Community blindsided by transport corridor proposal

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By CAITLIN CROWLEY

QUEENSLAND’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has pushed back the deadline for people to have their say on a controversial transport corridor west of Toowoomba after being inundated with concerns from residents and landholders.

Toowoomba Regional Councillor Melissa Taylor raised the issue in Tuesday’s Council meeting and asked the Mayor’s office to contact Transport Minister Mark Bailey, requesting a media release on the consultation process.

Taylor told the Caller there was angst in the community which could have been avoided had people been informed that the consultation period had started earlier this month.

The proposed transport corridor cuts through farm land west of Toowoomba. IMAGE: TMR

“The consultation actually commenced on the 10th of July and there was no notification to the community at all that it had commenced, with the consultation finishing on the 11th of August,” Taylor said.

“It has not given the community much time at all to understand where this proposed corridor is going, what the impacts are.

“I’ve received countless phone calls and messages from members of the community who are really concerned to receive a letter in the mail to say that this proposed corridor is going straight through their houses, straight through their land.”

Taylor said the council hadn’t received any advice on how many landholders could be impacted by the proposed route.

TMR issued a media release late yesterday confirming the decision to extend the consultation period to September 8.

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The Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor would provide an alternative to the New England Highway, linking “northern residential growth areas around the western edge of the city (via Charlton and Wellcamp) to the south of Toowoomba”.

The route being considered also includes two new east-west connections north of Charlton and south of Highfields.

The project’s website says initial technical investigations identified several potential routes and possible interchange locations and that the preferred route was chosen because of its potential to make connections between current and future residential areas, commercial and industrial developments and community facilities such as the proposed Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct.

“The goal is to better connect existing transport infrastructure while minimising the impact on different land uses,” the website states.

“The proposed transport corridor also minimises the impact on community infrastructure and local roads as much as possible.”

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TMR’s regional director for Southern Queensland, Bill Lansbury, said consultation was a highly valued process and all consultation feedback would be
considered before a decision was made on the final transport corridor.

“We thank the Toowoomba and surrounding communities for their valuable contribution to this project over the last week,” Lansbury said.

“The feedback we are receiving is diverse and we appreciate the efforts of many community members.

“The online survey will remain open and the project team will remain available by phone, email and post until September.”

Melissa Taylor thanked TMR for extending the consultation period and said it was imperative residents had their say on the proposal.

“This is a major piece of infrastructure that will service our community in our region for the next 50 or 100 years and it may not be built for the next 10, 20, 25 years but in saying that, we need to get the corridor right,” she said.

“They need to contact TMR because that’s the only way that their voices will be heard.”

For more information and to make a submission, head to TMR’s website.

QPS bikers gather in memory of McCrow and Arnold

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By HARRY CLARKE

A CONCOY of motorcycling enthusiasts from among the Queensland Police Service has revved up their engines ahead of a major expedition planned for September, which will see hundreds of riders from across Australia converge on the nation’s capital in celebration of policing and in honour of those who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Wall to Wall – Ride for Remembrance will this year have special significance for officers from the Western Downs region, where constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, and civilian Alan Dare, were killed in the shooting attack at Wieambilla.

Fifty officers and friends from as far as Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba gathered at the Miles Police Station on Saturday to “blow out the cobwebs” in preparation for the main ride in September.

In April local officers unveiled a permanent “green therapy” memorial for Constables McCrow and Arnold, which became the meeting point for the warm up ride.

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Miles Police Senior Constable Scott Pogan at the new memorial garden for (INSET) Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold. IMAGE: Country Caller

In the words of Miles Senior Constable, Scott Pogan:

Superintendent Peter Flanders of the Roads Policing Group reminded all present of the impacts of the events of the December 12 at Wieambilla, and the effects borne by police not only here in Queensland, but across Australia and beyond, and acknowledged that the Memorial Garden is a place of reflection for many.

The Wall to Wall – Ride for Remembrance is promoted through a national organising committee under the Police Federation of Australia and the National Police Memorial to recognise the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers from all over Australia .  The event is fully supported by all the police jurisdictions with every State and Territory represented. Our past rides have been led by the Police Commissioners of the Australian Federal Police, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, all of whom share the thrills and excitement found only on a motorbike and who are integral role models in demonstrating our message of motorcycling safety and awareness. The ride is open to both serving and retired members (sworn and unsworn) and all other friends, family and proud supporters of policing, and is not only a wonderful commemoration of service and sacrifice , but also a fantastic social event for enthusiastic motor cyclists across Australia in celebration of the police family.

QPS motorcyclists and friends gather at the Miles Police Station ahead of the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance. IMAGE: Supplied

Riders from every state and territory leave their home locations, and ride to Canberra where they meet up at the National Police Memorial for a memorial service  held annually for National Police Remembrance Day on the 29th of September. The ride itself serves as a focal point and highlighting the positive image of police in the promotion of motorcycle safety and awareness, with the ride now becoming a much anticipated annual charity event in commemoration of the service and sacrifice of our police and for each State and Territory to raise much needed funds in support of their police charity organisations.

In Wall to Wall style – the riders and visitors gathered and watched as the marked Police bikes led by the QLD Wall to Wall 23 Police Bike led a slow drive-by of the Memorial Garden, before all riders saddled up and rode a slow procession of over 50 bikes of varying makes and models. The Procession wound it’s way around the block, before riding past the Police Station and Memorial Garden acknowledging the sacrifices of the many Police over the years and specifically Constables McCrow and Arnold.  

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Memorial for constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold at the Miles Police Station. IMAGE: Country Caller

‘Beyond the Broncos’ students become deadly leaders

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SUPPLIED | Broncos Media

An unstoppable student duo from Cunnamulla State School has achieved a resounding victory for their community and culture, securing 1st place at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Programs (ASTIAP) Queensland State Finals.

As superstar Beyond the Broncos students – an initiative of the Brisbane Broncos community programs – Charli Pender, 16 and Heidi Jones, 15, took home 1st place in the Visual Arts challenge.

The girls collaborated on a painting representing the equity and excellence of First Nations’ students. The deadly award-winning artwork will now feature on the competition shirts next year.

Charli and Heidi also proudly walked away with 3rd place in the Drama Improvisation category.

The highly motivated students attended the event after originally beating out 47 other schools across the Darling Downs and South West in three categories of art, poetry and persuasive speech.

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The ASTIAP state finals, an initiative for high performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, took place at the University of Queensland on June 21st, where contestants were given the opportunity to speak in front of other students from across Queensland, vying for a spot in the national competition.

ATSIAP is a state-wide academic challenge for eligible students in Years 7 to 12. The program builds upon students’ critical and creative thinking skills by providing opportunities to investigate solutions for real-world challenges. ATSIAP aims to raise students’ expectations of themselves as learners and
enhance post-school aspirations to include tertiary pathways.

Being part of the highly successful Beyond the Broncos Program and recently attending the Arrow Energy Leadership Camp, Charli commends the program for inspiring, empowering, and helping her embrace her culture.

“It felt good because coming from a small community, we didn’t think we could do that and to think of all the schools we won against is pretty cool,” she said.

“I’m very confident when it comes to some things, but it definitely got me out of my comfort zone. Beyond the Broncos is so good because it helps young people that are really shy, helping them connect to new people and find new friends

“We came first in the visual arts challenge between 78 schools and our design is going to be on next year’s shirts. Mum’s really proud of me. It feels good to take on more of a leadership role and use my experience to help the younger generation.

“Especially for my younger sister and cousin who are doing the same thing next term, they can come to me for guidance.”

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Christine Halliwell, General Manager of Community & Government Programs said the highly successful Beyond the Broncos Program continued to inspire the next generation to take a positive step towards their future careers.

“The program is so important in our schools, because it not only reignites the student’s pride for their culture, but it also deepens their leadership skills,” Ms Halliwell said.

“We have over 300 students from across the South West region currently enrolled in the Beyond the Broncos and we’ve already seen first-hand how much it has boosted school attendance rates.

“As their confidence in the classroom grows, the students are more engaged and apply themselves to reach their full potential, which is fantastic to see.”

Linking cultural identity with academic achievement, more than 600 students across the South West region are enrolled in the Beyond the Broncos program.

Using their learnings in the classroom from Broncos sporting stars, students like Charli and Heidi have now become deadly leaders in their local communities. To find out more, visit broncos.com.au/community or email community@broncos.com.au.

Pride of Pittsworth defends welterweight title

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By HARRY CLARKE

STONELEIGH Jackson has his sights set on the pinnacle of the boxing world after successfully defending his Australasian welterweight title and bringing his remarkable record in the ring to 10 wins from 10 fights.

Stoneleigh, whose real name is Jackson Griffiths, fended off a challenge by Victorian fighter Hunter Ioane before a home crowd in Pittsworth on Saturday, defeating his most competitive opponent yet by unanimous decision.

In doing so the 21-year-old has cemented his place as one of Australia’s most exciting up and coming boxers, and also validated the moniker for which he’s become known – The Pride of Pittsworth.

Stoneleigh Jackson lands one on the nose of challenger Justin Ioane. IMAGE: DSL Photography

“It was a bloody tough fight,” Griffiths told the Caller following his defeat of Ioane.

“You’d whack him and he just would’t move. He was tough and I could see that with the amount of fights and experience he has, and he knows a few tricks when you get up there. 

“It was a good test for me. He’s fought the best in Australia and for me to pull off a win was an unbelievable feeling.”

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More than 600 spectators packed into the Pittsworth Town Hall on Saturday night for a unique boxing event hosted by TGW & Smithy’s Promotions.

As well as an eight-fight amateur card and a three-fight professional card, there was a nine-fight corporate card which saw a lineup of bull riders from across Australia pulling on boxing gloves and throwing flurries of punches at one-another in the ring.

Professional bull riders Blake Bartkowski (l) and Jake Curr (r) step from the rodeo arena into the boxing ring. IMAGE: DSL Photography

“It all began with Jed “Gunson” Morris, who was a bull rider and is now a professional fighter in our team,” said event promotor and renowned Darling Downs boxing gym coach and owner, Brendan Smith.

“Gunson’s friend Jake Curr is a bull rider and he wanted to have a corporate fight, so we came up with the idea, we put the call out, and the cowboys came from everywhere.

“For our shows we always do amateur, professionals and corporates, and most of the time the corporate fights have been footballers – rugby league and rugby union – but we’d never down cowboys.

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“They called in from everywhere keen to have a go, so we made it a while cowboy themed night. The boys loved it and the crowd loved it.

Among the cowboy fighters were renowned Australian bull riders Sam Curr, Troy Wilkinson, Jack Banks and Dan Ruhland, who are champions of the PBR national circuit and had the crowd in a frenzy with a tag-team boxing bout.

Stoneleigh Jackson stepping into the ring, supported by promoter Brendan Smith. IMAGE: DSL Photography

Hometown hero Jackson Griffiths was well suited to the cowboy theme – his skills as a horse breaker during his teenage years were what led to him becoming a boxer under the mentorship of veteran Pittsworth trainer Brad Smith, father of promoter Brendan Smith.

“One of my teachers at school knew my trainer, Brad, and Brad’s into the race horses,” Griffiths said.

“He knew that back in school I used to break in horses and ride horses, and he said ‘Brad’s got a couple of horses that he might need breaking in and riding’. 

“So I went down and I broke in two of two of his horses and rode a couple or them on the track. 

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“I can’t remember if I asked Brad if he could teach me how to box, or if we just got talking one day, but he just started me off in his car port one day with a boxing bag and away we went. 

“I started hitting the bag and six weeks later I had my first amateur fight.”

Brad Smith’s race horse property north Pittsworth where ran his horses is in a locality by the name of Stoneleigh, which also happens to be where Jackson Griffiths was raised as a boy.

One of the young thoroughbreds he broke in while working for Brad was given the stable name Stoneleigh Jackson.

Stoneleigh Jackson claims victory over Justin Ioane. IMAGE: DSL Photography

So, naturally, Stoneleigh Jackson also became Griffiths’ fighting name when we first got into the ring.

Griffiths said the alias was a nod to his coach and his upbringing, as well as an expression his appreciation for the district he calls home.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to go out and fight in your home town. You don’t always get to do that,” Griffiths said.

“For Brendan to be able to put on another show out there this soon was just awesome. 

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“The whole Pittsworth is just a great community and they always get behind their local boys, whether it’s in football or boxing. 

“I just like the town, the way they all get behind their boys, and I can’t thank them enough or getting behind me.”

Promoter Brendan Smith said: “We loving bringing it out to Pittsworth, out in the country, we hope to do this one year and I’d really like to explore doing more country shows.

“The town, the hospitality of the town, it’s like our home town, they always come out and support and get behind all fighters, not just the locals, it’s tremendous,” he said.

WATCH: Cowboy Corporate Fights at Pittsworth

Police hunt arsonists behind Wieambilla bushfires

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SUPPLIED | QPS

SPECIALIST arson detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command alongside Tara police are appealing to the public for information in relation to a series of 12 suspicious fires in the Tara and Wieambilla areas between January and April this year.

Seven fires were deliberately lit between January 29 and January 30, one fire on February 4, one fire on February 12 and three small fires on April 17.

The fire on February 12 resulted in an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act, with local police assisting with evacuating local residents and animals. 

A blaze off Kogan Condamine Road in January. (Supplied: Kogan and District Rural Fire Service)

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Thirteen homes were lost in this fire, which continued to burn for several days, with the emergency declaration remaining in place until February 14.

As a result of the 12 blazes, a total of more than 4600 hectares of land and natural habitat were burned along with the destruction of 14 homes and a number of vehicles and other structures.

Several persons were treated for smoke inhalation, but fortunately no one was seriously injured.

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Extensive investigations indicate the person/s involved in these arsons may reside in the Wieambilla area, with information indicating an early 90s model white Toyota Landcruiser utility was observed nearby several fire scenes.

Police appeal to anyone who may have sighted a vehicle of this description in the local area around the time of these fires, or who has any information which may assist investigations, to immediately contact police.

Detective Superintendent Craig McGrath said it is extremely lucky no one was seriously injured in the fires. 

Map showing the fire zone in the Wieambilla area of the Western Downs. IMAGE: Bushfire.io

“Deliberately lighting a bushfire can have catastrophic consequences, both to individuals and in the community,” McGrath said.

“Bushfires are a natural occurrence which play an important role in the sustainability of our environment – however the intentional starting of bushfires poses a significant risk to the public including the threat to life, property, the environment and wildlife.”

“There are heavy penalties for people convicted of arson, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.”

“We urge anyone who has information, no matter how small, to come forward and help us put those responsible before the court,” said Detective Superintendent McGrath.

Marauding maroons win ‘Outback State of Origin’

FOOTBALL COVERAGE SPONSORED BY INTURA

By HARRY CLARKE

THE scoreboard reflected a one-sided affair but that didn’t detract from the spectacle on display, nor the general celebration of country rugby league, as Miles hosted the first Beetson-Gibbs Outback Interstate Challenge held in more than a decade.

Hailed as the ‘fourth State of Origin’, the Beetson-Gibbs clash pits Queensland against New South Wales with players from rural and remote areas selected to represent their respective states.

The match was revived on Saturday for the first time since 2011 to coincide with Queensland Rugby League’s annual country round, which sees all Hostplus Q-Cup matches played in small towns around the state.

The outback origin in Miles was a curtain raiser for the Redliffe Dolphins match against the Burleigh Bears.

NSW prop and captain Aidan Orcher, from the Bourke Warriors, charges toward Queensland defenders Sam Munns and Eoin Bowie. IMAGE: Country Caller

“We’ve decided this is the opportune time to pay tribute to two legends of outback rugby league – Arthur Beetson and Ron Gibbs – and their contribution,” said QRL central regional manager Rob Crowe.

“We all know the story of ‘Big Artie’, who rose from a community outside Roma to become the inaugural Queensland Maroons captain and first Indigenous skipper of an Australian representative sporting team.

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“When we asked NSW Outback who they wanted to honour, they straight away said Ronny “Rambo” Gibbs, the former Easts, Manly, Gold Coast, and Wests backrower.

“Born in Brewarrina and raised in Bourke, Gibbs continues to dedicate himself to creating opportunities for players in outback NSW.”

Queensland lock Matt Eising, from the Chinchilla Bulldogs, looks for space. IMAGE: Country Caller

An inaugural outback origin women’s game was also held. Crowe said the QRL was committed to making the interstate clash an annual fixture.

A good portion of the Queensland men’s team came from the Roma & District competition but there was a handful of Longreach/Ilfracombe Tigers and Barcaldine Sand Goannas among the lineup.

Towering forwards Tasman Coombes and Rakeem Rainbow travelled 20 hours from Normanton for the match, while John Wichman came from Mount Isa.

South of the border, far western clubs including the Menindee Yabbies, the Wilcannia Boomerangs and the Broken Hill Scorpions were represented in the NSW Outback men’s and women’s teams.

NRL greats John Doyle and Nathan Blacklock, coaches of the Queensland and NSW outback teams. IMAGE: Country Caller

“It’s massive for NSW and Queensland players to represent their areas,” said Queensland Outback coach and former Maroon, John Doyle.

“All of the areas that they come from – no one hears about or talks about because cause they’re so far away. They get to put it on display here, and people see what’s out there and the ability that they’ve got.

“The fact some guys travelled 20 hours to play shows how committed they are and what it means to be here, so we’ll keep building that excitement about it and get this product better and better, so more people come out to watch them.”

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NSW Outback coach and St George Dragon legend Nathan Blacklock said the event was more about the experience and less about the interstate rivalry.

“The guys who came up have had a great time. It was a long bus trip but it brought the guys together from different areas, they’ve all come together and they’re mates now. 

“From here on there’s that mateship, they get to play the boys up here and hopefully we can host the Queensland fellas next year.”

Queensland Outback winger Ezekiel Thompson, from the Barcaldine Sand Goannas, launches for a high ball before running the length of the field to score. IMAGE: Country Caller

Following a nail-biting win by NSW Outback in the women’s game, Queensland dominated NSW right from kickoff in the men’s fixture.

There was hard and fast footy right across the park by the maroon team, highlighted by a blistering performance on the wing by Barcaldine’s Ezekiel Thompson (pictured) who scored three tries and kicked seven from ten conversions.

Queensland’s pack led by prop Chris Gelhaar and second rowers Tasman Coombes and Andrew Hart bulldozed down the middle and made life easy for play makers Matt York and captain Ollie Peak.

One of NSW’s standout performances came from fullback Dylan Ciprian, who was gutsy in defence whenever Queensland broke the line and handled plenty of pressure under the highball.

The final score was 52-0 to Queensland.

Queensland Outback men’s team celebrate theri 52-0 victory of NSW. IMAGE Country Caller

“We just came out and played our football, played the way we wanted to, stayed patient and just let the points come,” Peak said.

“Everyone’s just really keen to have a go. We’re all fit and keen to do the hard work. It gelled from the get-go.

“The idea of the Outback State of Origin is special, it gives guys from the bush a chance to be involved, to wear the Queensland jersey I suppose.

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“It’s good for our western competitions and up in the north west, because they don’t get much footy out there. It’s unreal for our league, and for places out here like Miles, having things like Q-Cup here gets us on the map.”

Following the interstate men’s and women’s game, the Redcliffe Dolphins recorded a comprehensive 38-6 win over the Burleigh Bears in the Hostplus Q-Cup fixture, entertaining the Miles crowd with perhaps the highest level of footy ever seen in the town.

Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin at Centenary Oval in Miles. IMAGE: Country Caller

Among the crowd was Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin, who said country rugby league was a special component of the sport in Australia.

“To think that we can pull together a side of passionate men and women to go against each other from NSW and Queensland – from the most remote places across our respective states – speaks to that passion,” Ikin said.

“That passion was on display today. It’s not what you would call State of Origin level execution, but the passion is exactly the same.

“Coming to places like this and watching this kind of football makes you feel good about rugby league. 

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“The bush represents something unique for Australia. There’s a difference in pace out here. There’s a wisdom in the bush that you just don’t get in the city. 

“When you encounter a bush footballer or someone who coaches bush footy, they think about and talk about the game a bit differently, they’re passionate about different things.

“I think what comes out of the bush is a very important and integral part of what we do and it balances up that very city-centric approach, particularly at the elite level. 

“There’s something very natural and organic about how footy is played out here and I don’t think the game should never loose that.”

Queensland and NSW Outback teams celebrate a great day of country rugby league. IMAGE: Country Caller

Retired racehorse reunites with former jockey

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By CAITLIN CROWLEY

A FORMER jockey and a retired racehorse have reunited long after their first victory together, forming a powerful bond while helping each other recover from injuries and build new careers after racing.

Geoff Goold first met Johnny, better known as “Credit Only”, back in April 2013 when the Queensland trainers he was working for as an apprentice jockey, Shane and Adam Barling, bought the bay gelding from Victorian trainer Peter Moody.

Goold, who is now the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s (QRIC) Deputy Chief Steward of Thoroughbreds, rode Johnny to his maiden victory at Eagle Farm in September that year.

Johnny relaxing at home. IMAGE: Supplied

“I rode Johnny the second day he turned up and he never put a foot wrong – he was always nice and quiet and didn’t play up,” Goold said.

While the Barlings saw racing potential, Goold said he and his partner Emma Herriot felt Johnny might also be suited to life as Emma’s dressage and show hacking partner.

Johnny started in 64 races, recorded three wins and had numerous placings before retiring from racing in 2016 with a minor injury.

He was rehomed at the time, but a chance event would bring him back into Goeff Goold’s life two years later, when Goold found himself recovering from a serious riding injury that ended his career as a jockey.

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“Shane Barling was driving past Johnny’s place and spotted him, so he went and enquired about the horse and it turned out his owner was trying to rehome him,” Goold said.

“When I picked him up to be our horse, I knew I wouldn’t be able to race ride again, so it was nice to have someone familiar who I spent a lot of time with when we were both racing.

“I could still enjoy the company of a racehorse, and it was a good time to have him while I was in recuperation after my career-ending injury.

“I was at a point when I was able to get around a bit more so having him gave me something to do while I was figuring out what I was going to do next.”

Goold said Johnny’s presence was therapeutic during the 10 months it took for him to walk again without mobility aids.

While Goold has forged a new career as a steward, Johnny has also successfully made the transition from racehorse to dressage and show hacking champion, just as Geoff and Emma Herriot predicted.

Johnny’s ribbons from Caboolture Show. IMAGE: Supplied

Emma’s hard work and some ‘Off The Track’ lessons run by Racing Queensland have paid off in a big way, with Johnny taking out the Champion Thoroughbred Class, Champion Thoroughbred Gelding and Supreme Champion at Caboolture Show last month, on top of a long list of dressage and show hacking titles.

Goold said transitioning from racing to dressage is like asking Usain Bolt to go from being a sprinter to doing gymnastics.

Johnny and Emma competing. IMAGE: Supplied

“But he’s got a lovely temperament, so that’s a big help – he doesn’t worry about any of those show carnival rides that start up near him – he takes everything in his stride, which is pretty much what he’s done since he was a racehorse,” he said.

“The Barlings have come out to watch him compete in a few shows, and they’re happy that he’s found a good home.”

Channel Country sunrise shot scoops major award

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By KATE BANVILLE

WHEN Lisa Alexander snapped an aerial view of the Queensland Outback she had no idea the image would become one of the world’s best.

Titled “The Channel Country comes alive” Alexander’s photograph was awarded best landscape nature photography at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists World Congress, held in Canada recently. 

Captured during sunrise in Windorah in August 2022, the drone photo was part of a four-image series highlighting the patterns and colours rarely seen across the vast and arid landscape which is home to more than 50 ecosystems.

“The Channel Country comes alive” by Lisa Alexander. IMAGE: Supplied

Knowing the region would be full of life brought on by flooding to the area, prompted Alexander to take to the skies but even she wasn’t prepared for the vibrancy of the landscape shown in the photo which became truly ‘one of a kind’.

“I only got three of those pink photos and there’s only one that I would use,” she said.

“I couldn’t get it again, I was just in the right spot at the right time with a drone. 

“The next day I tried to do it from a chopper and I couldn’t get it.”

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Unable to attend the awards, Alexander was at home in Blackall when word came through she’d won from her friend and journalist Sally Gall who’d travelled to the event for her own work. 

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the message from Sally to tell me I’d won and it was nice she was able to film it being presented,” Alexander said.

“I was amazed because I’m always hopeless at picking the ones people will like.

“I just photograph what appeals to me and I try not to overthink anything.”

The stunning photograph first captured the attention, and imagination of readers when it was published in the Bush Journal Magazine, before going on to be recognised as award-winning quality when it was judged as best landscape photo and then overall Queensland Rural Photo of the Year at the Rural Press Club of Queensland media awards last December. 

Managed by the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists, Ms Alexander’s work was awarded as the winning photograph for the nature/landscape section of the Australian Star Prize for Rural Photography, before launching it on the world stage at the IFAJ congress.

Sod turned at Wambo Wind Farm construction site

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By HARRY CLARKE

CONSTRUCTION of a new wind farm which will feature some of the country’s tallest onshore turbines is underway, as contractors break ground at the project site outside Jandowae on Queensland’s Western Downs.

The Wambo Wind Farm is a 50-50 joint venture between multinational renewable energy company Cubico Sustainable Investments and publicly-owned power generator Stanwell Corporation.

The Queensland Government has fronted $192.5 million towards Stanwell’s share of the project through its Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.

Wambo Wind Farm’s “Stage 1” will comprise 42 turbines, generating 252MW of green energy, while “Stage 2” allows for the construction of an additional 68 turbines to potentially double the facility’s power output.

The Wambo site is located only about 20km from AGL’s mega 453MW, 123-turbine Coopers Gap Wind Farm on the western foothills of the Bunya Mountains.

Map showing the location of the Wambo Wind Farm. IMAGE: Supplied

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Speaking at a sod turning ceremony to mark the official start construction, Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said: “This 42 turbine wind farm forms part of Stanwell’s rapidly accelerating pipeline of renewable energy projects set to total 9-10 GW of clean energy capacity by 2035.”

“Our growing pipeline means that we can expand our renewable offerings for our commercial and industrial customers and support the Palaszczuk Government’s target of 80% renewable energy by 2035.”

Cubico’s Australian head David Smith added: “Cubico has been developing Wambo Wind Farm with Renewable Energy Partners since 2019, so we’re incredibly excited to have moved into construction for stage 1 of the project.”

Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke, Energy Minister Mick de Brenni and Cubico Australia head David Smith. IMAGE: Supplied

“This is a real landmark in Queensland’s transition from coal to renewables and we’ve been very pleased to partner with the Queensland Government, Stanwell and Powerlink, which all share in our commitment to decarbonise Australia,” Smith said.

“Importantly, the project will play a significant role in supporting the Queensland Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan, and we are proud to be at the forefront of providing a transition to renewables for energy workers.”

The Wambo Wind Farm is expected to create about 200 jobs during construction jobs and will require up to nine ongoing operational and maintenance roles.

An additional 245 jobs will be created through Powerlink’s grid connection works.

Powerlink is building a new transmission line within an existing transmission corridor which passes through the Coopers Gap Wind Farm.

The process of installing the Wambo Wind Farm’s turbines is expected to run until December 2024. The facility expected to be producing energy by April 2025 and be fully completed by October that year.

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WATCH: Wambo Wind Farm sod turning. VIDEO: Supplied

Grants up to $15m available for capital works

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SPONSORED | DAVID LITTLEPROUD

FEDERAL Member for Maranoa and Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud, is pleased to announce that the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program is now open for applications.

Not-for-profit organisations and government entities are invited to make and submit an Expression of interest (EOI) for Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program.

Grants worth between $500,000 and $15 million are available to support capital works projects for community and economic infrastructure across rural and regional Australia.

Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, encourages all community groups across the Maranoa electorate to put forward their submissions and get their fair share of the funding, especially after the current Labor Government axed the Building Better Regions program, which delivered $56 million to
Maranoa alone.

“Regional communities are the backbone of our country and programs such as these are pivotal to helping regional Australia continue to grow and thrive,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It’s important our electorate gets its fair share of funding from programs such as these, so I encourage all of our local community groups and organisations to submit their expressions of interest for the opening round of the Growing Regions Program.”

Expression of interest submissions close at 5.00pm AEST on August 1 2023. More information can be found at the Department of Infrastructure’s website.