Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper, 17 Mary River Road, Cooroy (2025)

22/08/2025

Grants help strengthen community fabric

Dozens of local community groups are set to benefit from funding thanks to generous support from both Cooroy RSL and Noosa Council.

The Cooroy RSL’s Community Donations Program has backed 37 organisations in its latest round, providing financial support to a wide range of local initiatives. “We received a record number of applications and extended the budget as the club has been trading well this year,” said board member Danielle Taylor. “While we couldn’t support everyone, we significantly increased the funding and are proud to back so many worthy initiatives.”

The donations program, relaunched in late 2021, has grown significantly over the past few years. “There are hundreds of volunteers delivering services and initiatives to our community and by supporting them we are supporting our community to thrive,” she said.

Funding is made possible through strong support from members and visitors, with the program considered a way for the club to give back. “Their patronage enables us to pay it forward and support the community,” Danielle added.

Meanwhile, Noosa Council is distributing more than $500,000 through its Community and Environment Grants, included in the 2025–26 budget. “This is a significant investment to support the vital work our community and environment groups do to enhance the liveability, sustainability and social fabric of our shire,” Mayor Frank Wilkie said.

Recipients include Wildlife Noosa which will launch a new turtle tracking program, and Zero Emissions Noosa which is helping businesses cut energy use. Funding will also assist Cooroy Badminton Club, Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club, Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club and the Majestic Theatre in Pomona with facility upgrades.

A further $135,000 was allocated through Community Alliance Grants to support groups such as Sunshine Butterflies, Noosa Coast Guard, Youturn and Meals on Wheels. Other successful applicants include the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce, Noosa Croquet Club, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland and Peregian Family and Friends Inc for its annual Christmas carols event.

Full grant details are available at noosa.qld.gov.au and cooroyrsl.com.au.

20/08/2025

Kandanga publican bids hotel heartfelt farewell

“Running the Kandanga Hotel for the past four-and-a-half years has honestly been one of the most colourful chapters of my life, but the time has come for me to slow down a little,” said hotel owner and manager Russell Willcocks, reflecting on his decision to step back from day-to-day operations.

Since taking over the historic pub in the Mary Valley, Russell has become a familiar and friendly face behind the bar. “I’ve served cold drinks to dusty cattlemen after big days in the paddocks, made flat whites for grey nomads visiting the area, talked to many a backpacker, and chatted long and hard with the locals about footy and old times and ###X seems to be the only beer they know,” he said.

Among his fondest memories are the moments in between the hustle and bustle of functions and happy hour that capture the pub’s spirit. “Some of my favourite times are when things quieten down and I look around the bar and see the loyal locals, new faces, and the kids in the play area making memories they’ll remember forever,” he said. “It’s a gentle reminder that the Kandanga Hotel has so many stories, both old and new.”

The original Kandanga Hotel, a beautiful Queenslander built in 1914, stood proudly with its wide verandah for more than 100 years before it burnt down in December 2015. Rebuilt on the same site, the hotel reopened in July 2017 with much of its original charm preserved. A favourite gathering spot for locals, the hotel also draws visitors to the Mary Valley. Russell and his wife Kerry purchased the hotel in December 2020 after coming for a birthday lunch and being told by a local, “You should buy it!”

Russell said the pub’s success would not have been possible without the support of his family and hardworking staff. “I am forever grateful to my wife Kerry, our amazing son and chef Hayden, Georgia and Tom, Clinton and Kati, Ben and Sam, who all play integral parts in keeping this ship afloat. Also, to our staff – you guys are amazing.”

In a farewell statement Russell added: “A huge thank you to everyone who has visited, our loyal locals, and everyone who is planning a visit. We welcome you with open arms and hope you enjoy your visit as much as we love owning Kandanga Hotel.”

Kerry said her husband’s decision to take a step back was well earned. “He has always worked so hard to support our beautiful family and now is his time to relax a little,” she said. “He will definitely still be around as I think keeping busy is in his blood.”

19/08/2025

Black Mountain Road open again after landslide rebuild

Residents of Black Mountain are finally breathing a sigh of relief after more than three years of detours, delays and disruptions, as Noosa Council officially completed the $40 million reconstruction of Black Mountain Road.

Believed to be the largest landslide in Sunshine Coast history, the February 2022 disaster destroyed a 130-metre stretch of road, displacing tonnes of soil to a depth equivalent to a five-storey building and cutting off vital access for the hinterland community. The scale and complexity of the damage made this Noosa Council’s largest and most challenging construction contract to date.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the road’s reinstatement marked a significant moment for the community. “Reopening this section of Black Mountain Road has been highly anticipated for many residents, visitors and local businesses who have needed to take risky, arduous detours that have made access to this beautiful part of the world difficult,” Minister Kristy said.

She said the project symbolised more than infrastructure. “The rebuilding of Black Mountain Road is more than just a highly complex engineering achievement, or all three levels of government working together to build something designed for the future. What it really is, is a chance to give people back their communities, their businesses and their lifestyles.”

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with an additional $400,000 from Noosa Council, the project involved extensive investigations before a final solution could be delivered.

Queensland Minister for Local Government and Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the project highlighted how all levels of government can work together effectively. “The Crisafulli Government works in partnership with councils and the Commonwealth to deliver results for Queenslanders and communities like Noosa,” she said.

“Disaster reconstruction can be a long journey, but transformational investments like this improve connectivity and resilience, and are key for local communities.”

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said the landslip’s geology and scale posed enormous challenges for engineers and planners. “The residents cut off by this monumental landslip have been severely inconvenienced for over three years,” Mayor Frank said. “Extensive investigations were needed to firstly understand the extent of damage and the geotechnical conditions before they could identify engineering solutions. Just getting to the construction tender stage took over 12 months of preparation before construction began in October 2023.”

Mayor Frank said patience had been a defining feature of the affected community. “This is why the community’s patience and cooperation needs to be acknowledged and appreciated. It’s been a long journey, and we are genuinely grateful.”

The reconstruction effort required 6,000 cubic metres of concrete – enough to fill two-and-a-half Olympic swimming pools – and 800 tonnes of steel. More than 260 piles, each 90 centimetres wide and reaching depths of up to 28 metres, were drilled into the hillside to create a stable structural frame.

“Sixty horizontal drains were put into the subsurface to help desaturate the area and remain in place to provide drainage,” Mayor Frank explained. “Almost 70 anchor-like structures were then put upslope to further support the concrete structure.”

He described the effort as a landmark for the region. “It’s a construction project unlike any other in our shire and it has been built to last.”

Beyond the engineering triumph, Mayor Frank said the toll on the community must not be overlooked. “The closure of Black Mountain Road and the construction work severely impacted Black Mountain residents,” he said. “They could only access homes using a detour via Andersons Road, and they tolerated construction noise and traffic and dealt with the disappointment of delays caused by constant wet weather.”

Mayor Frank expressed his appreciation to all involved in the project’s success. “Council greatly appreciates the Australian and Queensland governments for funding this reconstruction project,” he said. “We also thank the contractor Hazell Bros for their skilful, hard work to deliver the project.”

Now that access has been fully restored, Black Mountain residents can reconnect with the rest of the shire – through a stronger, safer road designed to withstand whatever nature throws at it next.

17/08/2025

Varroa destructor mite detected in honeybees in the hinterland

Queensland’s beekeeping community is being urged to take immediate action as the deadly Varroa destructor mite continues to spread rapidly, with detections as far north as Verrierdale, Tinbeerwah and Doonan last month.

Queensland Varroa Development Officer Tonia Johnson addressed concerned beekeepers at a recent information session, warning that “it’s not a question of if your hives will get varroa mite, it’s a question of when, so education and management now is critical.”

Tonia said the pest, which is primarily spread by wild bees, is moving quickly up into Queensland and poses a severe threat to both commercial and backyard apiaries. She emphasised that untreated hives are being wiped out in a matter of weeks and that without an urgent, united response, the impacts could be devastating for beekeepers and for the broader ecosystem and food production.

“There are a variety of methods that will need to be incorporated into hive management. Both commercial and recreational apiarists will need to adapt quickly,” she said.

Varroa destructor has officially been declared an endemic pest in Australia, and with this declaration, Biosecurity Queensland has transitioned from an eradication effort to a management response. The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed that hive losses and financial pressures are likely, especially in the early stages of this new approach.

“Beekeepers must monitor and manage carefully for mites. This requires knowledge of treatment thresholds and available treatment options,” the DPI advised. “You will need to create a strategy to monitor and treat routinely to reduce potential colony losses.”

The first detection of Varroa destructor in Queensland occurred in early March 2025 when samples from a recreational apiary in the Lockyer Valley returned a positive result. Since then, the mite has travelled quickly up the coast, with confirmed sightings now reported in Noosa hinterland locations including Doonan, Tinbeerwah and Verrierdale.

Further testing is underway across both commercial and recreational hives to confirm additional detections and to rule out the presence of other exotic bee pests or diseases.

Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Rachel Chay said the increase in detections was expected as the mite naturally spreads from New South Wales. “Biosecurity Queensland has been preparing for this event and is working closely with affected beekeepers to slow the spread and guide new management practices,” Rachel said.

“We’ve joined all other states and territories in shifting focus from eradication to management to safeguard Queensland’s valuable honeybee industry and recreational beekeeping.”

She said the Varroa Mite Biosecurity Zone, which restricts the movement of bees, hives and related equipment into Queensland, remains in place. The state will also continue to support beekeepers through its biosecurity champion network, industry partnerships and the appointment of Varroa Development Officers.

Queensland Beekeepers’ Association president Jacob Stevens acknowledged the growing crisis but said it had long been anticipated. “Thank you to the Queensland beekeepers who have reported varroa mite. Unfortunately, these reports come as no surprise,” he said.

Beekeepers across the region are urged to conduct monthly hive health checks and report results via the Bee 123 online form, even if no mites are detected. Signs to look out for include unexpected hive deaths, deformed or parasitised bees, poor brood patterns, and dead brood. These must be reported immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Varroa Development Officers are available to provide advice on early detection methods and integrated pest management strategies. They can be contacted via email at [email protected].

The local apiculture community is being reminded that working together is essential to ensure the long-term health of bees, which play a vital role in pollination and food production.

As Tonia stressed, “We are all in this together. With strong communication, education and action, we can support each other and our hives through this challenge.”

15/08/2025

Gotta love a good cause ... especially in a flanno 😍 Pop on down and say G'day Pomona IGA

14/08/2025

Let’s make eye care a priority: Queenslanders must protect their eyes

With sun-drenched beaches, outdoor sports and a sun-soaked lifestyle, the Sunshine Coast is a paradise for outdoor living, but it also presents a serious risk to one of our most vulnerable organs: the eyes.

Amid rising awareness about skin cancer, medical experts are urging Queenslanders not to overlook their eye health. A growing concern is pterygium, a potentially vision-threatening condition caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

A pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth that extends from the conjunctiva (the white of the eye) onto the cornea. While it might start as a harmless-looking lesion, it can become red, irritated, distort vision, or in rare cases, contain cancerous cells.

Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists operations manager Naomi Martin said symptoms vary from no discomfort at all to persistent redness, watering, or blurred vision. While lubricating eye drops and sun protection can help with discomfort, only surgery can remove the growth and test for cancer.

Although pterygia can affect people of any age, outdoor workers and active workers are at higher risk. According to 2021 Census data, approximately 15 per cent of the Sunshine Coast population works outdoors. This includes surfers, construction workers, gardeners and other outdoor professionals. “These individuals are at significantly higher risk due to their constant UV exposure,” Naomi explained. “But even recreational exposure, like a day at the beach without sunglasses, adds up over time. Here on the Sunshine Coast where outdoor living is part of our lifestyle, we need to treat eye protection just like we treat skin protection.”

To reduce risk, Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists’ ophthalmologist associate professor Kris Rallah-Baker recommends residents wear wraparound sunglasses with broad UV protection paired with wide-brimmed hats. And children are not exempt. Kids as young as toddlers can and should wear properly fitted sunglasses with UV protection. “Protecting your eyes should be part of your daily sun safety routine,” Kris said. “There’s nothing cool about eye cancer, but looking after your sight definitely is.”

Regular check-ups are a must. If a pterygium is spotted, referral to an ophthalmologist can ensure early, effective treatment.

Contact Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists at Noosa: phone 1800 EYE DOC (393 362), email [email protected] or visit www.sconoosa.com.au

14/08/2025

Federal decision a lifeline for Kin Kin habitat

A federal decision to halt the Kin Kin Quarry’s planned expansion has been welcomed by Noosa Council and environmental advocates as a vital step in protecting critically endangered species and fragile habitat.

In July, the federal minister for the Environment and Water determined that ongoing extractive activity at the quarry site is a ‘controlled action’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The ruling means the proponent, Cordwell Resources, must now undertake further environmental assessment and public consultation through a Public Environment Report process.

Mayor Frank Wilkie said the decision reflects the strong and sustained advocacy from the community and all levels of government. “This decision acknowledges the likely significant impact on listed threatened species and ecological communities and requires the applicant to undertake a new application process,” he said. “It is a step towards ensuring that environmental values and community concerns are given the consideration they deserve.”

Nick Cook, a long-time Save Noosa Hinterland campaigner, described the ruling as a hard-earned victory. “Our immediate reaction was one of relief and gratitude to the federal government for hearing the community and recognising the significance of the biodiversity on site,” he said. “It’s been two years of campaigning, including a federal government petition and hundreds of submissions.”

Nick said while the fight is far from over, the decision was a major milestone in efforts to stop quarry expansion. “The majority of EPBC referrals don’t get to this point. Requiring a Public Environment Report is a major indictment of the significance of the ecology on site and the widespread public interest.”

One key concern is a variation to the original quarry proposal, which increases the disturbance area from 9.64 to 15.3 hectares of habitat deemed critical to the survival of the koala. Although this variation was accepted, Nick said it was not made public until after the decision was handed down. “This is one of the glaring issues with the EPBC process and one that can be leveraged by proponents to hide the true impacts of their proposals during the public consultation phase,” he said.

The Kin Kin site is home to multiple Matters of National Environmental Significance under federal law, including the EPBC-listed koala, greater glider, grey-headed flying fox, migratory bird species, and the critically endangered scrub turpentine tree. A threatened ecological community, Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia, is also present. “I have walked the site and seen three koalas in the corridor adjacent to the quarry. The biodiversity of the area is significant,” Nick said.

He added that koalas require connected habitat spanning kilometres, and fragmentation caused by clearing is one of the primary drivers of their rapid decline. “If approved, not only will the habitat be decimated, but so will the hinterland community,” he warned. “The proposed clearing will allow for large-scale quarry expansion potentially doubling its capacity to one million tonnes a year, with a truck movement every few minutes through small rural towns not equipped for that kind of traffic.”

The Public Environment Report process will now begin with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water setting the assessment guidelines. Once finalised, Cordwell Resources will be required to submit detailed environmental studies, with further opportunities for public submissions.

Nick said campaigners are pushing for the assessment guidelines to be opened to community comment to ensure they reflect the full cumulative impacts of the project. “Most importantly, we need fit-for-purpose guidelines. We’re asking the minister to allow public comment to ensure the guidelines encompass not only the onsite impacts, but also the offsite consequences, including increased vehicle movements and habitat fragmentation.”

As the quarry already has prior approval from Noosa Council, Nick believes this federal process represents the final hope to halt the expansion and save the habitat. “We have the support of our federal and state MPs, local government, leading environmental organisations and the broader community,” he said. “Now we need the federal government to uphold and enforce the EPBC Act and fulfil its core purpose to protect the environment, particularly those elements classified as matters of national environmental significance.”

Community groups and residents are being encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming consultation phases as part of the EPBC review process.

13/08/2025

Cover story: Cooroy divided over Woolworths development proposal

Plans to build a $100 million Woolworths shopping complex and aged care facility on the outskirts of Cooroy have ignited passionate debate, with residents and developers presenting starkly different visions for the town’s future.

The proposed development, on a 6.6-hectare site at the corner of Myall Street and Ferrells Road, includes a full-line Woolworths supermarket, retail and dining outlets, aged care accommodation, and the preservation of two hectares of green space. Woolworths says the project will bring jobs, services and investment, but opponents argue it threatens Cooroy’s character and existing businesses.

Cooroy Area Residents Association (CARA) and the Noosa Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association (NSRRA) have publicly opposed the project. CARA president Rod Ritchie said the development’s scale far exceeds Cooroy’s needs. “The 4,800 population of Cooroy does not warrant a full-line supermarket,” he said. “Woolworths’ aim is to meet the demands of a catchment area from Eumundi to Traveston.”

NSRRA vice-president Aaron White warned the project could draw foot traffic away from the town centre. “You only need to look at what happened to Noosa Junction after Noosa Civic was approved to see the outcome of splitting your customer base,” he said. “There’ve been empty shops in the Junction ever since.”

Rod said the site’s zoning is another issue. “The site is zoned ‘Community Facilities’. This supermarket proposal and up to 15 shops located 1.2 km outside Cooroy’s business district don’t meet the intended outcomes for this zone,” he said. “Cooroy already has two IGAs, a fruit shop and two butchers, and there are three other Woolworths in the shire.”

One of the most pressing concerns from residents is traffic. “The Elm and Myall streets intersection is already congested. Overlander Avenue and Ferrells Road would become even more dangerous for children walking or riding to school,” Rod said.

Woolworths disagrees, stating that Cooroy is ready for a second full-line supermarket. “Typically, a town of Cooroy’s size should have two supermarkets,” said a Woolworths spokesperson. “Currently, many residents leave the area to do their weekly shop. By retaining that shopping locally, we support the economy and create flow-on benefits for other businesses.”

Woolworths said the project would generate 700 construction jobs and 300 ongoing roles across retail, dining and logistics. “We’ve completed a full traffic impact assessment and are working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads on improvements to the intersection,” the spokesperson said.

Design considerations were also addressed. “Many locals told us they welcomed the convenience, jobs and services, as long as the design respected the feel of Cooroy. That message shaped the proposal, which includes heritage-style elements,” he said.

The company said more than 1,200 pieces of community feedback were received during the consultation period, with input helping shape the final plans. In response, NSRRA launched a campaign encouraging residents to make formal submissions to Noosa Council before the 1 August deadline. Aaron said the strong response shows how much people care. “This isn’t about being anti-progress. It’s about protecting the soul of Cooroy,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce says its members are divided. “The chamber has surveyed its members and noted that there is a fairly balanced response between seeing the development as a business opportunity or it being seen as a business threat,” a spokesperson said. “The chamber has determined that it should not lobby either for or against the development application.”

Woolworths maintains the project is a respectful, future-focused investment. As Noosa Council reviews the application, Cooroy remains split – between those seeking growth and those determined to preserve the qualities that make the town unique.

12/08/2025

Distribution Day!

Another fantastic day out and about collecting smiles from our lovely locals 💓

Special thanks to Sconetime and all the wonderful work they do.

12/08/2025

🗞️ NEWS DAY!

The August 12 edition of the Cooroy Rag has landed across the Hinterland!

Grab your copy in print or read it online – packed with local stories that matter. This edition features:

🏬 Woolworths Cooroy plan divides community opinion
🌳 Noosa Council welcome Kin Kin habitat protection after federal ruling
🐝 Queensland Government warn of destructive varroa mite found in local bee populations
🛣️ Black Mountain Road reopens after major rebuild by Noosa Council
🐊 Crocodile report prompts investigation at Noosa Spit
🍻 Kandanga Hotel publican says heartfelt goodbye
🚦 Intersection upgrade underway for Lake Macdonald Dam project Seqwater
💰 Local grants from Cooroy RSL and Noosa Council boost community groups and initiatives
🚫 Stricter parking rules introduced to curb illegal camping
🐴 Saddle up for 2025's show season Kenilworth Show & Rodeo, Noosa Country Show
🌳 Noosa Shire digs in with Grow It Local
👁️ The importance of prioritising eye care Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists

PLUS all our regulars - Community Characters, Fire Safety with Harry Kirk, Gardening with Geoff Powell, and Forever Fitter with Ange!

Connecting your community – The Cooroy Rag, your not-for-profit local news source since 1961 💛

07/08/2025

Australia's first slow food farm at Kandanga

The international Slow Food movement began in Italy in 1986 in response to the introduction of ‘fast food’ restaurants in Rome. Slow Food now has over 100,000 members in 150 countries. With its own university and objectives that include lobbying against pesticides, engaging school students in food events, managing food banks and educating people on the risks of industrialised food systems, Slow Food is a quiet achiever on a grand scale.

Locally, Slow Food Noosa is strong, with the logo, a stylised red snail, gracing counters and windows of top restaurants, food providores and value adders. The ‘Snail of Approval’ is awarded annually to recipients committed to good, clean and fair food.

Recently the movement acknowledged that this commitment really begins with farms, and the agroecologists who tend them. A resilient local food system cannot exist without primary production, so Slow Food Farm is the logical progression. Last month K2 Organic Beef became Australia’s first Slow Food Farm.

Certified organic practices, holistic land management, and a measurable commitment to soil health, biodiversity, and nutrient-dense, vertically integrated food production all played a part for the international selection committee in expanding the network into Australia.

“Things farmers don’t often consider like farm energy sources, food miles and community engagement were all scrutinised. It was a comprehensive process,” said recipient Amber Scott.

Currently running four Certified Organic farms across the Mary Valley, the Scotts, through Kandanga Farm Store, have been advocating for a better food system locally for over a decade. In 2016 the family began an R&D project to implement scalable change across the food system. This led to home-grown innovations such as Bos Bags and Bos Lik for chemical-free parasite management, and cover-cropping with biochar and microbial applications for soil decontamination.

K2 Organic Beef, available across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, is DNA traceable with nutrient testing underway linking soil, plant, environmental and animal health to customer wellbeing. “We hope to prove locally that there are other ways of producing food, then make it scalable nationally. Then who knows, perhaps we can contribute to change globally through the Slow Food movement.”

Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper

22/08/2025

20/08/2025

19/08/2025

17/08/2025

15/08/2025

14/08/2025

14/08/2025

13/08/2025

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

07/08/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

We are proud!