My last column on the “Onsen Development” Approval by Council and the dire precedent it will set for our Mountain’s future was very lengthy, so this column will be a short one.

More on this issue is coming.

Coleman Square Kindy Open Day
I attended the open day at the 23 Coleman Square kindy last Sunday, and really enjoyed the unique atmosphere and meeting all the friendly and capable teaching staff. It’s such a nurturing place. My wife (Mrs Swany) used to do relief teaching there over the last 20 years, and it brought back many good memories. As she reminded me, when our children were small and we were new to town, there were so many positive benefits when young mothers got together with their children for the lifetime memories and friendships that were created.

If you would like to get involved in a playgroup at the kindy, call teacher Kirsten Poulet on 0491 079 433, or email staff@tmckindy.org.au . The next one is on Friday 2nd September 9-11am.

Tourism Awards
As you are aware, Tamborine Mountain was recently voted the top Queensland Tourism Town for 2022 (population over 5000 people) by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

We should be very proud. For those of us who live here, we know why it is so popular. It’s the spectacular views, sunsets, the environment, the night sky unpolluted by unshielded street lighting, controlled signage to avoid visual pollution, the clean air, fauna and flora, our awesome tall trees, rainforests, waterfalls, our close proximity to two international airports, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, our high performing schools and first-class tourism accommodation, shops and attractions. Most of all, it’s our welcoming and caring community.

Because Tamborine Mountain won the Queensland Award, we have progressed to the Australian Tourism Industry Council 2022 Top Tourism Awards, and the winners will be announced in Canberra at the Mural Hall Parliament House on Monday 13th September 2022.

Roadworks
Our Mountain’s greatest threat is inappropriate development and decaying infrastructure such as roads, recreational footpaths and bicycle ways that are not being maintained or replaced as fast as they deteriorate.

It is a welcome sight to see Main Roads about to do some serious road work from the Fiveways to Curtis Falls turnoff. Let’s also hope that all those white markings on the roadways lead to some serious maintenance of the rest of the road network, befitting a Top Tourism Town.

Derek Swanborough
Councillor. Division 1
derek.s@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
Ph 0436 351 567