the Noosa Waters Boat Parade led by Noosa Coastguard. The start will again be from the east side of the Saltwater bridge near Shorehaven at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. The route will be the same as Flotilla Route Rio Ball The Rio Ball was a great success. People had gone to a lot of trouble to dress up in colourful costumes and the room and table decorations were outstanding which set a very festive atmosphere. Our thanks go to Cathie Martin, NW Sports & Social Group Committee and all who supported in any way. Changing Sports & Social Committee Chair Special thanks also go to Cathie Martin for her hard work and commitment as S&SG Chair for the last two very successful years. Welcome to newly elected Chairperson, Sue Lloyd. Are you a member of the Noosa Waters Residents Association? Membership is just $15 p.a. AGM + $5 to join Neighbourhood Watch. Join online at Tuesday 11th or send August a cheque 7.00pm with your name and address to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall Issue 72 - Summer Edition 2015 NWRA, P.O. Box 197, 1 Noosaville, 4566.

2 President s report NWRA and NW Neighbourhood Watch AGMs were held on August 11th, providing a valuable opportunity to hear guest speakers Brett de Chastel Noosa Council CEO, and Senior Sergeant Steve McReight with latest local Council and policing updates. Their input was much appreciated. Minutes of NWRA AGM and Brett s presentation slides + editor s notes, can be viewed on our website. Canal Matters The lock, weir and pumping system has been operating reliably. Annual maintenance of the lock is scheduled for December, when notices will be posted to indicate closure dates. Close attention has been focussed on financial monitoring of the lock/ weir and canal maintenance activities that are paid through the levy system. Budgets for 2015/16 and the financial accounts for 2014/15 are being discussed with Council. Council is continuing to identify canal front ratepayers eligible for the levy refund and make the payments. If you know anyone who may be eligible please inform them or tell Council so as to help speed up the refund process. Several complaints have been received regarding crab pots in the canal. These must be kept clear of the navigation channels. Should you have a problem please contact NW Waterwatch Warren Burrows Noosa Waters Building Regulations Council is currently reviewing some areas of the Noosa Plan. We have held discussions with Council planning officers concerning better definition and clarity re some aspects of the special building conditions relating to Noosa Waters. A particular matter has been setback provisions for the canal revetment wall. A submission has been sent to Council for consideration, (see Noosa Waters website.) Cable TV System The owner of the company which runs the Noosa Waters cable TV system is moving into retirement. Consequently he is seeking to sell the system. Negotiations are currently underway with a buyer and we hope these will lead to a successful outcome. I will NWRA members as soon as we have further information. Landscaping Council is doing an excellent job in regard to Noosa Waters landscaping. We have held several resident working bees. With the drier summer weather there will be more palms on blocks dropping fronds. These should not be discarded in park areas. Please place them in the green waste bins which are available from Council. (Visit noosa.qld.gov.au website for details to obtain a green bin) Residents are reminded that any requests for mulch for estate gardens, removal of rubbish from park clean - ups and tree removal/planting should be directed to Ian Dopper who will make arrangements with Council. Life Membership The committee has finalised a policy regarding life membership of the Association. See NW website for details. Membership Your Association plays an important role in safeguarding and enhancing the wonderful lifestyle we all enjoy here in Noosa Waters. Over the years the Association has taken up many issues that have concerned residents and pursued most to successful conclusions. Noosawaters.org is an informative website with system to distribute important information to members and the NWRA newsletter. Your Association monitors landscaping and canal matters and maintains close contact with the Council, for the benefit of residents. It also offers Sports & Social Activities which have brought so many folk together for a diverse range of shared interests, fitness and fun. NWRA works closely with NW Neighbourhood Watch, which provides the Complex Security patrol service, and helps to foster community spirit and raise security awareness. With so much on offer, all residents and owners are urged to support the Association by becoming members. Thank you to my Committee, to the many folk who assist behind the scenes in various ways, and to NWRA members for your support. I look forward to another rewarding year ahead - especially as the Association will be into its 20th year, what a great opportunity for special projects and events! Seasons greetings to all. Ahoy There! All boat owners Become a member of the Noosa Coast Guard Contact Alan Hall dfc.qf5@coastguard.com.au Dick Patterson, President Issue 72 - Summer Edition

3 Waterwatch NOOSA WATERS OUR WATER HOW GOOD IS IT? Noosa Waters lake system is a part of the outstanding Noosa River system. We pump approximately 15 megalitres of water nightly from the river into our canals. Healthy Waterways in its recent assessment of all waterways in South East Queensland awarded the Noosa River system an A minus rating saying the overall environmental condition of the system is excellent. It also stated that freshwater and estuarine habitats are excellent and support numerous recreational benefits. Low sediment and nutrient loads are being generated and excellent riverbank vegetation is resulting in good stream health. Despite this fine report, we should be vigilant to maintain the attractiveness and amenity of the surroundings we enjoy and take pride in. As Noosa Waters residents we are a community group and we all have a role to play in protecting and improving the health of our canal waterway. There are a number of things we all can do around our home to protect this wonderful resource - our environment. IN OUR HOME Never pour household chemicals such as oil and paint into gutters or down drains storm water drains enter gutters and gutters via pipes, enter our canal waterways Choose eco-friendly, low phosphorus household cleaning products Conserve water and filter stormwater by building a sustainable raingarden - (source design ideas from internet) Reduce use of plastic, reuse items and recycle IN OUR GARDEN Minimise use of chemicals and avoid applying fertilisers or pesticides if rain is expected Plant more native shrubs and trees Mulch our garden beds to reduce run off Wash our car on the lawn or at a car wash facility Sweep up dirt and mud rather than hose it down the drain ON OUR LAND Tips to help manage erosion and reduce the amount of mud entering our waterways: Plant native vegetation along waterways Avoid weed, grass and plant clippings entering or blowing into waterways Kayakers can assist by retrieving and disposing of any plastic bags or rubbish they encounter Retain soil cover by mulching and cover stockpiled soils to prevent soil being transported into waterways by wind or rain and revegetate cleared land as soon as possible Seek property management advice from SEQ Catchments or Noosa Council Warren Burrows WaterWatch Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative Neighbourhood Watch is continuing to work with Queensland Police in supporting this terrific programme and we have contributed $200 towards the cost of phase three. We have approached a well patronised local business to support the next rollout of the specially printed disposable coffee cups, which we hope they will agree to once we are able to show them the cups. Scam Watch It seems there is no limitation on the inventiveness of criminals trying to separate us from some of our hard earned cash. There is a constant rollout of fresh scams which most often successfully target the elderly, the optimists who think they are about to make a quick buck, or citizens who just think they are doing the right thing. The ACCC has an informative website which it regularly updates with the latest scams that come to its attention - au/ You can also subscribe to their SCAMWATCH RADAR if you wish to receive s regarding the latest scams. Scammers will use any means possible to steal your identity or your money The following categories can be viewed in detail on the web site: Unexpected money Scammers invent convincing and seemingly legitimate reasons to give you false hope about offers of money. Think twice before handing over details or dollars. Unexpected winnings Don t be lured by a surprise win. These scams trick you into giving money upfront or your personal information in order to receive a prize from a lottery or competition that you never entered. Fake charities Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or contact you claiming to collect money for relief efforts after natural disasters. Dating & romance Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media by pretending to be prospective companions. They play on emotional triggers to get you to provide money, gifts or personal details. NW Neighbourhood Watch AGM Senior Sergeant Steve McReight, Noosa Heads Officer in Charge, reported we are at full strength with the gazetted 34 uniform officers. Disturbingly, he reported that 800 calls are received per calendar month related to domestic violence. There has been a minor increase in crimes of opportunity mainly stealing from boats and trailers. Assaults have declined over the last 4 years largely due to cooperation with licensed premises and use of security cameras. He urged everyone to prevent crime keep doors locked and keep safe. Thanks to the Police and our dedicated team of zone and block coordinators who provide this valuable community service. Gerald Theron - NW Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator 3 Issue 72 - Summer Edition 2015

4 - Rio Ball Lesley Downie Photography Lesley Downie Photography Issue 72 - Summer Edition

5 - Rio Ball Lesley Downie Photography Lesley Downie Photography Out and About - Hats Off to Melbourne Cup & Boating Picnic Hats Galore! A taste of Noosa Waters MCup Day fun Activity Group Picnic, October, another great day out with friends! To Join simply register on the Boating Activity Group, at: Convenors are Janet & John Day. 5 Issue 72 - Summer Edition 2015

6 Editor s notes Social Not Just for Fun! I have been amazed how many articles I have come across in the last month extolling the benefits of community involvement. The benefits of socialising are being widely researched by institutions worldwide. It seems clear that socialising is good for our brains, and reduces the risk of anxiety and depression. So how wonderful we have access to such a myriad of opportunities through the NWRA Sports and Social Activity Groups! Each NW activity group functions in a way that suits its members. Thanks go to convenors and members for hosting or organising activities, making such a diversity of options available for Noosa Waters residents and friends. Details about joining or forming new groups are posted on the website and were explained in our last newsletter - Winter edition. Sue Lloyd is happy to assist. Most groups such as the walking group, table tennis, cinema appreciation, boating, darts, armchair travel and many more, commenced and connect via the Noosa Waters website facility. Other groups communicate directly eg some card and Mah Jong groups, which are very active and meet regularly. One card group has been going for six years now and communicates by as members are limited by space in the host homes. However new groups can be formed if needed! With friendships formed as a result of NWRA activities and website, links have been made within the wider community, creating economic, health and social benefits to all, as members pursue their passions - everything from recreational and marathon sports, creative arts and classic cars to Rotary, Thursday Girls, Blokes lunches and community projects; the list is endless! Musical Pursuits Several NWRA members are involved in local choirs and orchestras, eg the Noosa Orchestra which performed at the Noosa Long Weekend musical extravaganza at the Leisure Centre and Resplendent Journeys concert at the Lutheran College (Noosa Orchestra.com.au). Members have also been singing in the Good Vibrations A Cappella choir. If you are interested in singing, register on: Singing Activity group on NW website. Artistic Pursuits. The possibilities for social contacts and activities through art are broad and can be life changing. Helen Peel is one of our talented Noosa Waters artists who are following their passion with colour and canvas. Helen has hosted several exhibitions over the last four years and many local residents have her work in their homes. Her next exhibition Travelling Journeys will be held May 21st 2016 at 7.pm, showcasing her favourite technique called Rub Off. This is a very different art form using oils to paint backwards to create effect. She would be thrilled to see you at her exhibition; RSVP to Earlier this year, NW Barbara McDonald was voted a winner in the well attended Wallace House, Noosa Arts & Crafts Exhibition, showcasing the stunning art and craftworks of its members. Awards were presented by Cr Frank Wilkie. Visit noosaartsandcrafts.org.au and Youtube link. Helen Lawson, recently featured in Noosa News for her involvement with the Noosa Council Pop-up Art Exhibition at the Cooroy Butter Factory, will be presenting her artwork at the Betwixt and Between exhibition at The Pomona Railway Gallery, 10 Station St from the 21st Nov to 22nd Dec. See Special Tribute to Cathie Martin, Retiring Chair NW S&SG I would like to acknowledge the work that Cathie Martin, has done for our Association. As a founding member of the ever evolving, Noosa Waters Sports & Social Group Cathie has contributed greatly to its growth and success in her various capacities, including convening the NWS&SG committee. Cathie will continue her work as membership and advertising co-ordinator and her participation in a range of activity groups. Gardening Group to Commence, When I consulted the activity groups webpage, I noticed that 9 members have selected gardening as an interest, but the group is yet to get started. I am a keen gardener, and a member of the Tewantin Noosa Garden Club, so around March or April next year I will contact everyone on the gardening list and invite them for coffee so we can plan to get this group active. Register your interest in Gardening, or other hobbies and interests, via the website or contact me on: editor@noosawaters. org. Please send photos and information. Helen Brown - Editor Issue 72 - Summer Edition

7 The Blokes Lunch This was started 7 years ago by former Chair of NWS&SG, Barry Maloney and continues to meet the last Friday of the month. What a wonderful legacy Barry set up for our local blokes. Over 30 men meet to share food and a chat and have visited over 10 local restaurants or clubs this year. This group meets purely for socialising and has helped cement many friendships. The group supports the Buy Local concept and generates business for hospitality venues as many blokes return with friends and family. Over the years and through many events and activities, Barry has added so much to the vibrancy of our community, but sadly, poor health is now limiting his social involvement. We wish him well. David Brown is the current convenor All are welcome. Greetings from The Thursday Girls! Thursday Girls Lunches have been going strong with participation rates ever increasing, making a valuable contribution to the local community. We are presently fundraising towards an Educational Support Program in Noosa Shire which aims to financially assist local students to have equal access to educational/sporting/arts/ music opportunities. Participating State Schools: Cooroy; KinKin; Noosaville; Peregian Springs; Pomona; Sunshine Beach; Tewantin; Noosa District High School and Sunshine Beach High School. We commenced this program in March 2014 holding monthly Ladies luncheons and functions on the last Thursday of each month between February and November, with partners joining us for Christmas Lunch. We had a special October event. Over the last 20 months, we have now assisted 143 students with grants totalling $18, Subsidies have assisted in providing school uniforms, school camps, swimming lessons, student resource schemes, laptop take home programs, life education and school music programs. We would like to thank all who have attended any of our events and helped raise these wonderful contributions. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hello Everyone, My name is Sue Lloyd and I have been elected Chairperson of NW S&SG. Firstly from the committee and members, a big thank you to our retiring Chair, Cathie Martin, for doing a wonderful job over the last two years. On Saturday 12th of September a very successful Lets Go To Rio colour extravaganza was held at the South Pacific Resort. On arrival each guest was greeted with a glass of Champagne and the room and table decorations were sensational, setting the mood for a great night of fun and dancing. Guests made a supreme effort and there were many stunning and colourful costumes, as you can see in the wonderful photos. We danced the night away to Harii Bandhu and band. Thank you to the committee, helpers and to MC, John Deshon who came to the rescue at such short notice! The next event on our calendar is organising judging of the Christmas Lights House Decorations - details on back page. Our annual Meet and Greet Social will be held on the 18th March 2016, 5.30pm to 7.30pm at the Croquet Club with lucky door prizes and yummy finger food. BYO drinks. Discover more about the Activity groups and meet neighbours. New and existing members and friends are welcome. Sue Lloyd, Chair NW Sports & Social Committee Thursday Girls were enthralled by the performance at their special October event, by these talented classical ensemble students from Sunshine Beach High School. Thanks to all who made this musical treat possible. Barbara Harris, Carol Donovan, Di Kirby, Dorothy Maloney & Liz Meikle 7 Issue 72 - Summer Edition 2015

8 Photo Lesley Downie Photography Physical Outdoor Pursuits Noosa Outriggers has a growing following amongst NWRA members who are now participating in competition events as are cycling members shown below who completed the Noosa Triathalon. There are various diverse and active golfing and cycling groups. For more info, register with Golfing Activity Group and newly activated Cycling Group. Boating group picnics are much enjoyed and provide a range of team games and laughter! Gary Trevithick David Peel Ian Dopper Di Tonge Events Calendar 2015/2016 Christmas Lighting Judging - Dry Blocks, Tuesday 15th December Wet Blocks, Wednesday 16th December Christmas Flotilla pm for 7pm departure, Friday 18th December Meet and Greet Social pm Friday, 18th March All welcome! RSVP essential. Details will be available nearer the time. Thursday Girls Lunches Contact Di Kirby to find out what is being planned each month on the last Thursday Feb - Nov. RSVP Blokes Lunches Held on the last Friday of every month. RSVP essential To book contact David Brown Emergency matters Police Noosa Noosa Waters Neighbourhood Watch (life threatening) 000 Police Link Convenor Non-emergency Police M dore (24 hrs) Gerald Theron Complex Security Hoon Line gtheron@internode.on.net Useful Phone Numbers SES Coastguard Emergency Coastguard - Genera Noosa Council RSPCA Wilvos Wildlife Rescue For latest information on NWRA activities, events, emergencies or local matters. NWRA Management Committee President Dick Patterson president@noosawaters.org Vice President Grant Holloway vicepresident@noosawaters.org Secretary Kay Passenger secretary@noosawaters.org Treasurer Tony Van Der Linden treasurer@noosawaters.org Sub-Committee Convenors Advertising Howard Martin admin@noosawaters.org Membership Cathie Martin membership@noosawaters.org Landscaping Ian Dopper landscaping@noosawaters.org Fountain Peter Sheerin fountain@noosawaters.org Legal Advisor Harvey Williams harvey.williams@bigpond.com Newsletter Helen Brown editor@noosawaters.org Waterwatch Warren Burrows waterwatch@noosawaters.org Webmaster Howard Martin webmaster@noosawaters.org Sports & Social Group Chair Sue Lloyd chair@ssg.noosawaters.org Treasurer Ian Pilz treasurer@ssg.noosawaters.org Activity Liaison Sue Lloyd activities@ssg.noosawaters.org Photos: Lesley Downie Photography, David Brown, Barry Henze, Barry Lloyd, Gary & Mike Pallot, Di Tonge 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. 8 Issue 72 - Summer Edition 2015

9 Website Exclusive - Bonus Bulletin Pages Welcome to the Bonus Bulletin Updates As always, in the time between preparation and going to print of the newsletter, more events occur so more information and photos become available. However budget, space and time do not permit their inclusion in the printed version and the information will be out of date by the time the next edition is out in May/June 2016! However, thanks to the availability of our Noosa Waters website and to all who contributed photos and items, these items can now be included in exclusive website bonus bulletin pages to accompany the main newsletter. Outdoor Pursuits On Sunday, 28th November, Noosa Outriggers hosted a hugely successful Outrigging competition event at Chaplin Park which attracted teams and supporters from all over the Sunshine Coast from Maroochydore to Caloundra, from Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, Tweed, Coff s Harbour, Brisbane, Redlands Bay and more. Families, friends and supporters all enjoyed this well organised, competitive event throughout which, team spirit abounded. Noosa Waters was well represented in Noosa teams; new members are welcome. See noosaoutriggers.com.au or contact Maurice Farrell. Indoor Pursuits - Darts Darts, like any sports game, can be challenging and even frustrating at times, but the reward of scoring the prized 180 makes it all worthwhile, as can be seen on Howard, Mike and Gerald s faces when they each achieved this goal on different occasions! Indoor Pursuits Cards One of the thriving Noosa Waters card groups, started by Janet Day, even before the NWS&SG was formed! Timely Alert to Boat Owners - Keep Checking! How Sound is Your Sacrificial Anode? This is your best indicator of any possible corrosion and risks to the hull of your vessel. Boat owners, particularly those with aluminium hulls, are reminded to regularly check their sacrificial anodes for electrolysis indicators eg barnacles or pitting, and replace as needed. Electrolysis, occurs where there are dissimilar metals in a conductive fluid environment such as salt water which results in corrosion of aluminium. A sacrificial anode is employed to protect the aluminium and in so doing is eaten away. Boat-owners are also warned not to be lulled into a false sense of security by claims about how long their antifouling product is supposed to keep boats free of problems. Photo in 50th edition of newsletter (see website) shows damage to a boat less than 8 months after being professionally antifouled, with product expected to work for 14 months! Noosa Waters Residents Photo Feature To start your own team or for information about social darts, please register on the website. Thanks to Prue Blake & Rod Barlow for the stunning photos opposite. Prue - Reflections. Rod - Sunset. Exclusive Website Bonus Bulletin 9 Issue 72 - Summer Edition 2015

10 Website Exclusive - Bonus Bulletin Pages Thursday Girls photos and update A huge thank you to all of you who were able to join us at our Christmas Luncheon at the Boathouse. What a fantastic response and our expectations were certainly exceeded when the total amount fundraised on the day was $2,500. Our 2016 events will commence with a Luncheon to be held on the last Thursday of February, being the 25 th. Invitations will be forwarded prior to this together with the latest financials for 2015 (which will be audited after 31 December). Again, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thursday Girls Committee Thanks to Neridah Rooseboom for photos Thanks to Merv Tebbutt for this lovely rainbow image taken from his garden. Please send your photos of special scenes or events of interest to fellow Noosa Waters residents to: editor@noosawaters.org Issue 72 - Summer Edition Exclusive Website Bonus Bulletin

11 Website Exclusive - Bonus Bulletin Pages Noosa Coast Guard to the Rescue! At the same time as the Outrigger event, Noosa Coastguard came to the rescue of yacht that had been stranded overnight and even at high tide, could not get away without help. After many attempts, which seemed doomed to fail, suddenly a change in direction and a final push by the Coastguard team, the yacht moved slightly and then suddenly, was able to be towed. The yacht s Captain gave a cheery wave to those watching from shore. Noosa Coastguard has had many Noosa Waters residents as active volunteers and has led every Christmas Flotilla, since the first one, then called Carol s Carols named after then NWRA President and founding member of NWRA, Carol Symington. Noosa Coastguard provides a vital service to the boating community and others in need of marine assistance, and relies on volunteers, donations and membership subscriptions to do so. To join, make a donation or volunteer, contact Alan Hall or visit Coastguard Noosa website. AGM - Editor s notes Brett de Chastel, CEO of Noosa Council, gave a very informative presentation addressing Council s top 7 strategic issues. He reported Council is making good progress in financial goals, endorsed by Treasury Corporation independent Financial Analysis; expenditure is below projections and revenue is slightly up. Progress is good related to customer service, new policies, new laws and the Noosa environment. Progress has been slower in terms of maintaining community assets such as Munna Point Bridge and the critical area of diversifying our economy. He reported that areas further south, where the NBN is installed, have reported significant job creation with the diversity created though IT. His slides made it very easy to understand issues ranging from Council assets, priorities and income. (See website for Brett s presentation notes and chart) He stated that NWRA is represented very well by Gary and Dick; that the revetment walls will be subject to a 20 year monitoring program and he congratulated the contractors responsible for the revetment wall work, saying their work had been outstanding. Noosa Council - Strategic Goals Exclusive Website Bonus Bulletin 11 Issue 72 - Summer Edition 2015