ISLAND REAL ESTATE SALES AT $105 MILLION
The latest real estate sales for the four SMB Islands has reached $105 million for the first six months of the year. Statistics recently revealed are collective from January 1 to June 30, 2023. They were provided to the Friendly Bay Islander by Chris McGregor of Bay Island Property. The number of people and real estate firms involved in the sales is interesting. There are 38 real estate agents listed on the sales figures, involving all the main island real estate firms. Twenty mainland real estate agents have also sold island properties. It is believed that interest in island real estate is still strong as we are well into the second half of 2023. The total sales figures for the entire year could possible top $250 million, so we will be watching with some interest.
ENERGEX ABUSE
In the past six months Energerx crews have suffered nearly as many instances of threats, violence and abuse than they did in the entire previous year. With summer storms and other weather events, Energex crews are more visible. The energy company is urging people in the community to have patience. This information is a general release and is not specific to our group of islands.
NEW ENERGEX WEBSITE
Energex has a new website. The link to the old Energex power outage viewer now doesn’t work. The new site’s text power outage viewer is: https://www.energex.com.au/outages/outage-finder/emergency-outages-text-view/ If you want to take a look at the map version of the outage viewer it is here: https://www.energex.com.au/outages/outage-finder/outage-finder-map/
PRAYER BREAKFAST RAISES $20,000
The 21st annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast raised almost $20,000 for state school chaplaincy programs on Redlands Coast. Mayor Karen Williams said the fundraising from the recent event was an ‘excellent result’ given the rising cost of living pressures experienced by many in the community. “Our chaplains provide vital wellbeing support not only to students, but also to local families and school staff across Redlands Coast. This year’s funding will add to the more than $195,000 raised at these breakfast events since 2014, directly benefitting about 15,000 students each year.” Attendees at this year’s breakfast at the Alexandra Hills Hotel included school chaplains, school and church leaders, government representatives, businesspeople and community members.
STEAMBOAT KEN
Our friend a columnist, Ken Goodman, better known as Steamboat Ken, is as popular as ever. Ken has been considering writing a book, and he should. His many tales that have appeared in The Friendly Bay Islander would make a good read. Ken recently received this message from an avid reader and supporter. “Just got my latest Bay Islander. Straight to your story. And what a beauty it is. Talk about Adventure Man. You never Disappoint. All the stories you write about should be put into a book. Thank you Ken.” And so say all of us!
MAGPIES TAKE ONE FELL SWOOP!
Redlands Coast residents are reminded that it is nesting season for magpies and these overprotective parents may swoop if they see a threat to their young. Mayor Karen Williams said the traditional breeding season for many swooping birds such as magpies, plovers and butcherbirds, was from now until December. “Some of these birds do become overzealous while protecting their nests. In a way they are like ‘helicopter parents’. They are highly involved, overprotective and oversee every aspect of their children's lives. n the case of magpies, it is the male parent that swoops if they perceive a threat, while the females remains on the nest.” By understanding the reason behind this defensive behaviour, and taking some simple steps when in their vicinity, residents can stay safe from swooping birds, Cr Williams said. Retaliating by waving or throwing objects at the birds only increases their aggression.
How to avoid being swooped:
It is important to respect birds' warning calls and avoid the area if possible
Use an alternate route or stay at least 150m clear of a nest area if you can
Wear a hat and sunglasses or hold a bag or umbrella over your head if you cannot avoid a nesting area
Get off and walk your bicycle around nest areas
Or, If riding a bicycle, put spike or flag decorations on your helmet
Never approach or try to pick up a young magpie
Walk quickly through the area, but don’t run
Walk in a group when possible
Visit Redland City Council’s website for more useful advice on swooping birds. Forums support community resilience in times of disaster Redland City Council is delivering a series of community resilience forums in October to support vulnerable members of the community in times of disaster. The forum for the Redlands Coast Youth Sector Network will be held in Alexandra Hills on Thursday 5 October from 9am to 12.30pm. The forum for the Redland City Disability Sector will be held in Capalaba on Thursday 12 October from 9am to 3pm. The forum supporting children and families will be held in Capalaba on Tuesday 24 October from 7.30am to 9am. More information on all forums, including how to register, is available on the Eventbrite website.