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Be More Security Conscious With Vehicles

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Be More Security Conscious With Vehicles

Toowoomba Police are concerned at a rise in cars being stolen over the past weekend.

Since 9th January, five cars were stolen from the Toowoomba area, from Rangeville, Newtown, Middle Ridge and Cotswold Hills. Of these,  two had keys in the ignition when taken – one was unlocked and two were burglary breaks where the keys were taken from inside the house. Two of the vehicles were taken from the driveway whilst the owners were present at home.

Toowoomba police are worried that residents are leaving themselves vulnerable to this sort of crime and that it gives offenders the propensity for other crime to occur, such as Fuel Drive offs which then makes victims of the businesses.

Offenders are using the vehicles to be more mobile, taking them to locations to steal other vehicles and to other areas such as Ipswich and Brisbane.

Police are asking residents to take care, lock your vehicles, don’t leave the keys in the vehicles, lock your homes and secure the keys in less obvious locations, making it harder for the offenders to take your property.

Tony Rehn
Crime Prevention Officer
Darling Downs District
Queensland Police Service
Ph  07 4631 6907
P.O. Box 144, Toowoomba Qld 4350
QPS website: www.police.qld.gov.au
13 1444 Policelink
Crimestoppers 1800 333 000

 

Additional Drive-in COVID-19 Testing Site For Toowoomba

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Additional Drive-in COVID-19 Testing Site For Toowoomba

Darling Downs Health has opened an additional pop-up drive-in COVID-19 testing site at the Toowoomba Showgrounds in response to the evolving situation in Brisbane.

The Showgrounds pop-up site will re-open Saturday 9th January until Monday 11th January, 8am to 4:30pm. To access the site, please use the main entrance at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, and follow the road to the Founders Pavilion.

This weekend, you can also get tested at the below locations and times:

Charlton BP Truckstop
Open seven days a week, 8:30am to 4pm This testing clinic is available to people travelling in cars, trucks and vehicles with caravans.
Baillie Henderson Hospital drive-in site
Open until Monday 11th January, 8.30am to 4pm.
Warwick Hospital pop-up drive-in site
Open until Monday 11th January, 8am to 5pm. Please phone ahead on 4660 3900.
Stanthorpe Hospital pop-up drive-in site
Open until Monday 11th January, 8am to 5pm. Please phone ahead on 4683 3400.
Goondiwindi Hospital pop-up drive-in site  Open until Monday 11th January, 8am to 5pm. Please phone ahead on 4578 2400.

Opening hours for all our testing sites are subject to weather. Keep an eye out on the Darling Downs Health Facebook page for updates.

Our testing locations can be busy, so please be patient. Waiting times at testing locations can vary so please be prepared to wait and bring your Medicare card and other items you may need (for example, your mobile phone, phone charger, medications you may need to take while waiting, food and water, hat and sunscreen).

For more information about our testing sites, please visit www.health.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns or phone the Darling Downs Health COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 468.

We’re all working together to keep everyone safe. If your local testing clinic is crowded, consider attending another one. A full list of testing sites can be found here: www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing

Cressbrook and Perseverance Dams Closed

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Cressbrook and Perseverance Dams Closed

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has closed Cressbrook and Perseverance Dams for water-based activities until further notice.

TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said Council officers had made the decision to stop water-based activities at the two dam sites as required under recreational guidelines.

This is a precautionary closure to ensure visitors do not suffer any health concerns due to toxins present in Cressbrook Dam and elevated levels of E.coli in Perseverance Dam,” Mayor Antonio said.

Council will conduct its regular testing regime to determine when the dams can re-open.

We appreciate the timing of these closures aren’t ideal and while we would have preferred to have the facilities open for families over the Christmas period, we simply can’t take any health risks by allowing water-based activities at this time.

Fortunately, Council’s treatment plant is capable of treating this level of toxin and as such there will be no change to the picnic ground or camping ground sites so community members are welcome to use these facilities.

Council monitors its dams weekly for algae and numerous microbiological parameters including E.coli. We also test chemical parameters such as iron, manganese, alkalinity, hardness, ammonia, nitrate, colour, turbidity and phosphate

The treatment process is also closely monitored (daily). When the water leaves the treatment plant, we conduct tests in the distribution system under our Drinking Water Quality Management Plans.

These plans line up with the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.

To view activities open or closed at the dams, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/damstatus

Brendan Steinhardt
Principal Media and Strategic Relations
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
Toowoomba Regional Council

Backyard Pools Pose Major Risk Zone

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Backyard Pools Pose Major Risk Zone

Thousands of backyards across Australia pose a major safety risk this summer with only half (55%) of pool owners knowing if their pool fence complies with Australian fencing standards[1].

Concerningly, despite 87% of all swimming pool drowning deaths of children under five occurring in backyard pools[2], a third (34%) of pool owners have never checked the safety of their gate and fence, whilst 42% are unaware of the correct fence safety gate hardware required.

Laurie Lawrence   (Ignite PR/Photo by Jono Searle)

The research carried out by D&D Technologies reveals that although 81% of pool owners are aware that a faulty, unlatched or propped-open gate was the most common reason a child got into a pool area unsupervised, one in five (20%) parents still have no idea what to check to ensure their gate and fence are secure.

Last year, 12 children under five drowned, with one in two (50%) taking place in backyard pools. With swimming lessons severely interrupted due to COVID, the need for increased precaution this summer is essential.

Ahead of ‘Check-Your-Pool-Gate Month’ this December, D&D Technologies is launching the ‘Sense Of Summer’ guide to help families understand what areas they need to check to safeguard their backyards and pool. The guide also shares ideas for parents to make the most of a ‘staycation’ and family time this festive season.

[1] Survey of 1,002 Australian pool owners conducted by Pure Profile for D&D Technologies, November
[2] https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/33178/RLS_NationalDrowningReport2020LR-FINAL.pdf

Safety Checklist for Pool Gates
Gate should open outwards, away from the pool
Latch release knob should be at least 1500mm above ground level
Gate must be self-closing and self-latching
Gate hinges should be rust-free and bind-free
Gate should carry reliable, tension-adjustable hinges
Latch must be adjustable for height and width
Hinges must be adjustable for closing tension.
Latch cannot be key-locked in the open” position
Latch cannot be disengaged using implements
Gate latch cannot be shake nor jolted open
Gate will shut securely from any open angle or force
Gate complies with all Australian Standards for pool safety

Submitted by:
Olivia and Cavill
MediaNet

The Deadly Side Effects Of A Queensland Summer

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The Deadly Side Effects Of A Queensland Summer

Danger Sun Overhead is calling on all Queenslanders this summer to play it safe in the sun but particularly employers and employees involved in outdoor work.

As Queenslanders venture outdoors to enjoy the freedom of a hopefully COVID free summer, we must be aware of and ready to defend ourselves against the hazards of prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate safeguards.

The first days of summer also mean our risks increase as our hot climate, historical approach to sun protection, and an outdoor lifestyle, contribute to make Australia the global ‘skin cancer capital.’

Yet for many Queenslanders, non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is a relatively unknown health issue. A new report by SANOFI titled The Burden of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) in Australia predicts that approximately 587,000 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2020.

97 per cent of those diagnosed will be for a non-melanoma skin cancer and many of these will be Queenslanders. The modelling in this report predicts that in 2020, 1,700 adults in Australia will die from advanced melanoma.

And some of us are more at risk than others.

DSO General Manager Jo Crotty says that at DSO we have known for a long time that occupational exposure to sunlight is a significant risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer. People who routinely work outdoors are at higher risk than those who are indoor workers.”

A person’s job affects their risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, mainly in relation to whether the work leads to continual sun exposure.

Occupations in Building and Construction that involve outdoor work are associated with increased skin cancer risk.”
The clock is ticking, and we need to ensure these industries are stepping up and taking responsibility this summer for providing safe workplaces.

They need to ensure they are making available sunscreen stations, appropriate PPE and ensuring regular breaks are taken to address hazards such as heat stress.

This new report confirms what we already know at DSO – that awareness impacts on behaviour toward sun safety. We also want to issue a heartfelt plea to all Queenslanders this summer to takes personal responsibility for their sun safety, whether that be those workers in outdoor industries or whilst pursuing their sporting and recreational pursuits.

These facts are all too real for the founder and General Manager of DSO Jo Crotty who lost her husband Rohan, after a fight against the deadly melanoma skin cancer. It followed a career in the building and construction industry where he experienced prolonged UV exposure.

Spotted at Toowoomba City Aerodrome

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Spotted at Toowoomba City Aerodrome

This Amphibious Air Tractor 802A Fire Boss aircraft dropped in to refuel. Presumably VH-FNA was en-route to Fraser Island to add to the aerial fire-fighting capacity battling the blaze on the island.

So far, 17 aircraft including the Large Air Tanker have dropped almost 1 MILLION litres of water (997,000 litres to be exact) on the fire.[fotopress-video src=”https://lovelocalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/QFES-Kgari.mp4″ skin=”skin1″ width=”640″ height=”360″]Ground crews are being assisted by water bombers and heavy plant equipment to strengthen a fire containment line along Cornwells Road in the south.

The eastern side of the fire is now located approximately 3.5 kilometres to the north west of Happy Valley.

Heavy Plant equipment is being used on Old Happy Valley Road and water bombing aircraft continue to work slowing the progression of the fire. (QFES – 11.20am Saturday 5 December)

Travel to the island remains restricted to local residents, essential service providers and emergency services only.

 

Ground-Breaking Road Safety Program To Save Lives

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Ground-Breaking Road Safety Program To Save Lives


With just weeks before the end of Term 4, schools around the country are being urged to roll out a free road safety program to help save teenagers’ lives this holiday season.

RoadSet is a unique online course teaching Year 9 students the skills to be safe road users whether they’re on a bike, skateboard, scooter, on foot or a passenger in a vehicle.

More than 5000 students have already trialed the Australian Government funded pilot program, which has now had new lessons and content launched ahead of the Christmas break.

Australian Road Safety Foundation founder and CEO Russell White said traditionally, 14 and 15-year olds were generally forgotten when it came to road safety education.

Mr White said RoadSet was designed to align with the Australian curriculum. Road trauma remains the biggest killer of Australian children aged one to 14 and one in two Australians know someone who has died or suffered permanent injury as a result of a crash,” he said.

Small children are often taught to Stop, Look, Listen and Think and there are programs aimed at teens on their L plates, but until now there’s been very little in-between to teach 14 and 15-year olds how to be safe around roads.

We know the Christmas period is a shocking time for our road toll and we believe if teens are armed with the skills and knowledge to be road set, it will go a long way in helping to save lives over the summer holidays.”

The RoadSet program uses animation and games to engage students and provides teachers with ready-to-use worksheets and answers. It means community organisation volunteers, youth group staff and parents can also deliver the program.

With schools wrapping up for the year, it’s a perfect opportunity to spend time teaching lifesaving lessons to better protect our kids heading into the holidays. The program expansion means there are now 10 modules to complete.”

The goal is to deliver RoadSet to every Year 9 student nationally over the next 12 months.

NAIDOC Week 2020

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NAIDOC Week 2020

This week we celebrate the history, culture and strength of our First Nation’s people, who’ve lived and cared for this land we get to live on for over 65,000 years.NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all of us to come together and celebrate the histories, cultures, customs and achievements of First Nation’s peoples.

Celebrate First Nation’s tourism at the QTIC Destination IQ online event this Thursday – you can register to watch online here

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