october2007

Not Many Old Houses Left In Kangaroo Point

For Sale in Baildon Street

For Sale in Ferry Road

Fifty-Seven Properties Up For Grabs At The BCEC

'It's About Money Isn't It?' poster on the railway bridge at Southbank

Desolate loving in your eyes
You used an' made my life so sweet
Step out like a god found child
I saw your eyes across the street
Who would be the fool to take you
Be more than just kind
Step into a life of maybe
Love is hard to find
In the church of the poison mind
In the church of the poison mind
In the church of the poison mind
In the church of the poison mind

'Church of the poison mind', from the 1983 Culture Club album, 'Colour by Numbers'

South East Queensland's rental market may be cruelly competitive right now, but property sales in the final throes of the property boom are decidedly lucklustre. Why else would Ray White hold a 'Property Auction Spectacular' to try and sell fifty-seven properties in one day [28/10/07]?

The mega-auction was divided into three sections, with assorted properties - houses, units and a lime farm - up for grabs. I attended the last section, each section had 19 lots, from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm, and no, it wasn't anything like what Paul Barry reported on from the U.S. in the 'Four Corners' episode - 'Mortgage Meltdown' (http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2007/s2032799.htm). This was no 'fire sale', more like a hopeful 'last hurrah' to squeeze some more life out of a market that may not be dead but isn't very well, let's say.

There were approximately 100 folks in attendance - half of whom were real estate agents in pointy shoes. Duelling auctioneers kept the action rolling as the overpriced properties were displayed on a large screen. The only frantic bidding that occurred was a result of intense pressure from the real estate agents on a family to keep bidding up a four bedroom house on a hill at Holland Park West. It was obvious that the other bidder was intent on getting the property as he quickly topped each agonisingly dragged out bid from the family man. The agents would have been delighted because this action got the vendor an extra couple of hundred thousand dollars, it eventually went for $1,280,000.

Otherwise the action consisted of would be 'vultures' trying for bargains or vendor bids, but the feeling was that there are no desperate people with suitcases full of approved finance who just can't find a place to buy.

The following three properties sold prior to the auction:

52 Union Street, Spring Hill - $755,000
49 Warmington Street, Paddington - $735,000
7/12 Lapraik Street, Ascot - $455,500

During the course of the auction, the following four properties were sold:

1028 Priestdale Road, Burbank - $856,000
Mareeba, Dimbulah Highway, Mutchiba (Lime Farm) - $1,211,000
29 Castle Hill Street, Holland Park West - $1,280,000
65 North Quay, Scarborough - $825,000

The others were either passed in or didn't attract a bid:

81 Heal Street, New Farm - passed in at $660,000
34 Cherington Way, Murrumba Downs - last bid was $360,000
18 Oriole Close, Banksia Beach - passed in without a bid
408-409/46 Surf Parade, Broadbeach - passed in without a bid
9 Oak Street, Hawthorne - last bid was $1,118,000
15 Cyril Street, Camp Hill (4 x 1 bedroom and 1 x 2 bedroom block of flats) - last bid $900,000
32 Small Street, New Farm - last bid $950,000
127 O'Quinn Street, Nudgee Beach - last genuine bid was $950,000, and was passed in at owner's bid of $1,000,000
1/584 Ipswich Road, Annerley - passed in at $270,000
29 Stanley Terrace, East Brisbane - last bid was owner's at $880,000

Unfortunately, I missed what happened with 608/108 Albert Street and 46 & 47/293 North Quay, and perhaps the first two sections were indeed 'spectacular'. In any case, don't expect to read about what really happened, or the true motivation behind buying and selling at this time in the clown corporate media!

SGIO Solar Panels To Power Brisbane's CBD

SGIO Solar Panels...Innovative

Refurbishment works on the old SGIO building on the corner of Turbot and Albert Streets have included the installation of solar panels which are set to power an area in Brisbane's CBD including City Hall, and the soon to be completed King George Square busway.

The solar panels are clearly visible on the western side of the building and take full advantage of the searing Brisbane afternoon sun.

It is hoped that the additional energy input into the grid, will mean that the street lights along Wickham Terrace heading down to the city toward Albert Street will now be operational.

Gold Coast Spit Open Space Again Under Threat With Training Centre: News From Save Our Spit

The Gold Coast Spit Open Space is again under threat of development with a Queensland Government proposal to build a maritime training simulator for shipping pilots on land adjacent to the sand-pumping jetty, even though it has no windows and no need to be located on the Spit.

Lois Levy, campaigner with Gecko - Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council, says that this latest proposal again demonstrates Government unwillingness to listen the community's clearly expressed desire for no development north of Seaworld.

"Once again it appears the Queensland Government is planning for a commercial use of The Spit parklands with this latest proposal. The Government just can't seem to leave The Spit alone," said Ms Levy. "It must be retained as parkland for our growing population and these commercial uses can be placed elsewhere."

Curiously, the draft application by Department of Transport for the training simulator lists the facility as "community purposesý when it is clearly intended to be a commercial operation with paying students.

"Gecko members cannot understand why this simulator has to be built on parkland when the simulator part of it has no windows and can be built anywhere," said Ms Levy. "This makes us highly suspicious that it is the thin end of the wedge. The excuse that the training centre needs to be close to accommodation and public transport just doesn't wash."

The proposal is for a 6.5 metre high building consisting of three simulator 'drums', a foyer, administration, ablution facilities, briefing / lunch rooms, instructors' room and storage and parking for 9 vehicles on an area of 980m2 of public land. It is intended to be open from 9 ý 5 for 6 - 8 trainees per day and employ 3 - 4 full time staff.

"Given that the Gold Coast does not have any shipping pilots for its seaway, it is very strange that this expensive facility will be purpose built here rather than in the Port of Brisbane and for only 6 students," said Ms Levy.

"Is this the beginning of grander plans for a marine precinct?" asked Lois. "We will be seeking further information from the Department of Transport and will keep the community informed."

You can send an automatic letter of objection here:

http://www.saveourspit.com/No_Terminal/customer/SimulatorLetter.html

Bligh Appoints Withers As Queensland Climate Change Head

Withers ... New Climate Change Head

In a surprise move, Captain Bligh has appointed legendary actress Googie Withers as the head of the newly created Queensland Climate Change office.

Captain Bligh said the announcement to have a Climate Change office was cynical, as well as surprising, given that last week the State Government introduced special legislation to prevent the Queensland Conservation Council from taking any legal action against a certain multi-national coal company.

Bligh ... Cynical

"This has similarities to my announcement that the Queensland Government will build a $35 million conservation centre for turtles and fish near the Traveston Dam," the Captain said.

"So don't you worry about that!"

Ms Withers could not be contacted, but has appeared in numerous Australian television series such as 'Boney', 'Barrier Reef' and 'Skippy'. Her big screen credits include 'The Lady Vanishes' (1938), 'One of Our Aircraft is Missing' (1942), 'Night and the City' (1950), and 'Shine' (1996).

Ms Withers was made Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002. She has been married to fellow legendary actor John McCallum for nearly 60 years.

One of those old, irrelevant political commentators that the ABC usually drag out said, "Queensland only experienced cronyism under the dark old days of Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen."

Why Didn't The Coalition Run A Candidate In The Brisbane Central By-Election?

I don't know. But here's a picture of a possum eating a sushi roll from a bin outside Government House!

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind?
	Gee these Christians seem to like executing people (people who execute people.....)
	Robert McClelland is inappropriate
	We need one standard for "us" and one standard for "them". It's simply double standards
	Make sure you run what you're going to say at community forums through News Ltd. first
	Exactly who does the Opposition Leader answer to?
	My mother waited for two days to be admitted to a hospital bed, and she has private health insurance

pollcode.com free polls

"Birdie" on Elizabeth Street [21/10/07]

'Cup of Robots' and 'Angel', captured on traffic poles George Street, 20/10/07

Johnnie Walker Bypass To Open Soon

Spring Hill residents are set to breath a sigh of relief as inner city commuters who use their streets as a rat run will be able to avoid the suburb by driving on the Johnnie Walker Bypass.

The $17.1 million bypass opened as the Normanby pedestrian and cycle link last weekend, and is expected to become a single lane bypass for cars in the next month. Instead of speeding through Spring Hill streets to collect Felicity and Sebastian from the private schools on Gregory Terrace, yummy mummies in their 4wds will be able to travel along the bypass to a "pick up zone", which will be constructed beneath the million dollar "Rich Kids Are Creative" complex.

Three views of the Johnnie Walker Bypass. The bikerider is just testing the road surface. The bollard is temporary and will be removed so cars can travel through very soon.

The Normanby link runs from Roma Street to Herston, and the Queensland Leader said the entire network of bikepaths will become part of the single lane highway by the end of 2008. According to a propaganda sheet issued by the State Government, drought resistent gardens will make the bypass more environmental, and provide a place for pissheads from the Normanby Hotel to toss their cans and bottles.

Closed circuit television cameras will ensure no pedestrians or cyclists use the path.

"Of course we will make an exception for aggro, lycra wearing wankers who get annoyed at meanderers," said the Queensland Leader.

"This path has absolutely nothing to do with amenity, and we only ever build infrastructure when our developer mates need a million dollar contract."

Wise words on the bikepath (soon to be Johnnie Walker Bypass) - just proves that the best poetry is unfunded by Arts Queensland!

Don't Write Him Off Yet! Ha Ha Ha Ha

Social commentary snapped on the Goodwill Bridge [20/10/07]

And 21/10/07

New Enrolment Still Open For Two Special Cases: AEC Media Release 19 October 2007

Electoral Commissioner, Ian Campbell said while the deadline for Australians not on the roll had passed at 8pm on 17 October, electoral laws provided an exception for two special groups who have until 8pm, Tuesday 23 October to enrol to vote at the 2007 election.

The special cases are:

Any young Australians turning 18 yrs of age between 18 October 2007 and 24 November 2007.
Anyone over 18 yrs of age who is notified by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship that they will be granted a certificate of Australian citizenship between 18 October 2007 and Friday 23 November 2007.

“I urge any young Australian who is celebrating their 18th birthday between now and election day and who isn’t enrolled, to do it before next Tuesday at 8pm,” Mr Campbell said.

“I also encourage people who will officially become an Australian Citizen before election day to also enrol by the 8pm Tuesday deadline.”

The same Tuesday 8pm deadline applies to Australians who are already on the electoral roll, but need to update their enrolment address. It is important to do this to be sure that you will be able to vote.

“Australians on the electoral roll who need to update their enrolment address or a change of name, must get an enrolment form to the AEC by 8pm this Tuesday to be sure of their vote,” he said.

Enrolment forms are available at the AEC website, Australia Post outlets or Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) Offices.

Note: Persons becoming citizens over the election period will need to use a special enrolment form. Find out more and download a form at: http://www.aec.gov.au/Enrolling_to_vote/Special_Category/new_citizens.htm

Check the AEC website or call 13 23 26 to verify your enrolment status, or if you need help.

Vita-Weats Get Curly

Dear Mr/Ms Vita-Weat,

Yesterday [19/10/07] I purchased a 250 gram packet of Vita-Weats from Coles in the Brisbane Myer Centre.

Today my husband opened the packet and found one of the vita-weats had a folded over corner. He ate it (with a slice of cheddar), but I took a digital photograph of it, which I can send to you if necessary.

Just so you know, he suffered no ill effects from said flawed vita-weat.

We've never encountered a malformed vita-weat in all our decades of enjoying these remarkably uniform crackers, and wonder how this could have happened, and if it is a regular occurance?

Cheers!

Where Is The Labor Member For Brisbane?

He is Arch Bevis. He wants to be re-elected as your Representative, but you would be wise to ask how he has been representing you over the last decade or so.

We don't know where he is today [19/10/07], what he stands for, what he will do or has done for you as Brisbane City residents. The best we can do is provide the following piss-weak extract from his website:

So it seems that Mr Bevis' message for his constituents is: "Vote for me!"

Compelling, isn't it?

Rudd A Dud On Transport: Community Action for Sustainable Transport Inc. Media Release 17 October 07

A group advocating sustainable transport is outraged at Kevin Rudd’s short-sighted and counter productive approach to funding transport in southeast Queensland .

Community Action for Sustainable Transport (CAST) have called on Rudd to immediately withdraw the proposed funding for the Northern Link tunnel in Brisbane ($500 million), Pacific Motorway upgrade ($455 million) and Ipswich Motorway upgrade ($1.1 billion).

“For this amount of money we could have 182 new train carriages to deal with overcrowding issues and to accommodate for the huge increases in patronage that will occur as fuel prices increase,” said CAST spokesperson Tristan Peach.

“The ALP’s transport approach is totally flawed and socially inequitable, and will lead to increased congestion, pollution and car dependence at a time when fuel prices are rapidly rising and transport related greenhouse emissions are a huge concern,” said Mr Peach.

“We need major Federal investment in sustainable transport so we can deal with current public transport capacity issues and make it easier for people to walk and cycle,” said Mr Peach.

“Mr Rudd has demonstrated a complete lack of vision, we believe that the money would be far better spent on sustainable transport projects such as buying more train carriages, buying back Brisbane’s Airtrain and extending rail lines from Petrie to Kippa Ring, Beerwah to Maroochydore, Robina to Cooloongatta and Springfield to Ipswich,” said Mr Peach.

“And our cities need comprehensive bikeway networks, not wider roads,” said Mr Peach.

“Labor say they want to ease gridlock, but their policies will increase it,” said Mr Peach.

“This is climate change hypocrisy from Labor – acting like they’re concerned but then adopting policy that will make it worse,” said Mr Peach.

“If Rudd is genuine about his supposed concern for working families then he would be investing money in affordable transport solutions for our suburbs, rather than keeping people in their cars,” said Mr Peach.

“The best way to save lives on the Ipswich Motorway is to give people a better option to driving – putting more cars and trucks on the road does not make it safer,” said Mr Peach.

1920s Spring Hill Heritage Building Demolished Today [8/10/07]

The Queensland Heritage Register entry pertaining to the St Andrews War Memorial Hospital Administration Building states:

"In 1927, a three storey brick building comprising a new dining hall, kitchen and student rooms was completed at a cost of £5000."

There seems to be no point to having a Heritage Register - so what are all those public servants in the Heritage Council actually doing?

Maybe if you vote for Grace Grace, she'll ensure that our heritage buildings are protected.

Or pigs could fly!

I was walking along Wickham Terrace today as this building was being demolished and was engulfed in a cloud of demolition dust. I also notice the demolition workers weren't wearing any protective gear.

Cough. Thanks St. Andrews.

Why Aren't There Dual Flush Toilets In Parliament House?

The Queensland Conservation Council had invited all political parties to last Saturday's [6/10/07] forum on climate change. The coalition and Family First did not send representatives, Senator Barnaby Joyce (Nationals) had agreed to attend but was called away at the last minute, apparently. So it was left to Senator Andrew Bartlett (Democrats), Senator Bob Brown (Greens) and Senator Claire Moore (ALP) to present their policies and points of view to an audience of about 300 who had gathered in one of the ballroom's at the Sofitel in Brisbane.

Speaking on behalf of the Turrbul and Jagera people, Aunty Valda from the Brisbane Council of Elders gave the welcome to country.

"We cannot sell our mother," she said.

Mr Toby Hutcheon from the Queensland Conservation Council introduced proceedings by stressing that the natural world is already under threat from climate change. He said that Tourism Queensland, the Queensland Farmers' Federation, the Bureau of Meteorology, the AMA and ACOSS have produced various reports outlining the future impacts and devastating environmental and social effects of climate change.

"It's very important we take steps now," he said.

The forum was moderated by Bill McDonald from Channel 10, and 150 audience members were issued with electronic keypads to record their voting preferences. This was distracting, unnecessary, and a complete waste of time, given the obvious "preaching to the converted" factor. In this light, the most surprising thing was that the coalition vote fell during the course of proceedings.

The Senators were presented with four questions relating to their plans to deal with climate change - whether they would legislate to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2050 and increase funding to ensure renewable energy of 25% by 2020, their policy on nuclear power and if they support Australia integrating climate change assistance into overseas aid.

Senator Andrew Bartlett won the draw to speak first and began by stating that when it comes to the issue of climate change, the federal government has been "negligent". He answered "yes" to the questions relating to legislating to reduce carbon emissions, increasing funding to renewable energy, and incorporating climate change assistance into overseas aid. Senator Bartlett made it clear that the Democrats do not support nuclear power, and said we need to look at meeting carbon emission targets by 2010 without nuclear power.

"It is too easy to promise something a decade or so down the track," he said. This needs immediate action says Bartlett.

He referred to the 'Rescue the Future' report which was initiated by the Democrats in the 1980s and tabled in 1991 with support from the Labor government.
As well as emphasising the crucial senate vote, Senator Bartlett acknowledged the obstacles against obtaining wider community support, but suggested that the individual might have more power to make change than he or she thinks.

"What are YOU going to do?" he asked the audience.

"That is what creates the political momentum."

Senator Claire Moore pointed out that she was limited in what she could say because she couldn't make any policy statements without head-office approval, and because Kevin Rudd and Peter Garrett were not able to attend.

Senator Moore said that the ALP supports cutting greenhouse emissions by 60% by 2050, and that more detail on the policy would be provided as the election campaign progressed. She also suggested that all levels of government have a role to play when it comes to tackling climate change, and would allocate $500 million toward clean coal technology.

"We're not turning our back on the coal industry," she said, although she later said of clean coal technology or "research into less dirty coal":

"We cannot say it is definitely going to work."

Senator Moore said the ALP does not support nuclear power.

"We think it is a diversion put in by the government to scare people," she said, later adding that exporting uranium is a "worry" and that "someone's got to look after the waste."

As for climate change refugees, Senator Moore referred to statements made by Peter Garrett and Bob McMullan, which indicated Australia must increase financial support so that people can remain in their own areas "where they can".

Senator Bob Brown began by pointing out that Australians "ought to be world leaders in finding solutions to climate change", whereas we are presently one of the world's largest supporters of the coal industry and loggers of old growth forests. He also said that the targets presented at the start of the forum were exactly the Greens policy. The Greens policy on nuclear power goes without saying, but for those who are unsure:

"We would keep the uranium in the ground," he said.

Senator Brown acknowledged Senator Andrew Bartlett for the "prodigious effort" he makes to ensure the proper operation of the Federal Senate, adding that Senator Bartlett and Senator Moore were the "more decent" people you can meet in politics - "and that's a rare breed".

He also referred to the Greens plan for a Solar Fund, which will divert $300 million from the coal industry.

Prior to the forum, I sent in the following question about public transport:

"On the assumption that a highly efficient, free, public transport system would permanently reduce the need for additional, expensive road/tunnel infrastructure, and would therefore represent enormous savings to civic budgets, is this simply impossible to countenance because of the road/car/oil/insurance business interests, which might have to contemplate reduced revenues as a result? Or is there some other compelling reason why public transport should not be free?"

The question was modified to exclude the "road/car/oil/insurance business interests" reference, but it was met with applause from the audience and guarded support from Senators Brown and Bartlett. The first step is to remove GST from public transport fares, according to Senator Bob Brown, but John Howard will not accept that.

The scam that is Carbon trading was only mentioned in the vaguest terms during the course of the forum. Along with the polar bears, two Mary River turtles made an appearance (one was real), and it was also revealed that there are no dual flush toilets in Parliament House!

This was one of the larger community climate change events held in Brisbane over the past year. Usually the same informed individuals make an effort to attend, and the major parties either refuse to participate, or give any indication their policies will actively address the problem. This is not surprising given that the major parties only ever superficially address their constituents' concerns, buttering them up with money to keep breeding and buying investment properties, while pandering to big business and the mining and oil industry with promises of corporate welfare.

Ideally, the Democrats and the Greens - whose policies on tackling climate change are the most realistic - should have the balance of power in the Senate in order to hold the major parties to account. Unfortunately most Australians glean their "information" and "news" from the mainstream media and the national broadcaster. And as Senator Brown said, the only time he's been on the cover of 'The Courier-Mail' was when they misrepresented the Greens policy on the coal industry.

In any case, climate change won't feature as a big election issue because most Australians are ill-informed and apathetic about climate change. Look at the wave of "green is the new black" consumerism being fostered by the mainstream media and our national broadcaster. It makes people feel like something is being done about climate change, and that's about it. Unfortunately most voters aren't going to seriously consider climate change until it's too late.

That $85 million toward policing for post-natal depression and porkbarrelling for roads and tunnels won't seem as alluring when your house is destroyed in a cyclone, your family and friends come down with Dengue Fever, and Nana can't look after you because she died from heat exhaustion!

BREAKING NEWS!! FAIRFAX SAYS "VOTE FOR HOWARD"!!

Why Has Fairfax's Credibility Gone Down The Toilet?

Regular readers may perceive a particularly critical focus on News Ltd's failings here at the 'Spring Hill Voice' Media Page. The reason we tend to focus more on Murdoch's rags (apart from the fact that they own about 70% of our newspapers) is that Fairfax tends to present as just a little less reprehensible and usually more bland.

So, as we approach the 2007 Federal election, readers who would like to think that Fairfax is somehow a beacon should perhaps remember these extracts from 'The Age' editorial on the eve of the 2004 election under the headline 'On Balance, Coalition Deserves Re-election':

According to the AEC, the federal electorate of Brisbane covers an area of approximately 77 sq km from Everton Park and Stafford in the north to the Brisbane River in the east and south and to Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron in the west. The main suburbs include Alderley, Ashgrove, Bardon, Bowen Hills, Brisbane City, Enoggera, Ferny Grove, Fortitude Valley, Grange, Kelvin Grove, Keperra, Milton, Mitchelton, New Farm, Newmarket, Newstead, Paddington, Red Hill, Spring Hill, Stafford, Upper Kedron, Wilston and Windsor.

Brisbane is mostly a residential electorate, but contains some light industry. It incorporates Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane City Council Chambers, the Enoggera Military Camp, QUT Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove, along with many Commonwealth Government, State Government and business administrative offices. The CBD and fringe suburbs are in the final throes of a property boom, and have undergone substantial development and experienced population increases.

Brisbane's inner suburbs have drawn an influx of well-moneyed and conservative professional types from south of the border and the outer suburbs, as well as large numbers of international students, but the really big money flows in from overseas. The Labor State government has made a concerted effort to match a discernable increase of likely liberal voters by backing the development of a significant number of 'community housing' complexes over the past few years. The outer areas of the electorate are well populated with vaguely conservative young "aspirationals" and their families.

Over recent decades all levels of government have failed to provide adequate infrastructure to keep up with the demands of Brisbane's ever increasing population. Consequently, although there are pockets of leafy loveliness, generally the urban landscape has been transformed from a sprawling tropical town, to an architectural and logistical nightmare. It's noisy, polluted and crowded. The "pokey out awning" reigns supreme within this namby pamby wasteland, dotted with soulless shopping centres and badly renovated pubs where you can't smoke, and get strange looks if you dare ask for "Heavy" XXXX instead of the more acceptable "Gold."

The electorate is poorly served by its media as a result of News Ltd's stranglehold on the news publication market. Vested interests are only revealed to the citizenry as a result of clashes between the powerful, real scandals are still invisible, and the city runs on spin and a web of misinformation and lies. Politically, Brisbane is staid. Global warming, international affairs, human rights and racial/religious issues do not factor into the lives of the majority of Brisbane residents, who drive to every destination (with their green bags), and are ill-informed about wars being perpetrated in their name.

From a local point of view, Brisbane has a decidedly whiffy underbelly, so it's convenient for party "heavies" and business leaders that the citizenry are fed a diet of propaganda, trash and sport rather than comprehensive coverage of political and commercial affairs. Despite the prevailing apathy, Brisbane residents are keen participants in News Ltd. sanctioned cultural and community activities and annual festivals - as long as there's somewhere for them to park.

Arch Bevis (ALP), or "Arch Bar" as he has been fondly dubbed by Wilston-Grange establishment types, has been the sitting member for Brisbane since 1990. Prior to his election, Brisbane was held by Manfred Cross (ALP) from 1980-1990 and 1961-1975. Cross, who has also served as State Secretary of the ALP, is well known throughout Brisbane for his service to local history, indigenous rights and Scouting Queensland. (In 1983, Cross asked Minister for Home Affairs and the Environment, Barry Cohen, to grant $400,000 to purchase a portrait of Captain Cook painted by Webber in 1782 for the National Library. Cohen, having held the position of Minister for only an hour or so, declined. The National Portrait Gallery purchased said portrait for $5.3 million in 2000.)

Bevis trained as a teacher and was an organiser in the Queensland Teacher's Union, before becoming Deputy General Secretary (1980 - 1990). He served as State President for Young Labor (Qld) in 1975 and National President of Young Labor in 1978. He has held a variety of shadow portfolios including Industrial Relations from October 1998 to November 2001, and October, 2004 to June 2005, when he was appointed as the Shadow Minister for Homeland Security, Aviation and Transport Security. In December of 2006, a change to the front bench has resulted in the addition of Territories to his portfolio, and following another change in March 2007, Justice and Customs was added.

Bevis is a reliable presence at community events and citizenship ceremonies, but he tends to keep his head down, which may explain why Liberal candidate Dr Ingrid Tall, gave him a run for his money back in 2004. Every month he distributes his community newsletter, 'The Bevis Report' throughout the electorate. Not so long ago, this newsletter was incorporated within the inner city news publication 'The Independent'. Now it goes out with all the other junkmail. Interestingly, among the "issues" that Bevis considers important - including defence, education and the economy - is "Journalistic Pecuniary Interests". Of this he says:

His last speech to parliament - regarding amendments to the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (2007) - was made early last month.

Liberal candidate for Brisbane, Ted O'Brien, trained as a baker with Defiance Mills whilst studying for a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland. He won an Asia-Pacific Fellowship sponsorship to work in Taiwan where he completed studies in Chinese Mandarin. In the mid-1990s O'Brien joined the Australian Ricegrower’s Cooperative as a business developer – a role that took him to countries across Asia.

He earned two Masters degrees in International Business - where he graduated with 1st class honours - and in Politics of the World Economy at the London School of Economics. O'Brien has worked as a business strategist for Accenture and has an established reputation as a strong advocate through the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) through his role as former chairman. O'Brien has close connections to the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull.

Over the past few weeks, O'Brien has been holding "Listening Posts" throughout the electorate, and distributing leaflets outlining such issues as "Cracking down on local crime" and "Delivering better, safer local roads". Judging from his latest letter, he believes that these and the issue of "hooning" are election winners. Given that the electorate is mostly immunised against information about National and International affairs, he could be choosing his issues wisely (even though they are not even areas of Federal jurisdiction).

Other candidates for Brisbane include business owner Elizabeth Guthrie (Greens). Guthrie is married to the Branch Membership Secretary of the Mt Coot-tha Greens, Wally Guthrie. (In July, the 'Courier-Mail' reported that Wally Guthrie is a "BP refinery employee", as with all 'Courier-Mail' reports this should be checked for truth). Born and raised in Adelaide, Guthrie worked and travelled overseas before moving to Brisbane in 2001.

Don Sinnamon is the Democrats candidate for the seat of Brisbane in the 2007 election. He is the Deputy President of the Qld Democrats and a founding member of Just Rights Queensland, the Queensland Peace Network and Queensland Nuclear Free Alliance. Sinnamon is also on the Queensland Management Committee of the Friends of the ABC.

Of course, it really is the Senate where the near future of Australia will be determined.

Brisbane based Senators are Senator John Hogg (ALP), Deputy President and Chair of Committees, Senator Andrew Bartlett (Dem), Deputy Leader of the Australian Democrats, Senator, The Honourable, George Brandis, Minister for the Arts (LIB), Senator, The Honourable Ron "Bozzie" Boswell, Leader of the Nationals in the Senate (NAT), Senator Russell Trood, (LIB), Senator Claire Moore (ALP) and Senator, The Honourable Brett Mason, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Aging (LIB).

Mr Jeff Buchanan (Family First), Sam Watson (Socialist Alliance) and Larissa Waters (Qld Greens).

For the last few years we have been renters, with Harcourt's Spring Hill as our managing agents. Their work has been notable for its incompetence. Only a fool would list a property for sale or rental management through such an agency.

There have been too many examples, so where do we begin? Well, they often send notices of inspection and we, being good tenants, re-arrange our day (often losing income) so that we are available and they usually fail to turn up for any inspection. Presumably they charge the landlord for the cost of an inspection.

Then there was the alleged rental increase that they didn't tell us about. For almost 18 months we had phone calls, and "breach" notices sent to us regularly, about being "behind" with rent. Every time we explained that the rent was up to date, but they insisted we were behind. Eventually they worked out that they had never advised us that the landlord had decided to increase the rent. Of course they hadn't told us - or even delivered any of the forms required by law - so all "arrears" were credited to our account. Followed, of course, by a rent increase!

We were willing to concede that there was one missing payment (in mid 2004) - so made good immediately.

Then there was the water issue. The basin and the toilet were leaking abundantly. We had made several calls and complaints to Harcourts Spring Hill about this over a few months but they ignored us (we have copies of the faxes). Then, they had the gall to phone us and tell us that the landlord was worried about our "excess water usage", and that was AFTER we eventually got them to fix the leaks!

But wait! There's more! What about the smoke alarms? Oh yeah, they had them installed by an unlicensed "handyman" and then sent an electrician around, at great expense to the landlord, to confirm that, yes, they have smoke alarms!! What a scam!! Not to mention the six months it took for them to address the collapsing bathroom floor. The illegal plumbing and the dodgy oven remain unfixed.

If you have an investment property with Harcourts Spring Hill, you should very seriously assess whether they are carrying out the inspections for which they are charging you; whether they are carrying out your instructions relating to your investment, and whether they are acting in your interests or theirs.

Let us be clear: There are Heaps of Real Estate Agents to Choose From and Harcourt's Spring Hill should Most Definitely NOT BE ONE OF THEM!!

Simply put, based on our very personal experience, they are a bunch of incompetent, unprofessional and hopelessly unorganised fools. If you like this style of operation then go right ahead, matter for you.

As for us, we're outta this dump of a house and soulless suburb - I hope it gets bulldozed to the ground!

* UPDATE * To the new tenant, I hope they fix the dodgy oven and smelly drain for you given that you are paying $30 more a week than we were!

A little bit of Shakespeare in the leafy environs of the Roma Street Parklands is a wonderful way to celebrate spring and escape the unpleasantly pretentious nouveau riche nightmare of Brisbane's inner city. The opening night of 'Much Ado About Nothing' on Thursday evening [4/10/07] was a welcome dose of culture and a joy to behold from start to finish. Performed by a group of dedicated players who comprise the University of Queensland based Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble, this version of the play varies slightly from the original script, and there are some character differences. Yet under Jo Loth's excellent direction, the timeless classic has retained its wit and wisdom, with contemporary touches that really resonated with the audience - yes, Benedick (Rob Pensalfini) even uses a 'Berocca' prop following the boozy masquerade ball scene!

The cast and crew have clearly put their heart and soul into this production. It's lighthearted and bounces along eliciting many laughs as the bewildered characters engage in their games of treachery, pretense and gossip.

The costuming is elegant and appropriate - Beatrice's (Jane Barry) locks are impossibly glossy, and Lady Juanita's (Kathryn Fray) slinky pantsuit contrasts well with the floaty 1950s style dresses and mary janes of the other female characters.

Lively and original musical accompaniment and interludes are provided by the adaptable Dr Rob Pensalfini, Stephen Mackie and Gavin Edwards, and set the mood as the audience arrive and take their seats.

Food and beverages are available, but you can bring your own. In fact, we ducked home during intermission for a bottle of wine! I would suggest that you pack your own small selection of nibbles and drinks in a hamper and settle in early to enjoy the atmosphere of this superbly real local theatre.

My only criticism is that this delightful performance doesn't take advantage of the entire amphitheatre stage and surrounds. I was expecting to be seated under the stars, along the terraces, as the warm breezes rustled the surrounding Moreton Bay figs - but this was not to be. Only half the stage area is used and the audience is corralled into the other half, and seated on an uncomfortable grandstand (although cushions are provided). I understand the threat of thunderstorms and an occasional bat poo can prove problematic, but planning for every possible contingency isn't really what Shakespeare is about. Indeed, he'd probably approve if a couple of freeloaders watched from afar.

The players project well and appear more than capable of translating their feisty performances from a full stage. Judging by the full-house on opening night, the extra seating space could be needed for future performances. This criticism is not of the performance, direction or production, all of which were superbly enjoyable, but probably more a lament that supply of this kind of quality entertainment so exceeds demand. The cosy full house loved the performance, the players, production and direction were excellent, and I hope they end up with an extended season using the full amphitheatre to packed out crowds. Well done, QSE!

'Much Ado About Nothing' will be performed throughout October in the Albert Park Amphitheatre of the Roma Street Parklands in Spring Hill.