Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 28 April 2021

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Meeting 28 April 2021

 Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Senator Paul Scarr joined Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud MP and Kilcoy Global Foods (KGF) Group CEO Dean Good and Australian President Jiah Falcke as they launched the company’s new $1.4m product labelling system to eliminate compliance issues and streamline processes in delivering product from “paddock to plate” anywhere in the world.  Senator Scarr said “Impressive would be an understatement with the company’s world-leading animal tracking from feedlot to carcase chillers, onto boning-room, packing and shipping to 35 export markets globally”.  KGF is at the national forefront of technology in the meat and livestock industry.

Made in Queensland grants of between $50,000 and $2.5 million are available to manufacturers operating in Queensland to become more internationally competitive and adopt innovative processes and technologies.  www.rdmw.qld.gov.au  The first three rounds invested $46 million into our manufacturing sector.

Freedom of expression, modern media reporting and protection of individuals from reputational harm are on the agenda of the Palaszczuk Government with significant amendments being introduced to defamation law provisions today.  The Defamation (Model Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) has been introduced to Parliament and, if passed, the amendments to the Defamation Act 2005 are proposed to commence on 1 July 2021.  Stage two of the review of the Model Defamation Provisions is currently underway and will focus on the responsibilities and liability of digital platforms for defamatory conduct and the defences applying to disclosures of criminal conduct and misconduct in the workforce.

Queensland has taken the next step in ensuring its biodiscovery industry meets international standards with the Palaszczuk Government opening consultation on a code of practice and guidelines for traditional knowledge in biodiscovery.  Minister for Environment and Science Meaghan Scanlon said the consultation was part of reforming the Biodiscovery Act 2004, to better protect the knowledge of First Nations peoples’ while supporting the growth of Queensland’s biodiscovery industry.  “First Nations peoples’ are Australia’s earliest scientists, with detailed knowledge of this continent from its ancient past to the present,” Ms Scanlon said.

Drivers taking part in illegal mass hoon gatherings will be further targeted under new anti-hoon powers passed in the Queensland Parliament last week.  Minister Ryan said road policing units across Queensland will be using high-tech camera technology along with the traffic monitoring CCTV network to target mass hoon gatherings.  With the new legislation, combined with a fleet of high-tech cameras, the community can expect to see even more enforcement action taken against dangerous hoons putting others at risk.  Members of the public can report hoon activity in their area by contacting the QPS Hoon Hotline on 13HOON or making a report online.

Agenda Item #28 Councillors’ Report

April

14          Council Ordinary Meeting – Esk

14           Council Workshop – Esk

15           Mad Hatter Tea Party – Lowood

15           Meeting with resident – Yowie Park

15           Meeting with local NFP group

17           Over “50’s” BVRT bike ride – Moore to Esk

19           Meeting with NFP group – Event planning

20           Councillor Training – Esk

20           Lifeflight Charity Bowls Day – Toogoolawah

21          Special Council Meeting – Esk

21           Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group Meeting – Kilcoy

25           Anzac Day Commemorations – Kilcoy Dawn Service and Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield

27           Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

27          Open Forum Q&A WLILG Program

It was a pleasure to be part of the events held in our region over the past two weeks.  The Mad Hatter Tea Party was well supported and a fun event, and the weather was superb.  All those in attendance enjoyed the theme of this event, and they were mighty hungry, with around 262 sausage sandwiches provided.  The Lifeflight Charity Bowls Day raised valuable funds, and all by the support of 16 teams enjoying a social afternoon of bowls, lunch, refreshments and friendship.  Another wonderful display of patriotism with Anzac Day Commemorations, held throughout the region.

After riding from Moore to Esk and completing the 45km trip, I have a feeling that I may be in the market for an E-Bike.  I found the very gradual climb from Toogoolawah to outside of Esk a slow trip.

I met with a local resident who is concerned about the decline in bird life at Lake Greensill, Yowie Park.  I requested the resident to attend the local landcare meeting, which has occurred.  The Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group will address an email to Council seeking advice and assistance with this matter.