Catching more than fish

The natural environment in Division 4, with its beautiful waterways and foreshore areas, is an ideal place for fishing. But sadly, a serious downside of this hobby is being reported to my office with increasing frequency.

When fishing tackle isn't disposed of responsibly - either in the public waste bins, designated tackle bins, or simply taken home - it poses a serious threat not only to our native wildlife, but also to the many dogs who enjoy these shared spaces with their families.

In just the past month, two residents have told me their dogs required life-saving (and very costly) surgery after swallowing fish hooks left behind on the foreshore.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Rowley Goonan and his team at Wild Bird Rescues Gold Coast, hundreds of birds have been saved from similar dangers. If you hook a bird, or see any bird that is fish hooked, or entangled in fishing line (or another material), stay well back, keep the bird in sight, and phone Rowley immediately on  0438 823 100.

But prevention is always better than a cure. If you come across dangerous fishing tackle along our foreshores and in our waterways, please safely dispose of it.

As a community, we share a responsibiity to think about how our actions affect others.  To the fishers that do the right thing - thank you, and may you enjoy tight lines. To those who carelessly leave tackle on foreshores and jetties - please do better!

True care lies not in fixing what's broken, but in protecting what should never be broken.

Shore looks better without the rubbish

Following on from the article above, it was wonderful to see the Rotary Club of Broadwater North complete a recent beach clean at Paradise Point.

They highlighted the cleanliness of the area, which is a testament to our community's ongoing commitment to our pristine environments. Their efforts still had an impact by removing a large number of small plastics and other materials that had washed up on the foreshore.

The next community clean-up in Division 4 will be held 8am to 10am on Thursday 2 October, and is co-ordinated by Turtle Watch GC. This event is the perfect opportunity to give back to nature, expand your marine knowledge, and take part in hands-on conservation.  Family, friends, community groups and ocean lovers of all kinds are welcome.

To find out more and register for the event, visit the event registration page.

Beat the school holiday boredom

With school holidays starting tomorrow, there's plenty of FREE fun activities to help keep the kid's boredom at bay.  From wildlife adventures to creative workshops, the Gold Coast has it all. Check out the City's range of programs available via this link.

If you are looking for ways to keep your 12 to 17 year olds occupied, then check out the range of activities available for them at the Runaway Bay Youth Centre, 379 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay. Registrations can be completed on any first day.  For more information, email tadams@wmq.org.au or phone 0408 734 061.

Illegal E-bike blitzes - partnering with local police

An explosion in ownership of non-compliant e-bikes continues to cause havoc on our local cycle track, and other shared areas.

The Luke Harrop Memorial Track was opened in December 2004 as a permanent memorial for local triathlete, Luke Harrop, who was tragically killed whilst training on our roads. As a triathlete myself, it has been devastating to see a track intended as a safe haven for cyclists, be overrun by users of high powered, non-compliant e-bikes, expressing little care or consideration for the safety of other users.  

Whilst we await the outcomes of the state government's parliamentary inquiry into E-scooter and E-bike safety, it has been reassuring to see our local Runaway Bay police station's proactive response to this complex issue.

Last month, Runaway Bay station officers met with the City's Coordinator of Community Safety to discuss Council’s mobile CCTV asset placements. This month, the police joined forces with the City's compliance officers for a number of targeted blitzes.

My offfice is proud to be part of this highly effective collaboration, and we extend our profound thanks to Runaway Bay police station for their efforts in responding to the concerns of our local residents.

Quick facts

Power rules

To be legal to ride in public places, an e-bike must:

• have a motor with a maximum continuous power output of 250 watts
• be pedal powered with motor assistance up to 25 km/h
• have a motor that stops providing assistance after 25 km/h
• have a motor than can work without pedalling, but only up to 6 km/h.

Illegal devices

The following devices are considered illegal to be ridden on public paths or roads in Queensland:

• petrol or other combustion type of engine powered bikes
• bikes with motors over 250 watts maximum continuous power rating
• bikes that only use a throttle (for example, no pedalling required to power the bike)

Visit here for more information on E-bike rules in in Queensland.

Tallara Tennis Club set for red ball court upgrade

Grass roots sporting clubs are the backbone of our community, and Tallara Tennis Club is a perfect example.  Home to Superior Tennis Academy, this facility - incorporating two courts and a clubhouse - was established in 1977.

I'm pleased to advise that I have committed funding from the community grants program to upgrade the facility with the installation of a "red ball court".

This important project will assist with introducing children 4 to 8 years of age to tennis and will improve the availability of sporting facilities to the community. Stay tuned for completion photos!

Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled Charity Golf Day

Recently I enjoyed participating in the Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled (APRDA) Charity Golf Day held at The Club, Parkwood. Teaming up with Cr Joe Wilkinson, it was wonderful to see so many people signing up for the good cause.

Funds raised will support APRDA's important program which delivers the experience of horse-riding to over 90 kids and adults with disabilities every week.

It is hoped this event will grow each year, helping this wonderful group to keep delivering to the community.

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