Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Winners announced of Cairns Festival parade
Saturday evening's Cairns Festival opening parade was a blast.Whilst I was bunkered down in a political shitstorm, the first hour or so at the Labor camp, then at the LNP party, I missed the best part of the parade, and the fireworks. However, politics in the back streets didn't rate a mention along the Esplanade on Saturday night.
"The creativity and fun rolled through the streets of Cairns," Festival producer Eric Holowacz said. "The Festival judges had a hard time picking winners, but now they can be revealed."
1st PLACE - Cairns Bands and the Woree High School marching band for their lead role ahead of the parade's King and Queen of Green.
2nd PLACE - Cairns Climate Action Network
3rd PLACE - Cairns BMX Club
OPEN CATEGORY
1st - Cairns Tropical Pride took top honours.
2nd - The spectacular NQ Hummer Mr Pinstripe Suit float.
3rd - Cairns Dragon Boat
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
1st - Ronald Ressecieu as a six-foot unicycle seahorse
2nd - Zachary Barclay as Pan the Pagan God
- Cairns Festival runs until Sunday September 5th. Check out the programme online.
Thoughts on the Australian election result
This from my mate at Kiwiblog, David Farrar...
- Labor ran an awful campaign. Almost policy-free, and all about demonising Tony Abbott.
- Tony Abbott ran a very good campaign, and really only stuffed up once on the campaign trail.
- Gillard’s climate change policy of referring the issue to a citizen’s assembly was their biggest mistake as it alienated both sides on that issue and was seen as utterly cynical.
- Rudd’s leaks against Gillard did damage Labor, and the anger over his rolling was a factor.
- Even if Labor retain government, Gillard may face an unhappy caucus as the Rudd faction will point out she blew his majority.
- The truth is Rudd probably would have lost by a bigger margin, but this will fade from memory.
- While the three Independents can put Abbott into power, he will not have a Senate majority, so don’t assume it is a done deal for Abbott.
- It is possible Labor and Greens could do a coalition deal, with some Green Senators becoming Ministers. They need Wilkie (likely) and at least one Independent to support them in the House, unless they pick up an extra seat on special votes. [Labor have since won the seat back off Andrew Wilkie.]
- The two election parties were such a contrast – Labor half empty and dejected, and Liberals cheering their hero Tony.
- Whatever happens, a three year term for the next Government looks unlikely.
Property and economic forecasts not all that rosy for Cairns
We can expect more of the same, at least for another year. That was one of the themes dished out at yesterday's business luncheon from local business forecasters, Bill Cummings and Rick Carr in their economic and real estate review.An annual highlight of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, the function attracted a capacity house, but I failed to spot our infamous CBD councillor - an event I assumed he would be attending.
The beautiful Lockhart room at Cairns Colonial Club, played host to the lunch that included a tasty braised caramelized "pork collar butt" - a rather poignant serving suggestion, given how much has been cut out of the Cairns' economy over the last year.
It was "one of Cairns' worst years" according to Bill Cummings.
"I said that the worst of the falls in the regional economy due to the global financial crisis had occurred." Bill Cummings told the Cairns Chamber yesterday. "And so they had, but in what has been one of the worst years for Cairns in its economic history, it has taken until recent months for any signs of an uplift to become evident."
"We need programs for a Cairns and Peninsula Australia Plan that clearly sets out this region’s potential, not just in tourism, but in agriculture, fishing, forestry and mining and address the key infrastructure needs of the region and policies to achieve its potential," Cummings said.
"One that clearly sets out Cairns’ role as the capital of the north’s most populous and fastest growing region and the city’s potential to play a wider role in the Asia Pacific region and the tropics in general."
Rick Carr, of Herron Todd White, presented his reflection and forecast of the Cairns residential property market, whilst perennial number counter, Bill Cummings reported on the Cairns economy.
Rick Carr shared the grim news we are all too aware of - house sales fell by 40%, and land by 85%, over the previous 12 months, but the property market still held a strong performance, despite the large decrease in sales."Sales were down substantially compared to what they had been in previous years, but property still turned over."
Cairns had endured a number of negative effects with the country's highest unemployment - which still sits just over 10% - double the national average.
Rick Carr says things could have been a lot worse.
The median house price is $355,000, and land price $163,000. Rental vacancy is now around 6% and moving upwards because seasonal and hospitality workers are not moving to Cairns, causing rent to drop by $20 a week - with some areas dropping by substantial amounts to attract renters, however these were the exception, rather than the rule.
CairnsBlog author chats with Rick Carr and Bill Cummings following their presentations to the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
A lot of snobby pigs live in Edgehill, Cairns
If you live in one of the hillside suburbs around Cairns, chances are you've heard or maybe even seen, a feral pig. They're a nasty piece of work, and some of them are getting closer and closer to suburbia.
These wild pigs spread diseases, destroy residential gardens and native vegetation.
Feral pigs have been an increasing problem on Cape York, something mayor Joseph Elu told me about when I visited Bamaga recently.
These wild roaming pigs, are massive beasts, with destructive eco habits. They have a fondness for lilies, a prominent feature of Freshwater Lake, that boarders the Cairns Botanic Gardens and Edgehill, an area now that is getting many locals increasing concerned.
There have been a number of sightings of feral pigs roaming near the Tanks Art Centre, and not just after a heavy metal music performance.
Although they're becoming a serious environmental scourge, they will be better managed following new research into their impact on freshwater areas.
Biosecurity Queensland senior zoologist Jim Mitchell said anyone who travelled through the outback of far north Queensland could see the environmental impact of feral pigs.
“Around almost every water body, be it a creek or lagoon, you will see large areas of ground dug up by feral pigs in search for food,” Dr Mitchell said. “We commonly see groups of 20 to 100 pigs around water bodies in Cape York during the dry season and wondered if the repeated diggings had significant long-term impacts."
One of the areas of most concern for Cairns, is the effect feral pigs have on water systems. This will be no surprise to some hillside communities around Cairns. A recent study has been undertaken at Lakefield National Park, a region on Cape York renowned for its vast river systems and spectacular wetlands.
“Our research defined the damage that feral pigs cause to tropical freshwater ecosystems," Dr Jim Mitchell says. "As expected, feral pigs clearly had a dramatic impact on the ecology of the unprotected freshwater lagoons.”
Mitchell says that the impacts included major destruction of plant communities, particularly water lilies, which were the pig’s favourite food, a plant that is in abundant supply around Edgehill and nearby Freshwater Lake.
"Feral pigs dig underwater to forage for plant tubers,” Dr Mitchell says. “The destruction of aquatic plants and the sediment disturbance significantly reduced water clarity. Pig diggings caused high turbidity levels, reduced the amount of dissolved oxygen and increased the nutrient loads in the water."
The findings were presented by Dr Mitchell, who led the multi-agency study, at the Pest Animal Symposium Gladstone. He hopes that this will help Councils and land managers make better decisions on how best deal with the environmental damage caused by pigs.
“During the research, we compared the water quality between lagoons fenced to keep out pigs and lagoons left unfenced,” Mitchell said. “We measured the abundance of plants, invertebrates and fish in all of the lagoons used during the study. This proved challenging due to the presence of resident salt water crocodiles in some of the lagoons."
An aerial shooting control trial was conducted on one Cape York lake and reduced the estimated population of 2000 pigs by 92%, following which the health of the lake dramatically improved. Water clarity rose over 8% and toxic levels of ammonia dropped by 28%.
Dr Mitchell says that a key finding of the project was that each lagoon and lake system appeared to harbour their own unique plant, fish and invertebrate communities.
“This suggests these wetlands have high conservation value, and these lakes and lagoons contribute to the rich biodiversity of tropical freshwater ecosystems," Dr Mitchell says. "Protection of these tropical wetlands is important to preserve the high biodiversity found in this tropical savanna habitat.”
Last year feral pigs were haunting Kuranda residents, destroying their gardens, that spurred 'Boar Busters' to monitor and manage the pest. Pigs were also reported at East Trinity, Tully and Innisfail. Infrared cameras were installed to track the animals.
If you spot a pig, don't approach it. It will be legged, and dangerous. Please ensure it doesn't resemble a politician before reporting it to the authorities.
These wild pigs spread diseases, destroy residential gardens and native vegetation.
Feral pigs have been an increasing problem on Cape York, something mayor Joseph Elu told me about when I visited Bamaga recently.These wild roaming pigs, are massive beasts, with destructive eco habits. They have a fondness for lilies, a prominent feature of Freshwater Lake, that boarders the Cairns Botanic Gardens and Edgehill, an area now that is getting many locals increasing concerned.
There have been a number of sightings of feral pigs roaming near the Tanks Art Centre, and not just after a heavy metal music performance.
Although they're becoming a serious environmental scourge, they will be better managed following new research into their impact on freshwater areas.
Biosecurity Queensland senior zoologist Jim Mitchell said anyone who travelled through the outback of far north Queensland could see the environmental impact of feral pigs.
“Around almost every water body, be it a creek or lagoon, you will see large areas of ground dug up by feral pigs in search for food,” Dr Mitchell said. “We commonly see groups of 20 to 100 pigs around water bodies in Cape York during the dry season and wondered if the repeated diggings had significant long-term impacts."
One of the areas of most concern for Cairns, is the effect feral pigs have on water systems. This will be no surprise to some hillside communities around Cairns. A recent study has been undertaken at Lakefield National Park, a region on Cape York renowned for its vast river systems and spectacular wetlands.
“Our research defined the damage that feral pigs cause to tropical freshwater ecosystems," Dr Jim Mitchell says. "As expected, feral pigs clearly had a dramatic impact on the ecology of the unprotected freshwater lagoons.”
Mitchell says that the impacts included major destruction of plant communities, particularly water lilies, which were the pig’s favourite food, a plant that is in abundant supply around Edgehill and nearby Freshwater Lake.
"Feral pigs dig underwater to forage for plant tubers,” Dr Mitchell says. “The destruction of aquatic plants and the sediment disturbance significantly reduced water clarity. Pig diggings caused high turbidity levels, reduced the amount of dissolved oxygen and increased the nutrient loads in the water."
The findings were presented by Dr Mitchell, who led the multi-agency study, at the Pest Animal Symposium Gladstone. He hopes that this will help Councils and land managers make better decisions on how best deal with the environmental damage caused by pigs.
“During the research, we compared the water quality between lagoons fenced to keep out pigs and lagoons left unfenced,” Mitchell said. “We measured the abundance of plants, invertebrates and fish in all of the lagoons used during the study. This proved challenging due to the presence of resident salt water crocodiles in some of the lagoons."
An aerial shooting control trial was conducted on one Cape York lake and reduced the estimated population of 2000 pigs by 92%, following which the health of the lake dramatically improved. Water clarity rose over 8% and toxic levels of ammonia dropped by 28%.
Dr Mitchell says that a key finding of the project was that each lagoon and lake system appeared to harbour their own unique plant, fish and invertebrate communities.
“This suggests these wetlands have high conservation value, and these lakes and lagoons contribute to the rich biodiversity of tropical freshwater ecosystems," Dr Mitchell says. "Protection of these tropical wetlands is important to preserve the high biodiversity found in this tropical savanna habitat.”
Last year feral pigs were haunting Kuranda residents, destroying their gardens, that spurred 'Boar Busters' to monitor and manage the pest. Pigs were also reported at East Trinity, Tully and Innisfail. Infrared cameras were installed to track the animals.
If you spot a pig, don't approach it. It will be legged, and dangerous. Please ensure it doesn't resemble a politician before reporting it to the authorities.
Katter 'threat' is nonsense says Entsch
“It's just nonsense,” Federal Member elect for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said today, after claims that independent-turned power broker, Bob Katter threatened a Federal MP.
“This would not have been a legitimate threat. The only thing Bob Katter is guilty of is being passionate, loud and assertive," Warren Entsch said, something that he himself has a well-known reputation for.
“This would not have been a legitimate threat. The only thing Bob Katter is guilty of is being passionate, loud and assertive," Warren Entsch said, something that he himself has a well-known reputation for.
"Having known the man for many many years, I can attest to Bob’s solid character. A lesser person may well call him aggressive and bullying, however those who stoop to such name calling clearly have no knowledge of his passion nor his commitment to his electorate and his constituents," Entsch says.
“Bob and I will never agree on all things, particularly our respective positions on gun control, but one thing I can attest to without hesitation is his passion for his electorate and his unflinching service to his constituents and his love of our indigenous peoples."
Warren Entsch says Katter, often like himself, calls "a spade a spade."
“Bob and I will never agree on all things, particularly our respective positions on gun control, but one thing I can attest to without hesitation is his passion for his electorate and his unflinching service to his constituents and his love of our indigenous peoples."
Warren Entsch says Katter, often like himself, calls "a spade a spade."
"He speaks from his heart and is very upfront with his thoughts and quite frankly gives little consideration to who he may offend in arguing his position. At the very centre of it all is a good hearted human being,” Warren Entsch said.
“I have been accused of exactly the same level of passion in my public life, for exactly the same reasons, so I understand where he is coming from. It is also this level of passion that makes him effective," Entsch says. “This quite frankly is one of our strongest areas of commonality."
“Bob does not have a vicious bone in his body. But what he does have is a passion for his electorate of Kennedy running through his veins and it is something for which he should never apologise."
“I have been accused of exactly the same level of passion in my public life, for exactly the same reasons, so I understand where he is coming from. It is also this level of passion that makes him effective," Entsch says. “This quite frankly is one of our strongest areas of commonality."
“Bob does not have a vicious bone in his body. But what he does have is a passion for his electorate of Kennedy running through his veins and it is something for which he should never apologise."
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Julia wants to play with the independents
With no clear majority to form a government, Labor has sent out a plea to the party faithful tonight, and Julia Gillard is saying that it's clear the majority of Australians want a Labor Government.
"This is certainly due to the dedicated work of Labor supporters, the tireless hours put in by letter boxing, doorknocking and handing out on Election Day never goes un-noticed, and is always greatly appreciated by members, candidates and the Party," she writes in a supporters email tonight.
The message says the Prime Minister has begun initial discussions with both the Independents and The Greens.
"Labor is better-placed to form a stable Government that reflects the will of the Australian people as reflected in the two party preferred vote," Gillard says. "Labor has a very good record of working with the independents, a strong record of delivering jobs for the regions, and a better plan for regional economies that includes record investments in infrastructure and the National Broadband Network."
She says that Labor's agenda "benefits all."
"For electorates in rural and regional Australia, the National Broadband Network is absolutely pivotal for the future. The NBN will mean better health care and education equity for regional families, and it will mean job opportunities no matter where you live," Gillard says.
"Labor believes in a sustainable Australia, supporting our regional economies to grow whilst investing in the infrastructure challenges these communities face. At the same, seriously tackling climate change and investing in clean energy will be pivotal for the future and will create many opportunities across Australia," she says.
In the message, she says that they will invest $1billion to connect remote renewable energy to the electricity grid, to tackle climate change and grow jobs.
"This is certainly due to the dedicated work of Labor supporters, the tireless hours put in by letter boxing, doorknocking and handing out on Election Day never goes un-noticed, and is always greatly appreciated by members, candidates and the Party," she writes in a supporters email tonight.
The message says the Prime Minister has begun initial discussions with both the Independents and The Greens.
"Labor is better-placed to form a stable Government that reflects the will of the Australian people as reflected in the two party preferred vote," Gillard says. "Labor has a very good record of working with the independents, a strong record of delivering jobs for the regions, and a better plan for regional economies that includes record investments in infrastructure and the National Broadband Network."
She says that Labor's agenda "benefits all."
"For electorates in rural and regional Australia, the National Broadband Network is absolutely pivotal for the future. The NBN will mean better health care and education equity for regional families, and it will mean job opportunities no matter where you live," Gillard says.
"Labor believes in a sustainable Australia, supporting our regional economies to grow whilst investing in the infrastructure challenges these communities face. At the same, seriously tackling climate change and investing in clean energy will be pivotal for the future and will create many opportunities across Australia," she says.
In the message, she says that they will invest $1billion to connect remote renewable energy to the electricity grid, to tackle climate change and grow jobs.
CAIRNS FESTIVAL: Get the badge, Madge!
Now here's a freebie that you'd better get onto.Free Festival badges are available to wear over the next two weeks and it will get you some rather special bargaining around town.
The badge will get you some fantastic deals and discounts, and you'll support our wonderful local businesses during Festival time.
There's only 1,000 Festival badges available, and a lot have been dished out so far.
There's around a dozen restaurants, shops, and tour companies, offering something special to anyone wearing the badge.
See the list below, or check the Festival website new deals. All you have to do, it show your badge, and enjoy this extra bit of Festival goodness... however you must be wearing it on your bod, somewhere that can be seen!
Ever After Bookstore & Cafe
FREE Piece of cake or muffin with every coffee purchase
La Pizza
Buy a coffee, get one free
Wildlife Dome at Cairns Casino
30% off entry
Salt House
10% off breakfast and lunch
Down Under Dive
FREE Dive with every Reef Trip
The Chocolate Room
FREE Upgrade on coffee or hot chocolate order
Music City Cairns
10% off all ukuleles and lessons
Didgeridoo Hut
10% off all didgeridoos, plus free didgeridoo pack and one free lesson
Rainforest Station
FREE Photo with a koala
RnR Whitewater Rafting
FREE DVD of your day (Tully River) / CD of your day (Barron River)
Passions Of Paradise
FREE Glass Bottom Boat tour and $10 Spending onboard for each Day Trip
Sky Dive Australia
FREE T-Shirt and Photos with every Skydive/DVD package ($50 value)
Focus Reef Imagery Centre
FREE Great Barrier Reef DVD with every Camera Hire
Club One Fitness
FREE 12-month Membership with every 12-month Membership Purchase
12 BC (Twelve Bar Cafe)
FREE Coffee with every Meal
Cold Steel
35% OFF all Piercings
Bull Bar
10% off all main meals
Cairns Festival Headquarters
FREE Posters by 4 Local Artists (until they run out)
Wicked Campers
FREE Extra Day with Every 4-day Booking
GBR Heli
10% off all flights (minimum 2 bookings and direct)
Cairns Tattoo Emporium
20% off all tattoos (conditions apply)
Fasta Pasta
FREE Garlic bread with any meal
Paddywacks
10% off all main meals
You can't live in the Far North and not follow the community and social commentary purveyed by Michael Moore and CairnsBlog.net. It's a continually updated , shamelessly opinionated look at the goings on around us—from political and environmental, to arts, culture, and leisure pursuits. Its' also very funny at times, biting and sharp witted at others, and always a good read of the news that's fit to print (and some that isn't). Moore has joined the Festival's blogging line-up, and will be herein sharing his thoughts about the 2010 season and events. And as New Media Partner, he'll be trying out all sorts of coverage ideas — vlogging, viral linkages, cool little click and win on-line contests—to help us bring the Festival to audiences at home and abroad.
Year of the Dirty Tiger
I know many of my readers will be devastated, especially Syd Walker and 'I am the Stig', to learn that Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren have divorced.
We wish them, and their money, all the best in holy separation.
Monday, 23 August 2010
Kevin or Julia's private mobile number
Just received this email from a reader...
- "You don't have Rudd's mobile do you? Or Julia's."
Some folk's view of my connections, sometimes surprise me.
For the record, I only have mobile phone numbers for the following: Mayor Val Schier, Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane, Warren Entsch, Jim Turnour, Cairns Post editor, Councillor Alan Blake (on speed dial), Colin "dougong" Riddell, Locco, ABC morning jock Kier Shorey, dodgy Rod Coutts from 4CCR, Rob Messenger MP, some former ministers in the NZ Government, Aidan McLindon MP, John Babet, Balaclava vet Paul Matthews, Kevin Byrne, local historian Dr Tim Bottoms, Bryan Law, Steve Wettenhall, Cairns Council's town planner Peter Tabulo, union thug Stuey Traill, Joel Harrop state secretary of the LNP, a journo with Media Watch, ABC Far North chief Debbie Kalik, Gavin King, most union officials, 3 ex's, and Terry Wrist.
Oh, and Shannon McSweeny from Family First, who is sorting out a membership form for me.
Union says it will demand law change from new MP Warren Entsch
The powerful lobby of the Electrical Trades Union, did not support Labor's re-election of Jim Turnour for Leichhardt on Saturday, however says they have not forgotten the Howard days of Workchoices.Far North Queensland ETU Organiser, Stuey Traill, provocatively waved a Greens "how to vote" flyer in Warren Entsch's face, minutes after voting at the Whitfield State School polling booth on Saturday morning. Entsch's campaign media advisor, Danae Jones, was looking on.
Stuey Traill, who had just two weeks earlier, slammed Labour supporters who picketed the LNP's campaign launch, protesting about industrial relations. Traill angrily challenged the protesters at the time, who were wearing Your Rights at Work t-shirts.
"We still have WorkChoices, it's just called a different name," Traill said, who was outraged Labour members were not speaking out about unjust employee laws that Labour had continued to uphold since they took office in 2007.
"We'll be out after him [Entsch]. We want to restore the rights of construction workers," Stuey Traill told CairnsBlog. "It was his [Entsch's] government under Howard, that introduced the Australian Building and Construction Commission. Gillard and Rudd have kept it in force."
"the laws that we're facing every day a work, is seeing safety eroded, and also our ability to get on site and fix those safety issues. Rudd doesn't want to know about it. Gillard doesn't want to know about it.
"And definitely Warren Entsch doesn't want to know about it, because he introduced it, he's come back around this time. We need to talk with his and fix up construction laws, so there's one law for all Australians," Stuey Traill says.
Traill says that Labor haven't done the union any favours, and that Jim Turnour was largely elected on the back of the Your Rights at Work campaign.
"Jim Turnour has unfortunately gone missing as far as the unions are concerned, but the last person I want to get back into power is Warren Entsch. He refused to debate WorkChoices. He dodged us. he lied to the media, he lied to the public. So whoever is in power, we will have a crack at them. The ETU will not be controlled by any political party," Stuey Traill told CairnsBlog.
CairnsBlog author Michael Moore chats with ETU organiser for Far North Queensland, Stuey Traill, after he cast his vote in the Federal Election on Saturday.Did the Cairns Post back Entsch subliminally?
You could have been forgiven for being hoodwinked and subliminally supporting the LNP's Warren Entsch, if you followed the cover of the weekend Cairns Post.
There it was, a picture of a large road sign, with Entsch at the top, twice the size of the incumbent MP, Labor's Jim Turnour.
Maybe it simply was meant to reflect the proportion of the two men in real life?
However, if you dug into the depths of the paper, editor Andrew Holman clearly told us who he was supporting in his Saturday editorial.
"At the moment, the maverick, foot-stomping and table-thumping approach from a reinvigorated Warren Entsch is the experience and voice we need," Holman wrote.
Was it fair in this dirty game of politics?
Colin says thanks to Jim
Local outspoken former union activist, Colin Riddell, credits Jim Turnour's election win in 2007, with the support of unions who helped with Your Rights at Work campaign and efforts he himself made, to get a Labor government in power.
However since then, Colin Riddell believes he's one of a large number that the Labor member ignored, and never thought he would so staunchly back a Liberal National candidate.
Riddell wrote to Turnour to wish him all the best for the election on Saturday 24 November 2007...
However since then, Colin Riddell believes he's one of a large number that the Labor member ignored, and never thought he would so staunchly back a Liberal National candidate.
Riddell wrote to Turnour to wish him all the best for the election on Saturday 24 November 2007...
- From: Colin and Cheryl Riddell
Sent: Wednesday, 21 November 2007 4:43 PM
To: Jim Turnour
Subject: All the best Jim
Hi Jim,
My family will be back in Victoria for our family reunion this weekend.
I just want to wish you all the best for Saturday ,my two sons and their partners have all voted for you via postal vote.
I have emailed the herald sun daily and rung john McKenzie most days and been given a good run by him. Also months ago I contacted all my contacts at the ACTU to get this seat on the marginal seats campaign.
I hope my efforts help you to become the new member by Saturday night, I will watch the TV at the Moama club all night.
Cheers and all the best
Colin Rand family - From: Jim Turnour
Date: 11/22/2007 6:32:24 AM
To: 'Colin and Cheryl'
Subject: RE: All the best Jim
Dear Colin
Thanks for all your support!!
Jim
- ----Original Message-------
From: colin
Date: 8/23/2010 7:46:17 AM
To: jim.turnour.mp@aph.gov.au
Subject: RE: All the best Jim
Dear Jim,
Favor returned thanks for all your NON support!!
Colin.
Sunday, 22 August 2010
CairnsBlog VIDEO: Warren Entsch victory speech
Here's Warren Entsch's victory speech, last night - Saturday 21st August -at the Hotel Cairns.Please forgive the dodgy camera work - but there were people everywhere, including Colin Riddell, who was responsible for the "Wazza, Wazza, Wazza" chant. I asked him if he was really happy to see Warren elected, or was that just a Dugong in his pocket?
This speech was all off the cuff, and from the heart. I have to say, there's a few great quotes from the new Member for Leichhardt.
CairnsBlog VIDEO: Warren Entsch victory welcome
Here's LNP supporters welcoming a triumphant Warren Entsch soon after Jim Turnour conceded the election, around 9pm last night. There's many local identities in the crowd, and an emotionally-charged embrace with Warren's son, that fuelled his decision to step aside from politics in 2007.
Warren Entsch - the comeback king, returns to seat of Leichhardt
A strong swing in the crucial Federal seat of Leichhardt to the Liberal National Party, proved to reflect a wider pattern against the first-term Labor government. "I dedicate this win to all those people that have been affected by these actions or in-actions by this previous government," the jubilant 60-year-old Warren Entsch claimed in his victory speech last night.
Warren Entsch, who was MP from 1996 to 2007, called the seat as early as 7:15pm last night, when the ABC tally room telephoned him, as booths on Cairns' Northern Beaches, previously Labor strong-holds, showed significant moves to favour the Liberal National Party.
"Early results show that you may have notionally won the seat," the ABC informed Entsch. "Well I hope I have."
Enstch told CairnsBlog that the biggest problem was that the incumbent member ignored the people.
"He [Turnour] forgot that politics is about people, it's not about the party. I hope that we can make a change because there are a lot of people here who have been effected, quite disturbed. Tonight's the night that they can be heard loud and clear," Warren Entsch said.
Entsch says one of the big issues for Leichhardt was the Wild River legislation, being planned by the State Labor government, something the Jim Turnour consistency said was not a Federal matter. CairnsBlog recently travelled to Bamaga and interviewed local Mayor Joseph Elu, who slammed Labor's lack of engagement with local Cape communities. Many of the Cape communities supported LNP at this election, a direct reflection of Entsch's outspokenness. He has been very critical of the Wilderness Society's "propaganda" in the campaign.
"They think that some Mickey Mouse organisation called the Wilderness Society can prepare some glitzy type of lies in the form of a video, and suggest that the people of Cape York are destroying the rivers and have no idea what they're doing," Warren Entsch said. "It's all about fund-raising for this mob in Sydney. It's got nothing to do with conservation in Cape York."
"[Labour] have told them they can't do a darn thing other than stand there bare-bummed on a lily-pad with a spear, on one leg, and be photo fodder for tourists. They have greater aspirations than that," Entsch said.
"The don't take into consideration that there's been people living in Cape York for over 40,000 years. Wild Rivers [plan] has had a major impact of our indigenous community in Cape York.," Entsch said. "Other issues are the closure of [fishing] the Coral Sea; we've got high unemployment, and the appalling waste of money."
Entsch puts the dramatic result down to the Labor's inability to listen to the people and be heard. He also cites the Queensland State Government treatment of it's traditional support base, like the sale of assets and massive rises in electricity and land taxes.
"It's simple, the former member didn't deserve to return to the job. He failed this community. He didn't listen and was proved to be a spook for his party masters in Canberra," Warren Entsch said.
"I may have laryngitis, but tonight we have given back a voice to Leichhardt," Entsch said as he started to lose his voice.
The Liberal celebrations at Hotel Cairns were fever-pitch as early as 7pm, as the first booths showed trends that surprised the most conservative observers.
Bluewater public housing protester Nathan Shingles was centre stage holding a "You're gone Turnour" banner, as Entsch gave his victory speech to a 600-strong crowd. Former ardent Labor supporter-turned dugong campaigner, Colin Riddell, along with long-term Liberal supporter, tourism business leader Charlie Woodward; ousted LNP member Lance Royce; Liberal Cairns Regional Councillor Alan Blake, whom had only recently sent CairnsBlog a love letter, and radio 4CA talk host John Mackenzie, were among the capacity crowd, supporting Entsch's triumphant return to local politics.
''He listened to me and what I was asking. Jimmy never did," Colin Riddell said, who received special mention in Warren Entsch's celebratory speech. "I never thought I'd walk away from supporting Labor, by I did what many did tonight, and I couldn't be happier," an elated Riddell exclaimed. The former union strongman looked out of place amongst the largely white-collar Liberal crowd.
Riddell's elevation to Liberal pedestal status, was as much a reflection of the dramatic change in Labor's former support base, as it was that many traditional members had privately questioned how the party had lost its way.
Electrical Trades Union organiser for Far North Queensland, who had come at loggerheads with his Labor party membership after vehemently and publicly questioning the assets sale programme, had also abandoned Labor this election in support of The Greens.Earlier last evening, at around 7:20pm, the mood was notably somber at Labor's election function at Brothers Leagues Club. Maurice Milliner, a long-time party supporter was bemused by the early results.
"Where did Jim go wrong?" Maurice Milliner asked. "I can't believe that so many have walked away. Nothing will happen in the town now, especially if Gillard remains as PM."
Jim Turnour didn't wish to talk with journalists as early results showed what looked like an irreversible trend.
However Turnour's arrival at 7:30pm, with partner Tiffany and their young daughter Zoe, was greeted with elation by the 60 or so gathered party faithful."Many just stay at home, when the result is not good," party supporter Billy Colless said.
Turnour toured the room, thanking every supporter for their help, many embracing him. "Well, we done the best we could," one said to Jim.
It was difficult for Jim Turnour to hold back his disappointment, but he privately acknowledged he would not be returning as the Member for Leichhardt.
"I can look back and think of the things I'm proud of, the things I've achieved, like the dental school at James Cook University; the stimulus..." Jim Turnour said. He acknowledged that there are many things that happen, go unnoticed and unreported in the life of an MP, a reflection he shared with CairnsBlog in a video interview just one week earlier. Jim talked about asylum seekers and those seeking residency, as examples of quiet achievements. This reflection presented a glint of happiness in Turnour's demeanour, albeit for a fleeting moment. It was difficult for Jim Turnour to hide his internal sadness, with the public defeat of losing the popular support of his Leichhardt's constituents.
The overt and often harsh criticism levelled at the first-term Labour government, was something the Party didn't acknowledge or deal with, on either a local or a national level. It was widely believed that Jim's candidacy for the election was going to be challenged prior to the election earlier this year. Senior MacDonnells Law partner Russell Beer was rumoured to be approached, something he strenuously denied.
The Cairns Post's Daniel Bateman was assigned to cover Labor's function, situated in suburban Manunda, whilst the paper's prominent political journalist, Brad Ryan, covered the results from LNP's event, just three kilometers across town at the Hotel Cairns, a regular Liberal hang out. Both young journalists were electronically connected via live web software CoverItLive, as the Post embraces new online technology, a reflection of it's desire to develop digital strategies.
Ryan messaged Bateman and asked what other "media" were covering Turnour's function. They were furiously texting, like two childhood sweethearts that had been prematurely separated, reminding me of an infamous Council romance that was joined at the Blackberry.
"There's just Mike here from CairnsBlog," Bateman replied. Not entirely true, as a lone 7 News cameraman had captured Jim's arrival. Brad Ryan replied saying "Mike's more loyal and dedicated than 7, WIN and ABC put together!"
Bateman appeared reserved to the fact that editor Holman had sent him to Labor's camp with its predicted loss, whilst Brad Ryan, now clean-shaven, something he and I didn't attend to when we chatted with Julia Gillard two weeks earlier. He was dressed as if he was about to ask the boss for a pay-rise.
Prominent Labor loyalists were noticeable by their absence. Before I left Labor's function at around 8pm, Cairns Mayor Val Schier; her close friend and fellow Regional Councillor, Diane Forsyth, and even Queensland Rail union official Richie Bates, were no where to be seen. Labor stalwart John Tuite was there, engaging in small talk with me, somewhat surprising given his normal anti-love affair with all things Michael Moore. Barron River MP Steve Wettenhall, who started campaigning for Jim the day the election was called, was there to support his friend and colleague, jocking for position to avoid the CairnsBlog camera, something that former Cairns Council CEO Noel Briggs made a habit of.
The Labor function was like being at a wake of an old friend you didn't really get to know that well, yet the body was still warm. There was plentiful finger-food, most of it deep-friend, yet few were talking, or simply didn't know what to say.
Earlier in the day, I visited the Whitfield State School as Warren Enscth cast his vote at 9am, and midday when Jim Turnour voted at the paradoxically-named Our Lady Help of Christians school, in Balaclava Road, Earlville. I cheekily quipped to Jim after cast his vote, if was one of the many undecided voters. Jim just smirked.
Warren Entsch collected 54.52% of the two party preferred vote in Leichhardt, against Labour's 45.48%, a 8.58% swing to the LNP. The result is almost an exact reversal of the 2007 vote when first-term Jim Turnour enjoyed the country's biggest swing of over 14%, on the back of an anti-Howard vote, fuelled by the nationwide WorkChoices backlash.
Other candidates results in the Leichhardt race recorded Jen Sackley (Ind) 3.34%, Yodie Batzke (Ind) 2.2%, Warren Entsch (LNP) 46.7%, Shannon McSweeney (Family First) 1.85%, Neville ST-John Wood (Greens) 8.89%, Jim Turnour (Labor) 35.15%, and Steve Lane (Ind) 1.72%.
The first-ever Greens Senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters, was also elected last night.
At 5:57am this morning, 77.8% of the primary vote has been counted. The two party preferred count is 74.7% complete. Australian Labor Party had a 50.69%, recording a 2.01% loss, and the Liberal/National Coalition 49.3%, a 2.01% gain. There were 14,088,260 enrolled to vote.
It is believed to be one of the closest elections in living memory, however Labor's Julia Gillard remains Prime Minister, as was widely predicted, no party has absolute majority to govern, resulting in a hung parliament.
Should the Coalition form a government, it's likely that the new Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, will be offered a Ministerial role in a new Tony Abbott-lead government.
Go back to Uni today and discover some nuts
The annual James Cook University open day is on at the Smithfield campus from 10am today.The university throws open its doors to the public annually, where you'll see demonstrations and displays that showcase courses on offer and facilities. The teaching staff will also be around to ask curly questions like the meaning of life.
There'll be no beer-swilling under-achievers, topless girls smacked out on half an E, greenies chained to trees, or even anti-war protesters in sight. Universities have gone all polite and respectable nowadays. Such a shame.
Earlier this year, botanical enthusiast John Elliott was walking in bushland near JCU’s Townsville campus, exploring a creek in dry eucalypt woodland, when he came across a group of around 80 trees that looked familiar, but which had fruit he had never seen before.JCU botanist Betsy Jackes was also stumped, as were staff of the Australian Tropical Herbarium here in, and the Queensland Herbarium in Brisbane. Nobody was sure which family it belonged to. It seemed to be probably in the eucalypt or lilly-pilly family, but the fruits were weird and there were no flowers available. A new species certainly, but how to classify it?
Renown Kuranda-based entomologist Dr David Rentz, will be showing off some of these new discoveries outside the Herbarium, in building E2, where you can see his nuts. Or if he's nuts.
If you haven't visited this wonderful campus, take a drive and explore today. JCU's library is also magnificent and is always open to the public. Today's open day is not all serious though. There will be plenty of entertainment for all ages. Check out the program of events.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
More booths fall to LNP
Cairns Base Hospital a 14.1% to LNP.
Caravonica State School 9% against Labor.
Caravonica State School 9% against Labor.
Early counting predicts a Leichhardt return to Entsch
The Queensland seat of Leichhardt appears to showing a strong swing against incumbent first-term MP Jim Turnour.
Warren Entsch, in a conversation with Radio National at 7pm, said indications showed a move away from Labor.
Early counting has Alexandra State School booth recording a 9.8% swing to LNP, and Cooktown, a 9% against Labor, on primaries.
Freshwater School has a 2.2% swing to the LNP.
Warren Entsch, in a conversation with Radio National at 7pm, said indications showed a move away from Labor.
Early counting has Alexandra State School booth recording a 9.8% swing to LNP, and Cooktown, a 9% against Labor, on primaries.
Freshwater School has a 2.2% swing to the LNP.
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