An update on the Yellow Submarine

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Back in September 2015 CGG said:

The City of Greater Geraldton is advising the public that the ‘Yellow Submarine’ located beside the Geraldton Visitor Centre will be moved into a secure storage facility to safeguard it during the construction of the Multi User Facility and Youth Space in the West End of the CBD.

The submarine will be securely stored off site until funds have been sourced to complete its restoration and relocation.

When we originally shared the information about the Yellow Submarine, residents were concerned about whether or not it was actually coming back to the foreshore.

Here are some of the comments from that Facebook post:

But Mayor Van Styn was quick to reassure the doubters that it would indeed be back:

By February we were still getting swamped with enquiries from concerned locals wondering where their Yellow Submarine had gone.

Some were relieved to know it would be heading back soon, some still doubted. 

After hearing about the submarine for some time, EG asked the public if they still wanted it returned. The results were overwhelmingly in favour of it being returned to the foreshore, as promised. Click here to read some of the 279 comments. 

But Mayor Van Styn sure seemed to have changed his tune.

Everything Geraldton asked the City of Greater Geraldton what the current situation was with the much beloved Yellow Submarine.

 EG: What is the current status of the yellow submarine and what is the time frame for it being returned to foreshore?

CGG: The Yellow Submarine was removed from its former location to make way for the Youth Precinct Playground and has been stored at the City’s depot.

The submarine had suffered extensive corrosion damage because of its proximity to the ocean and will require substantial remediation works to make it safe.

The City is currently liaising with a community group who wish to remediate and incorporate the yellow submarine as an entry statement in a community rest area off of the highway.

No decision has been made in relation to its long term use. 

EG: Are you able to clarify which Highway is being referred to, and how far out of Geraldton this rest stop is, or is it in Geraldton?

 CGG: No response.

Update: Response from CGG: The highway being referred to is Northwest Coastal Highway north of Geraldton and it would be in an existing rest stop close to town.

THE NOT SO YELLOW SUBMARINE - BELIEVED TO BE LATE 60'S / EARLY 70'S. SHARED BY CATHERINE BRADY ON LOST GERALDTON

Some interesting facts about the Yellow Submarine, from the plaque that stood beside it:

The Yellow Submarine was made available to the City of Greater Geraldton by Geraldton local Max Cramer, and was restored in 2008 by Maicon Engineering with funding provided by Lotterywest.

This submarine was invented by another Geraldton local Severn Graham, who was commissioned to invent a prototype cray fishing submarine for the M G Kailis Fishing Group.
The vessel was submerged for its inaugural launch in Geraldton on September 6, 1969.
The submarine was designed to test the feasibility of establishing a fishery for green crayfish which abound in the tropical waters north of Learmouth. The submarine never entered operational service as it was discovered that gas emissions from the batteries caused major technical problems.

A 9cm thick laminated Perspex viewing port fitted into the box of the submarine was designed to enable the two-man crew to navigate and manipulate external fishing equipment.

The submarine became an icon in Geraldton and was painted yellow after the Beatles famous song. Severn Graham made two prototypes, one of which has been donated by the original owners to the Derby Museum.

Regarding the Geraldton hospital upgrade promise from the Nationals

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Last week the National Party made an announcement pertaining to the Geraldton Regional Hospital. Their full media release is at the end of this article. 

Paul Brown, current state upper house member and National Party candidate for the lower house seat of Geraldton in the upcoming state election, stood on the steps of the local hospital and promised that if the Nationals are elected at the March 2017 state election, they will spend $115 million of Royalties for Regions money on an upgrade to the Geraldton Regional Hospital. 

However, it's clear that the National Party have no chance of being elected to form government in their own right, and this being the case, we questioned whether the promise was meaningful or not. 

The Liberal Party and the Nationals have a strange relationship in Western Australia. While they have a coalition of sorts, they avoid using the term "coalition" as much as possible, and prefer to call their agreement an "alliance". They're bedfellows when it suits, and often opponents when it comes election time. 

The Labor party likes to paint the Nationals and Liberals as essentially the same choice, claiming the Nats are as culpable as the Liberal party for the lack of action of any hospital expansion over the last eight years. 

However, National members argue that the fact that an expansion is even needed on such a young hospital, can only be Labor's fault. It's a wonderfully messy political argument, and I'll do my best to walk you through it. 

First, a quick rewind for newcomers to Geraldton. 

Geraldton had a new hospital built back in 04/05. 

As far back as 2001 (and earlier) the Gallop Labor Government had been promising a new hospital to the people of Geraldton. Back in 2001 $35 million had been allocated for building the new hospital, and later in the year this figure increased to $39.5 million. 

By 2004 when development started, cost estimates had increased to $48 million. This meant the new health facilities in Moora were shelved to make funds available for the new Geraldton hospital. This number became $49 million in statements from Labor candidate Shane Hill in the run up to the 2005 state election, which Labor won.  

It's often quoted around Geraldton that the old hospital used to have more beds than the new one does. Even Paul Brown (Nationals) is on the record as saying that when the new hospital was built it was "essentially half the size of the hospital it replaced."

But is it true that the new hospital is half the size of the old one?

Here's what we found from a Q and A in WA Parliament from 2006:

Extract from Hansard [COUNCIL - Tuesday, 4 April 2006] p1046d-1047a
Hon Nigel Hallett; Hon Sue Ellery

GERALDTON HOSPITAL - BED CAPACITY
3253. Hon Nigel Hallett to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health

  1. (1)  What was the bed capacity at the old Geraldton Hospital?

  2. (2)  What is the bed capacity for the new Geraldton Hospital?

Hon SUE ELLERY replied:

  1. The bed capacity at the old Geraldton Hospital was 88 (accommodating multi day and same day patients) with a bed average of 58 in 2003/04 and 53 in 2004/05.

  2. The current bed capacity of the new Geraldton Hospital is 78 and on the completion of stage 2 of the redevelopment in July 2006 will be 88 (accommodating multi day and same day patients). Since the opening of the new facility in September 2005 the bed average is 54. 

Certainly it may still be argued that the new hospital may be undersized, but it seems a stretch to say it was half the size of the hospital it replaced.

Nevertheless, upgrading the Geraldton hospital has been a hot topic for the last few elections, both state and federal. And there's been a fair bit of chatter in WA Parliament recently on the matter, as we head into election season. 

Here's a question in Parliament from MLC Darren West regarding the Hospital from 14 September:

Hon DARREN WEST to the minister representing the Minister for Health: 

I refer to the conflicting statements made by the Premier and the Minister for Health about the priority of upgrades to Geraldton Regional Hospital—GRH. 

  1. (1)  Is the stage 2 upgrade of GRH a priority for the Barnett Liberal–National government? 

  2. (2)  If yes to (1), when will construction of the stage 2 upgrades commence, when will construction commence of a mental health facility, and when will the co-location of St John of God Geraldton Hospital and the Geraldton Regional Hospital commence? 

  3. (3)  Have any funds been allocated in the 2016–17 budget for these works; and, if yes, how much? 

  4. (4)  Have any funds been allocated in the forward estimates for these works; and, if yes, how much? 

  5. (5)  If no to (1), why not? 

Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied: 

I thank the member for some notice of the question. 

  1. (1)  Further redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus is a priority. 

  2. (2)  A business case is required to be developed for consideration by government before time frames are determined and funding allocated. The concept master plan for Geraldton Health Campus includes enabling the potential future co-location of a private provider. 

(3)–(4) No.
(5) See answer (2). 

So in a nutshell, despite the Geraldton Health Campus redevelopment being claimed as a "priority" by the current state government, no funding has been allocated for it nor has any business case been done on the merits and needs of such a redevelopment. 

Here's a statement made by National Party leader Brendan Grylls on 12 October 2016 in Parliament:

"The Geraldton Hospital, which was built by the Labor Party in its term in government, is now too small and the community is calling for a bigger one. It got that decision wrong and did not futureproof Geraldton, which is why so much criticism abounds of the Labor Party’s time in government from 2001 to 2008. It could not make the right decisions, and now, less than eight years on, we are talking about needing to invest again. That is classic policy failure when a party does not plan and does not get it right."

Here's a recent statement made to Parliament by Labor member Darren West, Member for the Ag Region:

20 October 2016

"In 2005, a new hospital was opened to replace the 1960s version that had served us well. That new hospital was built always with the intention of expansion, because Geraldton is one of two regional cities that have a private hospital; the other being Bunbury. It is important that both those health services remain viable and provide a service to the public. If we had built a massive hospital in Geraldton, it would have affected the viability of the St John of God Geraldton Hospital. The Geraldton community thinks it is important to have both hospitals, so a decision was made in 2000 to build stage 1 of Geraldton Hospital small enough so that there is capacity in the town for the two hospitals combined on a scale that enables the private hospital to continue to function and not be closed. There would be no real gain to the community if one large hospital was built and the other closed. It was always intended there would be a stage 2 development and that other services would be added to that hospital. It is a fantastic facility. There have been criticisms about it being too small, but I think the people who say that are quite insular and narrow-minded in their thinking."
...

"The Labor government had a plan for health service delivery in Geraldton and delivered on that plan, and that is a very important point to make. The contrast with this government is that it does not really have a plan. It has committed to a lot of things and not delivered them. I refer to the front page of The Geraldton Guardian of 6 September 2013. A very firm commitment was made to the people of Geraldton. I am holding up that front page, which shows the chap on the left, who is now the Leader of the National Party, and the fellow on the right, who is the Mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton. They made, as the headline states, a “Last-Minute $120m Hospital Plan” and if elected, they would build a hospital in Geraldton. They were duly elected and we have not seen a new hospital built in Geraldton."

...

Nonetheless, I saw that as a positive. I was told that consultation was underway and that it would be done in conjunction with the Mid West Development Commission and the Department of Health. Off we go—the review was undertaken about a year ago and was due to be finished in February. With that in the back of my mind, I started to wonder: Where is the review? What has happened? What are the outcomes? On Tuesday, 18 October last week, I asked: where is the review? I was told that the review could not be tabled because it was not finished. A review of health infrastructure in Geraldton that was due to be finished in February is still not completed. Not only have we gone from a plan to a review, but we cannot even manage to finish the review eight months after it was due to be completed! I guess members can work out why I am starting to be sceptical about the government’s commitment to health service delivery in Geraldton.

In Parliament yesterday—Wednesday, 19 October—I asked when the review had begun, because I wondered if it had actually really begun, and why there had been a delay and what funds may be available in the budget process for this important piece of infrastructure in Geraldton. Can members imagine my surprise when I found out yesterday, eight months after the review was due to be finished, that there is no funding available? There are no allocations available in the budget or the forward estimates for this piece of infrastructure that was a central part of a plan in 2013, which was then subject to review but now will not happen at all because there is no funding in the budget. The public gets very cynical when members of Parliament make promises that they have no intention of keeping and walk away from them. Of course the Geraldton community is upset about this government’s handling of the health portfolio and the notion of Geraldton regional hospital stage 2. I am quite convinced that before the next state election the government will go back to this plan. There will be a plan. Even though there is no money and there has been no review, there will be a plan. Hon Paul Brown has already made utterances about $50 million for a hospital in Geraldton, but I can tell the Geraldton community that it is not true because I have followed up the plan, I have followed up the review and I have asked the questions—there is no money. It is not a priority for this government. I think that is very sad. The community is not only missing out on an important piece of health infrastructure that is due, but it is also being dudded. 

Paul Brown responded to statements made by Darren West in Parliament:

The member absolutely knows that those comments are misleading, given that the person standing to the right of the Leader of the National Party, Brendon Grylls, was a candidate for the federal seat of Durack at the time, not the mayor. He was running in a federal election and he was making a commitment to the people of Geraldton and the people of Durack to partner with the WA Nationals and the Leader of the National Party, Brendon Grylls, and go to Canberra, if he was elected to the seat of Durack, and forcefully argue the case for funding for Geraldton Hospital. He did not get elected. No matter what the member on the other side might say, he did not get elected. Melissa Price, the Liberal candidate, was elected as the federal member for Durack.
The reason the Nationals’ candidate did not get elected was that the Labor Party chose to preference against him. Only two people, the Leader of the Nationals and Shane Van Styn, who was a candidate for Durack, made a commitment to the hospital. If health services and the expansion of the hospital in Geraldton were such a high priority, as the member continues to say all the time, why would the Labor Party not commit to the only person who made a commitment to the hospital during the federal election? At the end of the day, when he ran as a candidate for Durack in the 2013 federal election, the Labor Party preferenced against him. When the member stands up and says that he did not keep the commitment, it is misleading for him to suggest that at the time he was running as a candidate for mayor. He is now the mayor, but that was not the commitment that he made. He made the commitment as a candidate for Durack. He was not elected. That election commitment was not able to be kept because the Labor Party preferenced Melissa Price. 
...
Interestingly enough, I will tell Hon Martin Aldridge where the former Labor government got the money from. It got the money with a budget blowout, which meant that the Moora Hospital did not get built at that time. It used $6.3 million that was supposed to go to the Moora Hospital. The budget blew out so much because of union activism. The unions need to be fed and watered, and they need to have something to put back into the Labor coffers as another election commitment, because they got fed and watered. The Labor government chose not to build Moora Hospital. The people of Moora had over seven years saved $360 000 of their own funds to contribute to the hospital, and the hospital was pulled out from under them. Moora Hospital was delayed by many years because those funds went to the over-budget, time blow-outs and service and size reductions delivered through the then new Geraldton Hospital. I quote an article that appeared in Farm Weekly at the time —
MOORA shire president Michael Bates has called on country people to stand up for their rights and be more vocal in seeking funding for vital community services, following last week’s shock decision by the State Government not to fund the town’s new $6.3 million hospital. 
...

Rather than Labor Party members standing up here and in public on many occasions, lauding themselves about funding a new hospital, they should be absolutely embarrassed. They should be embarrassed. The only reason the Geraldton Hospital was built was so that Geoff Gallop, a boy from Geraldton, was not run out of town; he could actually walk the streets of Geraldton safely without being run out of town. The former Labor government did so well in building that over-budget, over-time hospital with a reduction in specialist services that it was kicked out. It actually got kicked out. Everybody thought it did such a good job after it had completed the hospital that it lost that seat at the very next election. 

Regarding Stage 2 of the Geraldton Hospital, Paul Brown continued:

Rather than Labor Party members standing up, patting themselves on the back, and pointing the finger at us, they should talk about stage 2 of Geraldton Hospital. It was never designed and never planned for. The Labor Party was in government for eight years. In the 2008 budget, there was not one penny in the forward estimates for stage 2—the magic pudding that Hon Darren West keeps talking about. There were no plans, no designs, no drawings and no funding. Over eight years in government and over the four years of the 2008 forward estimates for the former Labor government’s last budget, there was not one cent put towards stage 2. It was a magic pudding. Hon Darren West keeps talking about it; it is a figment of his imagination. As a result of the lack of specialist services, we now have two or three Royal Flying Doctor Service flights a day going backwards and forwards to Perth delivering patients for specialist care, and there is increased demand on the patient assisted travel scheme. The footprint for Geraldton Hospital extends over Carnarvon, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet and Wiluna in the north midlands area. Those services cannot be provided from Geraldton because Labor members did not build the hospital big enough, they went against the wishes of the people of Geraldton, and they blew out the budget. They are a disgrace and an embarrassment. 

The person who currently holds the seat of Geraldton, Liberal MLA Ian Blayney, said recently to the Geraldton Guardian that he expected the matter to be settled during this term of Government. 

But time is running out, and, according to Darren West, the report that was promised by February is nowhere to be found. 

As you can see, Labor are arguing that the Nats should have done something by now based on their previous promises, Nats are arguing that it's Labor's fault that anything even needs doing, and the Libs seem to be quietly dodging the issue as much as possible, presumably either because there's actually no money to spend on the hospital, or that they want to make their own bold announcement closer to the election. 

We had a chat with Paul Brown regarding his promise to expand the Geraldton Regional Hospital. (Answers edited for brevity. Questions from Everything Geraldton in bold.)

An improved hospital has been promised in the past. Why didn’t Minister Terry Redman make it happen over the last three years?

There was no commitment made in the past. The previous commitment that everyone keeps referring to is the commitment by Shane Van Styn  when he was running for the federal seat of Durack. He did not win that seat. Melissa Price won that seat, and has not been able to achieve any funding from the Federal Government. In fact, last year when I met with Susan Ley, Minister for Health, and Melissa Price was at that meeting, she categorically ruled out any funding from the Federal Government into the Geraldton Regional Hospital. 

... Shane Van Styn was a candidate when he made that election commitment; he didn't win. So therefore, it was a Federal Election campaign commitment, he was unsuccessful, so this is my commitment. Terry and I made an (earlier) commitment of $50 million. We were looking for dollar for dollar funding from the Federal Minister, and at that time she ruled out funding. So now, a year later, I have been able to convince Terry (Redman) and Brendan (Grylls) of the need, and certainly I've listened to the people of Geraldton and the Mid West and they are demanding an upgrade.

If we are elected next year, we will ensure that through Royalties for Regions funding that ... we move immediately ahead with the redevelopment and expansion. 

Shane (Van Styn) also ran for the (State) seat of Geraldton at the last state election, and he also didn't win that, granted. But he also brought up "vote for me if you want the hospital upgraded"... Now Shane didn't win that election, so you could hardly hold Shane accountable, however... 

Shane was a candidate, and the difference is I am a member of Parliament, and I've been representing this area for four years and I've spoken to the people... I've been able to go and convince my Nationals colleagues and the Minister for Regional Development. So this is a commitment that's not made in a vacuum, we have a great understanding of the need, and we've made a $115 million commitment to the people of Geraldton and the Mid West. 

If I'm not successful, I'd be saying to you and to the people of Geraldton you need to go and speak to Ian Blayney and Lara Dalton (Labor candidate) and see what their commitments are to the people of Geraldton. Ian has been in office for eight years, and has been able to achieve zero focus on development of a hospital. I've been able to convince my partners and my colleagues in Government at the National Party to invest in the hospital. 

If Terry Redman, the Minister for Regional Development, has his fingers on the purse strings for Royalties for Region funding, couldn't he have funded the hospital redevelopment over the last three years?

We've funded an enormous amount of hospital infrastructure across regional Western Australia; Busselton, Bunbury, Albany, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Merredin, Narrogin, Northam, Katanning, Carnarvon, ...Karratha, Port Hedland Health Campus, and we've also introduced the Southern Inland Health initiative... to improve the health outcomes of people in the Wheatbelt. So I don't think anyone can say we haven't done enough in the health space. I would say, what conversations has Ian Blayney had with the Minister for Regional Development about focussing attention on to Geraldton and the health outcomes for Geraldton?

The Nats won't win Government in their own right. Isn't this commitment a waste of time unless the Liberal party also back it?

We're a balance of power party. We secured the balance of power in 2008, and with the balance of power we were able to secure a billion dollars a year for regional WA through the Royalties for Regions funds. We have fundamentally changed ... investment into communities in our regions. That is what balance of power brings. Balance of power is a very powerful bargaining chip when someone is looking at forming government with us after the next election. All indications are the Nationals will have the balance of power after the next election. We will use that to ensure a better outcome for regional WA. 

If we win the balance of power, then we are in a fantastic negotiating position. 

If the Nats win balance of power, but do NOT win the Geraldton seat, will Terry Redman still make the hospital upgrade happen?

That's a conversation you would need to have with Ian Blayney. My commitment is, if I win... 

I have it on very good authority, from Brendan and from Terry, that he (Ian Blayney) has never had a conversation with them, about investment into Geraldton. 

Hospital promises are starting to feel a bit like Oakajee to Geraldton residents. Every election, federal or state, we see photos of politicians standing in front of the hospital making commitments. Why should people pay attention to this announcement from the Nationals?

Because this is the first commitment I've made. I'm based here in Geraldton. My family lives here. My kids go to school here. I live, work and play in this town. I am leaving a safe upper house seat that I could sit in for the next 20 years, to run for the seat of Geraldton. This is my commitment to the people of Geraldton...

Shane made a commitment as a member for Durack, and he wasn't successful. The people of Geraldton and the Mid West need to look at that. They didn't back Shane, they backed Melissa (Price, Liberal party), and four years later we're still having a conversation about the Geraldton Regional Hospital when she said it was the top of her wish list. She has not been able to go and get funding...

A better hospital ultimately will mean better health outcomes for Mid West residents. What do you say to locals who feel like something as important as their HEALTH seems to have become a political negotiation tool?

Well I don't believe it has become a political negotiation tool. I've made a commitment. They can see that for what it is. I've made an honest, transparent commitment, so has my leader, Brendan Grylls. Terry Redman has supported that being Minister for Regional Development. And on the weekend, our whole party membership at the convention unanimously supported redevelopment of the Geraldton Regional Hospital. That is now National Party policy, not just a promise from me and Brendan. Take that for what it is. 

It's not a political football. I'm not into horse trading with the Liberals or Labor about this. I've made a rock solid commitment... 

If it comes to it, are you saying you're willing to form Government with Labor if the Liberal party won't come to the table on this matter?

We haven't ruled anything out. We've had eight years of good partnership with the Liberal party, but we have not ruled out forming government, and we are happy to negotiate with all those parties. That will be up to the leadership of the party to determine what that outcome is. All I will say is Mark McGowan has said categorically he would not form government with the National party, but we have not ruled that out ourselves. We are a balance of power party, and we seek to use the balance of power judiciously, for the best outcome for regional WA. 

Shane Van Styn appears in photos of your recent announcement. Was he there in his capacity as Mayor, or as a Nationals member?

In his capacity as Mayor of City of Greater Geraldton. He is no longer on the executive of the Nationals. He is the Mayor, and he was invited by me as the Mayor of Geraldton, because this is a very important announcement for the people of Geraldton. 

Media Statement from Paul Brown: 

The Nationals WA commit $115 million to Geraldton Regional Hospital

October 28, 2016

The Nationals WA will commit $115 million of Royalties for Regions funding to the expansion and re-development of the Geraldton Regional Hospital if elected at the March 2017 State election.

The Nationals WA Candidate for Geraldton Paul Brown MP said the funding would facilitate the immediate expansion of ward space for additional beds, reconfiguration of the clinical work space, modernised surgical theatres, an expanded Emergency Department and improved car parking and access points, to cope with the increasing demand in Geraldton and across the Mid West.

“Upgrading the Geraldton Regional Hospital has been a long-held priority for the Geraldton community and surrounding Mid West Region which is serviced by the hospital,” Mr Brown said. “The community has spoken and The Nationals WA have listened.

“Only The Nationals WA, as creators and custodians of Royalties for Regions, can be trusted to deliver this important project.”

Mr Brown was joined by Leader Hon Brendon Grylls MLA for the announcement in Geraldton today ahead of The Nationals WA 2016 State Conference.

Mr Grylls said the announcement was just another example of The Nationals’ strong commitment to improving healthcare in regional WA.

“The Nationals WA believe all West Australians, no matter where they live, should have access to quality healthcare,” Mr Grylls said.

“This is why our team has worked hard to deliver vital upgrades to regional hospitals in Kalgoorlie, Albany, Busselton, Karratha, Esperance and Carnarvon thanks to Royalties for Regions.

“There are also additional upgrades earmarked for Manjimup, Northam, Collie, Merredin, Narrogin and Katanning through the half billion dollar Royalties for Regions-funded Southern Inland Health Initiative.

“These investments are transforming health in regional WA and improving liveability of communities for residents.”

Mr Brown called on the Federal Government to match The Nationals WA’s funding commitment for the full redevelopment.

“It’s time for the Federal Government to return some of the $4.7 billion of GST it has taken this year alone, to ensure this vital upgrade and expansion can be delivered,” Mr Brown said. 

Police calling for witnesses following fatal crash

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 BONNIEFIELD FATAL CRASH

Police are seeking the public’s assistance for information regarding a fatal crash that occurred yesterday, Sunday 30 October 2016 in Bonniefield.

At approximately 4pm, a silver coloured Holden Calais sedan was travelling north on the Brand Highway when the vehicle left the road and collided with a tree.

The impact was severe and the male driver was thrown from the vehicle, sustaining critical injuries. The man in his 30s died at the scene.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the crash, or the Holden Calais prior to the crash.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au

The story behind those undersized crays

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 Undersized Crayfish Seized by Police

At around 2.50am on Wednesday 26 October 2016, Geraldton Police had cause to stop a vehicle and speak to the occupants.

During the stop police observed Crayfish Antennae protruding from a bag. The bag contained a number of undersized Crayfish. A further search of the vehicle was conducted where a second bag was found also containing Crayfish.

The investigation has been handed over to the Department of Fisheries.

 

Turns out paying too much attention to your speed actually makes you a more dangerous driver: Study

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Researchers from the University of Western Australia have conducted a study on the effects of concentration and fatigue on drivers who were instructed to stay at the speed limit. 

In a nutshell, drivers were in simulators and told they would be fined if they went 1 km/hr over the speed limit. 

The effect on their concentration levels was akin to being on a mobile phone. 

When drivers were told they would be fined if they went 6 or 11km/hr over the limit, their ability to concentrate improved. 

It appears the added pressure of constantly monitoring your speedometer actually makes you a more dangerous driver. 

The research throws into question the strategy used by WA Police and the State Government in rolling out more and more hidden and permanent speed cameras around WA, and whether these efforts are actually making the roads more dangerous, because drivers are spending more effort monitoring their speed than detecting road hazards. 

Click here to read more from The West Australian. 

Click here to read more from the ABC. 

New Fixed Speedcamera on Indian Ocean Drive

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From the "Lancelin" FB page:

NEW FIXED SPEED CAMERA

This flash looking speed camera was recently installed on Indian Ocean Drive, a hundred metres north west of the Sovereign Hill estate turn-off. 

It targets traffic travelling towards Perth and as part of the installation, new armco has been installed to protect the 2+m high unit.

Be warned that if you're doing over the 110km/hr, you may well be a candidate for a speeding fine.

There's also another video camera trained on this installation just out of the shot.

Do you want a NAB footy match in Gero?

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Geraldton gunning for NAB Challenge match

Geraldton is vying for an AFL NAB Challenge match and the campaign has already generated unwavering support from the community.

The City of Greater Geraldton and the Great Northern Football League have teamed up to present a strong case to bring one of the AFL’s pre-season games to the region.

City of Greater Geraldton Acting Mayor Neil McIlwaine said the economic benefits of an AFL game in Geraldton would be huge.

“A NAB Challenge game in Geraldton would generate over $1million into our economy,” he said.

“We know how much our community loves sport and we have already seen strong support to get the game here.

“We hope everyone will get behind this and help us to get it over the line.”

A letter of offer has been submitted to the AFL to help secure the game which would take place in early 2017.

GNFL President Colin Cox said the GNFL had been working towards this goal for some time.

“We are very close to being selected to host a match and a big thank you goes to the City for their help and determination in making it happen,” he said.

“The last NAB Challenge game in the region was in 2004 and since then, suitable lighting to enable games to be played at night have been installed.

“As the lights have now come to fruition the Midwest look forward to holding a NAB Challenge game allowing thousands of people across the region to access to the sport which they love and passionately support.”

Mr Cox also highlighted the fact that the Midwest produced 18.43 draftees for every 1000 male players aged between 13 and 18 for the period of 1998 to 2010. The "yield" figure was sixth-best in the country.

“The Midwest AFL production line includes past players Chris Mainwaring, Murray Wrensted, Graham Polak, Troy Cook, Daniel Chick and Brad Tunbridge, along with many others,” he said. 

“If WA’s Jaeger O'Meara and Jack Martin live up to the wraps, they won't just be following in the footsteps of fellow Midwest products Josh Kennedy, Paul Haselby and Harry Taylor, rather O'Meara and Martin will be reaffirming a statistically proven fact – that WA's Midwest produces more AFL draftees per 1000 players than any other development region in the state.”

Councillor McIlwaine is urging the community to show their support online.

“We would love for everyone to head on over to the ‘Bring a NAB Cup game to Geraldton’ Facebook page and like it and share it with your friends,” he said.

“Comment and post on the page to show your support and tell us what AFL teams you would like to see play in Geraldton.

“Seeing a huge amount of support, especially online, gives us more backing and builds a case to the AFL on how successful the event will be in the Midwest.

“We want the community, sporting groups and local businesses to really get behind this – without you, we cannot do it.”

The decision as to whether Geraldton will secure a NAB Challenge match will be made in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, community members can head to www.facebook.com/NABCupInGero and show their support by liking, sharing and commenting on the page.

#BringTheNABCup2Gero

Town Towers' building site has been robbed 8 times already... $500 reward for your help

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For the last eight weeks, SMF Projects have been underway doing the renovations works to the Town Towers. 

In that time, they are reporting that they have been broken into eight times. The offenders have caused damage to the property, and are adding cost and time to the building process. 

SMF Projects are offering a "$500 reward for information that will lead to an arrest."

If you can identify any of the individuals in the images below, please contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555. 

Our recent video on the announcement of Town Towers renovations being underway. 

Call for Witnesses of a Serious Assault at Wonthella IGA Carpark

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Geraldton Police are calling for witnesses to come forward following a serious assault at about 7:00pm on Sunday 9th October 2016 at Wonthella IGA car park, corner of Fifth Street and Central Avenue, Wonthella.

It is alleged that a female was assaulted by another female causing serious injuries, before bystanders stepped in to help the alleged victim of the incident.

The alleged female suspect is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle.

Police would like to talk to those witnesses who intervened or otherwise observed anything that may assist in the investigation.

Witnesses are asked to call Geraldton Police on 9923 4555 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.

 

Lots of rock throwing reports today

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The most recent was about 10 minutes ago: 

 "... male throwing rocks at cars on Abraham street just past back of Cemetery 😡"

A few hours ago:

"Heads up guys. Bunch of teenagers throwing Large rocks at cars/trucks on gtn/mt magnet road, near limestone wall.

They hit the car infront of me, just missed my car. I also had my 8 yr old brother with me! 😑

2nd time in 2 weeks I've witnessed this!

Those kids will be bloody sorry when it actually kills someone! Or a child!

Such a shame it will have to come to that before they realise and before anything will be done about it! 😠" 

Earlier today rocks thrown at SES vehicle: 

 "Ok people if you are turning off the Northwest Coastal Highway into Utakarra Rd be careful there is little brats throwing Rocks again,we were in our STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE VEHICLE and had rocks thrown at us"

This was from a week or so ago: 

"I've waited a few days before I wrote this otherwise it would be full of abuse and anger, but on Saturday as I was driving on the highway near Utakarra my car was hit by 3 rocks that were thrown out of the bushes.

Now I can go on about the cost of repairs but the fact is if one of the rocks hit 10cm higher it would have smashed through the window into my babies head and THIS is what I can't put a price on.

I'm hoping that maybe these people might read this and realise the real danger and the potential cost in this game they play."

9 Brilliant images of the Cathedral

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In an age of minimalism, budget constrains, and boring architecture, the St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Geraldton is an asset that few cities in Australia can match. Here are a collection of images recently sent in of the Cathedral we think you'd enjoy.  

Due to the way the lighting has been set up, the building is actually quite challenging to photograph while lit up. Hopefully this is something the propenents of the recent renovations can rectify in the future. 

Karl Monaghan Photography

From the air. Elliot Brown

Real Vibe Photography.  

Duyfken replica sails into Geraldton

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Members of the public will have a rare opportunity to interact with the Duyfken replica as it sails into Geraldton this Saturday.

As part of the Festivals on the Foreshore Programme, the floating museum has been specifically built to tell the compelling and relatively unknown story of European contact with Australia in the 1600s.

Visitors can interact with sailing and navigational equipment used 400 years ago to traverse thousands of kilometres across the globe with great accuracy.

The stopover in Geraldton is part of the Duyfken ’s 400th anniversary Dirk Hartog commemorative voyage and exhibition program that will see the ship undertake a 10 week, 1,000 kilometre journey along the Western Australian coast.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn will experience sailing on the vessel first hand as he will be a crew member from the Dongara to Geraldton leg of the journey.

“It was an honour to be chosen as one of seven locations that the Duyfken replica will be making port at during the voyage,” he said.

“Being provided the opportunity to interact with the ship that played a pivotal role in mapping our coastline while catching a glimpse at some of the hard living conditions endured by those sailors is one that doesn’t happen often.

“I highly encourage anyone who is interested to book a ticket and take a tour of this floating piece of history.”

The Duyfken will sail into the Geraldton Marina on Saturday 8 October and will be open until 8pm. The vessel will stay in Geraldton untilFriday 16 October with tours running every day.

Once on board, you can begin your journey of discovery via an audio guided tour.

Visitors will get to see, touch and interact with the sailing and navigational technology of the early 1600s that enabled Dutch mariners to sail halfway around the world from The Netherlands to the Spice Islands of Indonesia.

There will be a Duyfken Open Day on Sunday 9 October which will be the official welcome celebrations with the community invited to dress up as a pirate.

Tickets for a one hour tour of the Duyfken Replica cost $12.75 for adults aged 17 and older, and $5.10 for children aged 5-16 years. They are on sale now via www.ticketek.com.au

Big names to hit GMC stage

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Former X Factor Winner Reece Mastin.

A swag of big names will hit the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre stage this Sunday for the RedFM Open Air Arena Concert as part of Festivals on the Foreshore.

Former X Factor winner Reece Mastin and X Factor contenders The Fisher Boys will grace the stage for a free all ages concert, with local group Songbird also performing.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the concert would be a great event for the whole family to enjoy.

“Bring a picnic rug, enjoy the entertainment and take in a beautiful Geraldton sunset while you’re at it,” he said.

“It’s amazing to see even more big names hit the Geraldton stage and we are very fortunate enough to have these amazing acts as part of Festivals on the Foreshore.”

After taking out the X Factor title in 2011, Reece Mastin has already amassed a stockpile of further achievements including two platinum #1 albums, three consecutive chart-topping radio-blasting singles and most recently, a platinum #1 DVD release.

Reece has just released his new album Beautiful Nightmare and says he is looking forward to touring and showing Australia his new music.

"I really hope there's a great reaction to the material from Australian audiences, and from there I'd like to then take the project overseas to see what happens there,” he said.

“I just wanna be able to tour with this record and have kids sing the songs back to me, or have kids on Twitter or Facebook just telling me that they love the record - that would be crazy!

“I just want people to love the music I'm writing and singing, and feel like they're right there in the moment with me.”

Festivals on the Foreshore kicked off on September 30 and runs through to October 16.

There is still loads of great activities and you can head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au for a full programme of events.

Festivals on the Foreshore was made possible by a grant from Tourism WA.

Caffeine consumption in older women seems to reduce risk of dementia

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This coffee from Lavender Valley Farm in Chapman Valley might be just what the doctor ordered. 

From the Washington Post:

A new study suggests a significant relationship between caffeine and dementia prevention, although it stops short of establishing cause and effect.
The study, published in the Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, found that higher caffeine intake in women 65 and older was associated with reduced odds of developing dementia or cognitive impairment.

Click here to read more.

An apology for some high speed driving on Brand Hwy

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"Just to say sorry to all the cars I blew past in my Jeep earlier today on the Brand Highway, Tarcoola. My wife contacted me on the phone, she had had an accident at home and was laying in the backyard and couldn't get up. I was near CGG Council Chambers so I knew I could get to her faster than the Ambos, so I put my boot into it to get to her. Also thanks to the guy travelling west on Bellimos Drive who stopped to give me a helping hand with her. cheers mate. and yes she is ok, bit of bark off and a bit sore and sorry. So once again apologies to all, not normally the way I drive."

- L

Max Walker has died, aged 68

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Australian cricketer and TV personality Max Walker has died following a battle with cancer, at age 68. 

Wikipedia: Walker played 70 first-class games for Victoria and 38 Tests for Australia, taking 138 wickets as a medium-fast bowler. He played in 29 ODI's between 1974 and 1981, including matches during World Series Cricket from 1977 to 1979. His strange bowling action, particularly the way he moved his feet, earned Walker the nickname of "Tangles" or "Tanglefoot".

Walker became a member of the Order of Australia in 2011. 

Babies in Mid West towns have been given unsafe tap water and no-one realised it until recently

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Great, albeit concerning, story from Sebastian Neuweiler for the ABC:

In the mid 1990s the Health Department provided the Water Corporation with exemptions to nitrate guidelines for 11 towns, on the proviso bottled water be delivered to the communities and supplied to bottle fed infants under three months of age.
The water is supposed to be distributed through local nursing posts and health centres, but it has been revealed not all staff at those organisations are aware of the requirement.

Click here to read story

A local Labor politician has blamed the state Liberal National government for the debacle

The state government has already been under fire this month over the terrible water quality in many Mid West locations