I was concerned to see reports of a council resolution not being debated recently because a majority vote of Council (with one councillor absent) put it aside on the basis that all councillors had a conflict of interest on the matter. That conflict, apparently, stemmed from the fact that matters to be debated had been reported on in the media, and some locals had advocated to councillors in a particular way. It seems to me that almost every issue of contention – perhaps even every issue whatsoever – could give rise to such a “conflict”. Media write reports. Voters lobby their representatives. That’s democracy.

The laws that enabled this “conflict of interest” to stop debate are State laws. Having received correspondence from a number of residents, I will be asking the Minister for Local Government to fix this system.   

SHOP SCENIC RIM GIFT CARDS
Support local businesses and families in your area this Christmas by partaking in the Shop Scenic Rim community gift card program. A great gift idea, Shop Scenic Rim operates region-wide and works to promote local businesses and boost the local economy via $10-$1000 gift cards which can be bought online or at selected stores and redeemed at participating Scenic Rim businesses. There are more than 60 businesses participating in this initiative. Gift cards can be purchased at:
- My Country Escape, Canungra
- Amcal Pharmacy, Beaudesert
- Oppy’s Fruit & Veg, Boonah
- Infinity Pharmacy, Canungra
- Curtis Falls Café, Tamborine Mountain
- Or online here

Tips on how to prepare for summer floods and bushfires
Summer is just around the corner, meaning that now is the time to start preparing for the worst-case scenario this disaster season. As the saying goes, ‘hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.’

Our summer can bring storms, floods and bushfires – this past week has been a timely reminder of how hot and dry conditions can lead to perfect conditions for fires in our local environment. Some handy tips for the season include:
- Keep important personal documents such as birth certificates, passports and other legal documents in a handy folder in case you need to evacuate quickly. Scenic Rim Council has in the past provided handy document folders for this purpose.
- Download emergency alert and news apps such as BOM and ABC News and enable push notification services so that you are alerted with weather changes, road closures, and local updates.
- Keep an eye on the weather and changing conditions.
- Back up your data and important information such as contact details and personal photos via the cloud or online services.
- Save emergency phone numbers such as your local Police, Fire, SES teams, friends, and family on your phone and somewhere safe.
- Consider buying a phone charger that is not dependent on a power outlet.
- Enable Wi-Fi calling and Wi-Fi SMS (if this works on your phone) so that you can send and receive messages and calls if your mobile network signal is down.
- Make sure your phone is charged.
- If your mobile network is displaying SOS instead of signal bars, you can still call 000 and receive emergency assistance.

SOMETHING I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT?
Please don’t hesitate to let me know by email on scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone on 5515 1100.