Downs riders follow tradition of horsemanship
Endurance riding competitions are not a spectator sport but the event is one that is loved by horse owners because it is one where the rider works closely with their horse not for the fastest time to cover a course, but to cover the course in a time that is within the horse’s fitness capabilities … Neeve Whittaker, 17yo of Silver Pinch, completed the 160km on El Sharana Sherif in 14:26, to place 1st in the Junior division.
Treeless housing estates impact liveability
It would seem that the first step in developing a new housing estate is to bulldoze the land to a point where no trees are left standing, but is this good planning or a danger to the health of future inhabitants? Images of new housing estates in the local area generally present a frightening view of houses on small postcard sized blocks of land without a tree in sight or the room to grow one.
East Greenmount fire a warning sign
A significant team of firefighters was needed to battle a large grassfire which broke out alongside the New England Highway between East Greenmount and Eton Vale on Saturday afternoon ... Mr Greer said the region is carrying a heavy load of fuel in the form of dry grass as a result of good rain earlier in the year, a recent extended dry period and a number of severe frosts.
Mixed messages on deforestation
Two conflicting reports on land clearing during the last week are likely to leave Queensland residents confused over the issue and make it difficult to decide as to what is fact, bias or just propaganda. The Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, Scott Stewart said the latest Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) report and accompanying vegetation management analysis shows Queensland’s vegetation management laws continue to protect native ecosystems ... In the same week the Queensland Conservation Council used the same SLATS report but put forward its concerns over the report’s findings.
The Empire launches festival program
The Empire’s popular family festival Thrive on Arts will return from September 26-29, celebrating all things nature and the environment. Sponsored by C&K Childcare and Kindergarten, Thrive on Arts is an annual four-day festival celebrating play, imagination, creativity and storytelling, held during the spring school holidays alongside the iconic Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
Small store of the year
The Local Grocer IGA Westbrook has been chosen from over 400 stores Australia-wide as the IGA National Small Store of the Year. The award was presented on Monday, 15 July, at an awards night attended by staff members including owners Shane and Tracy Smith who also run the IGA Pittsworth store.
Water security bolstered
Toowoomba Regional Council's (TRC) $40 million major upgrades to the Mt Kynoch water treatment plant were officially opened on Monday, supporting water needs into the next decade. Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said TRC had invested $40 million in the Stage 4 upgrade to implement modern water treatment processes.
