Incredible recovery for this neglected animal thanks to Geraldton Dog Rescue

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"Geraldton Dog Rescue would sincerely like to thank everyone involved in the care of Demi over the last 4 month. The Geraldton Ranger services, Chapman Animal Hospital, Sanford Vet Clinic, Midwest Vet clinic, Jo from Dirty Dog Busters, GDR foster carers Jenny and Melody and most of all, the Geraldton Community for your well wishes, donations and support xxx
Demi was finalised today and became Miss Demi Schofield. 
Melody, Donnie, Coco (BF) and Dusty (Blue Heeler) are over the moon xxxx"

Pages Beach given all clear

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Pages Beach North back in action

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the community that further samples have been taken at Pages Beach North to assess the water quality.

Results have now been received and show there is no current health hazard present and the health warning has now been lifted.

For further information please phone 9956 6600.

Corellas to be culled after residents complain that birds were simply relocated to other parts of Geraldton

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Deepdale residents are hopeful that they'll be able to deal with the large number of corellas in their area, after obtaining permits from Dept of Parks and Wildlife to conduct a small cull of the birds. 

In January, City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the amount of corellas in the City is estimated at 7500, half of last year’s population. He hailed a relocation program conducted by the city as a success. The Relocation Program uses a gas gun, firecrackers and a handheld device that fires percussion cartridges into the sky close to where the birds roost. 

But some residents of Geraldton disputed the success of the program, claiming the birds had simply moved to other Geraldton suburbs, outside of the CBD. 

We spoke with one local affected by the birds who said a few residents got together to discuss what they could do about the bird problem and investigate the matter. They applied to the Department of Parks and Wildlife for a permit to carry out a small cull on the birds. The Department confirmed that permits had been issued in the Deepdale area. 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said regarding the culling of the birds,

“The control and management of native wildlife is a State Government responsibility dealt with under the umbrella of the Department of Parks and Wildlife. As per the Department of Parks and Wildlife website it is clear that each property owner is responsible for their own land. It is the decision of the individual land owner to obtain a permit to undertake culling of wildlife on their property. This is not a Local Government decision. In 2015 it was predicted that populations of Corellas were sitting at over 15,000 and this year and after the City’s recent relocation program the numbers have halved.”

Image: David Ford

Can't Win

Opinion

In the past, the CGG has conducted its own culls on the corella population. But following complaints from some members of the public, they investigated an alternative way of moving the birds on. 

While the city said the program was a success, in that it has stopped the tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to public infrastructure and valuable trees, some residents feel like the city should have just bit the bullet and used ... a bullet. 

But even the more pleasant method of scaring the birds attracted complaints. EG received multiple complaints from irate members of the public who believed that even scaring the birds was a terrible idea. 

What seems lost on most people complaining though is the amount of damage the birds do, and the fact that they're an introduced pest. 

Nobody bats an eye at the hundreds of foxes, rabbits, cats, pigs and dogs the Shire of Chapman Valley talk about, very publicly, shooting each year. They even have competitions to see who can get the most kills, with prizes and cooked breakfasts.

Unless you're a vegan and have an underlying philosophy of never harming a living creature, I can't understand the complaints.

It seems quite odd for people to eat Chicken Treat for dinner, and then complain that a bird has been shot. 

It doesn't seem to matter what the team at the City of Greater Geraldton does on this matter, one group or another are going to be up in arms. (No pun intended.)

It's nice to see a group of proactive residents take up the task of dealing with the birds, rather than just waiting for a government body to do it for them.

The birds in question are an introduced species, and are not native to this region, according to information from NACC. (See below.)

Comments posted on EG's facebook page following news of the CGG Relocation Program's success. (Link)

The City of Greater Geraldton will introduce a new method to relocate corellas from its CBD. The corellas that the...

Posted by Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) on Thursday, December 10, 2015

"Keep a eye out around the airport you might be lucky enough to see a wedge tail eagle having a cockatoo dinner like I did yesterday."- Lawrence Hillary

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Saturday, January 23, 2016

 

This business owner was already struggling. Now this!

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Martine Spowart was already doing it tough, running a small business to help make ends meet. Then this morning some vandals decided to make life that much harder. 

Batter Up Fish and Chips was broken into between 6 and 7 am this morning (Thurs 11 Feb 2016). The owner told us that Police were unable to obtain any finger prints.

The till had been smashed on the floor, but there was no money in it or anything else of value in the store. So the would be thieves left empty handed.

Martine isn't sure if the cost of the damage will be covered by insurance, the outcome of which will affect whether she is able to stay in business. 

She was still positive though, saying that it could have been worse. It was also a nice surprise that the "Make-A-Wish" fundraising tin hadn't been taken. 

"By the looks of it yes I will be [open tonight]. So many people have posted offering their help and support. I am blown away by the generosity of our Geraldton community."

Miles Glass & flyscreens are fixing the damage today. 

If you want to help out over the coming days and order some fish and chips, give Batter Up a call on 9923 2044. They're located in Bluff Point at Shop 2, 436 Chapman Road.

Click here for more info on Batter Up. 

If you did spot anything suspicious this morning in the area, or you can assist Police in any way, please call them on 9923 4555. 

Warning of high bacteria levels at Pages Beach

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The City of Greater Geraldton is urging residents to exercise caution when engaging water activities at Pages Beach North after high levels of the Enterococci bacteria were detected after routine sampling.

Swimming and other water-based activities like fishing and boating can lead to infections such as gastroenteritis. The risk is higher if water is accidentally ingested.

Enterococci are commonly found in the stomach of warm blooded animals and humans. High levels of these bacteria can help indicate a decrease in water quality. Although Enterococci are not harmful themselves, they can indicate the possible presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain/cramps, fever, tiredness, body aches and generally feeling unwell.

If you fall ill after visiting Pages Beach North seek medical advice from your doctor.

Another announcement will be released once further tests have taken place in the coming days to indicate whether bacteria levels have reduced.

Update 12/2/15

Pages Beach North back in action

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the community that further samples have been taken at Pages Beach North to assess the water quality.

Results have now been received and show there is no current health hazard present and the health warning has now been lifted.

For further information please phone 9956 6600.

A memorial gift for Greenough murder victims' family

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A community member has decided to put together the following project for the family of the Greenough murder victims. 

"Another anniversary of the Greenough Murders draws closer. As a community we have all spent a long time angry, hurt and confused by this senseless act of violence. We each lost a friend, a member of our community - and with it, a part of our own innocence was lost. These feelings have never left the family of Karen, Daniel, Katrina and Amara. For them it is something they remember every day. For some years now I have been in contact with Karen's sister Evelyn. We've shared memories and frustrations, with many of the good memories and knowing her family are not forgotten, helping her everyday to keep fighting. This year, I'd like to put together some positive support from within our community, a small gift Evelyn and her family. I'd like to create a digital wall of memories. Of OUR memories of our time with the family and invite you all to play a part. If you'd like to be involved, it is very simple .... and it doesn't matter how small a memory it may be. Perhaps something adorable one of the girls did... or a fun moment shared with Karen or Daniel. A hug that made you feel like you'd found your best friend - right there. Simply email your memories to ourcommunitywall@gmail.com and they will be added to a new blog being established, to go live on the eve of February 21st. There will be no limit on the word count and you may choose whether your memories are published with or without your name. Please aim to have your memories sent through by February 18th to be included in the launch."
- Melanie Comito

Locals gathering in a peaceful show of solidarity for children being sent back to Nauru

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A group of locals are gathering this evening in front of of the Geraldton Courthouse in response to news that a group of children are to be sent back to Nauru. 

This is the message they have sent in to EG:

We are arranging a peaceful gathering in solidarity with the children being sent back to Nauru. The gathering is synchronised with others around the nation. 
TONIGHT at 7:00pm
on the lawn in front of the Geraldton Courthouse
(corner of Marine Tce & Forrest St)
Please bring a candle or a small light, 
and a sign such as "Let Them Stay" if you're able. 

Click here for more info on the "Stand for Sanctuary" efforts happening around the country today.

Wildflower lovers will enjoy this article from "Flowers Across Melbourne"

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Wildflower lovers will enjoy this article from "Flowers Across Melbourne"

Geraldton gets quite a few mentions as you can imagine.

Interesting note from the article: "Western Australia alone has more than 12,000 species of native wildflowers, more than 60% of which can only be found here and nowhere else on earth."

Click here to read.

Crash Update- Two seriously injured

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Yesterday afternoon around 3:50pm a crash occurred near White Peak Rd on the North West Coastal Highway. 

Police have issued the following information, and would like anyone who has information regarding the crash to come forward.  

  • No fatalities have been reported by Police. 
  • Two people were seriously injured.  
  • The crash was a head on collision involving two vehicles.  
  • A 42 year old woman from Northampton and a 29 year old man from Dianella were injured 
  • The vehicles involved were a Kia Sorento and a Hyundai Veloster
  • Call Police on 99234555 if you can provide Police with any information regarding the crash.  

Guns and Drugs seized in raid

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Firearms and drugs were seized at a Mahomets Flats residence yesterday (Sunday 31 January), say Police, following the execution of a Misuse of Drugs Act search warrant.

Police say they located and seized 20.48 grams of Methylamphetamine, four Ecstasy tablets, LSD and two firearms.

Police allege a 46 year old male from Geraldton was in possession of the items.

He has been charged with:

  • 1 x Possess Prohibited Drug (Methylamphetamine) with intent to sell or supply
  • 2 x Possess Prohibited Drug
  • 2 x Possess Unlicencsed Firemarm
  • 1 x Possess Drug Paraphernalia

The male was refused bail and will attend Geraldton Magistrates Court. 

Approximately 20.48 grams Methylamphetamine 

31 LSD and Ecstasy tablets 

Geraldton Police asking for public assistance to track down this person: Georgina Lee Walley

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Geraldton Police are actively seeking the current whereabouts of Georgina Lee Walley (pictured).

They believe that she will be able to assist in ongoing police inquiries.

If you can assist please contact Geraldton Police on 99234555 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

84 year old woman's home robbed while volunteering at Nazareth house

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Family of a woman who was robbed today have contacted Everything Geraldton to ask for the public's assistance in tracking down her valuables. 

The 84 year old Drummond Cove resident was robbed while out of the home for only a couple of hours. She was volunteering at Nazareth House. 

"Feeling gutted. Some low life has broken into my Mum's house in Drummond Cove this morning in broad daylight while she was out volunteering at Nazareth house. Mum is 84 years old. They have raided her house and stolen her EEPC laptop, jewellery with sentimental value, cash and a collection of old round 50c pieces. Jewellery includes an eternity ring and 2 pearl necklaces. Please share."

"Mum has been an active volunteer in Geraldton ever since moving here in 1968. As a matter of fact, today is the anniversary of our arrival in Australia."

Images of some of the jewellery that was stolen is posted above. 

If you can assist at all please call Geraldton police on 9923 4555. 

 

 

Introducing the Geraldton Youth Precinct - Video

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Introducing the new City of Greater Geraldton "Youth Precinct". 
It opens this Australia Day.

We headed down there this afternoon to have a look and speak with a few folk from CGG about the new foreshore addition. 
It looks like a lot of fun for all age groups. There's a rage cage, some very fun looking electronic games, foosball tables, table tennis, and more.

It will be open each day from 6:30am until 10:30pm. Sports equipment is available from the Visitor Centre with a $5 deposit.

There is a new "Changing Places" toilet facility, that provides unprecedented facilities for restricted mobility members of our community, a first for WA. A beach access ramp for wheelchairs is also on its way.

Stay tuned later in the year when the rest of the multi user facility is finished. CGG have called the multi user facility and Youth Precinct the "jewell in the crown" for our foreshore. It certainly is a welcome addition to our city.

Melissa Price wants a simpler system for penalty rates for employees

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Durack MP Melissa Price is arguing for a simplified system of payment for employees, arguing that a simpler system would encourage more businesses to open more hours, thus creating more jobs. 

Daniel Hurst writing for The Guardian (the international publication, not the local paper):

Melissa Price, who represents the Western Australian seat of Durack, criticised the “complex” existing rules in a submission to the Fair Work Commission (FWC), which is reviewing penalty rates in hospitality and retail awards.

Click here to read the full article. 

Largest Cray Boat in WA ready to go - Video

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It’s believed to be the largest cray boat in WA, and it’s nearly ready to go. Sea trials have been completed, and the Day Dawn is expected to be in the water fishing next week. 
Thanks Hayden for these pic and vids. 
The boat apparently has three tv’s and queensized beds. Thumbs up to all involved, including Xtreme Marine, Dongara Marine and Geraldton Marine Electronics. 

Family member of Greenough Murder victims speaks out→

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This insightful interview with a family member of the victims of the Greenough Murders is worth your time. 

Click here to read article in full.

If you'd like to sign a petition to keep the murderer in prison, click here.

Corella relocation program halves bird numbers

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Pic: Trees that have been stripped of their leaves in the CBD

The City of Greater Geraldton has put out a media release following a reduction in corella numbers throughout Geraldton. 

Everything Geraldton has received a wide variety of comments on the program, from thanks that something has been done, to complaints over the cannons used to scare the birds. This is despite the fact that previous councils simply shot the birds.  

It's worth keeping in mind that the species of corella that are being relocated are not actually native to this region, they are an introduced species. 

The City of Greater Geraldton will introduce a new method to relocate corellas from its CBD. The corellas that the...

Posted by Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) on Thursday, December 10, 2015

Full press release follows

The Corella Relocation Program implemented over the past two years has been deemed a success with substantially fewer birds having returned to the City this summer.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the amount of corellas in the City is estimated at 7500, half of last year’s population.

“Before we began the Corella Relocation Program last year approximately 15,000 birds, which had reached plague proportions, were causing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to public infrastructure, community assets and privately owned buildings and facilities,” he said.

“They also caused considerable damage to grassed surfaces at sporting clubs and stripped bare a number of trees in the CBD resulting in the trees dying and rate payers having to pay for their costly removal.”

To date, the Corella Relocation Program has used a gas gun, firecrackers and this year trialled a specialised handheld device that has fired more than 1900 percussion cartridges into the sky close to where the birds roost.

“All these methods have worked well to move on the Corellas without causing them harm which was important to the City and the community,” said Mr Diehm.

Geraldton Turf Club Manager David Wrensted said the program has been highly successful in deterring the birds from roosting at the racetrack.

“Before the City implemented the relocation program thousands of Corellas would roost overnight at the racetrack and nearby Geraldton Golf Club, moving them on has meant they have not moved into the CBD and surrounds the next day,” he said. 

“This year the bird numbers have been dramatically reduced with only a few birds returning.

“In our opinion the program has been highly successful and we hope the City continues to implement it.”

The Corella Relocation Program has also proven to be a cost effective way of reducing Corella numbers, saving the community more than $100,000 in repairs to public infrastructure.

“Rangers already on patrol are carrying out the Program and considering the cost of the hand held device and percussion cartridges is only $5000, this program is highly cost effective and is here to stay,” Mr Diehm said.