Broede Carmody / Thursday, July 21 2016 (224)

Carbon neutral postage startup Sendle is continuing to take on Australia Post with the launch of a new parcel delivery option that aims at to save small businesses both time and money.

From today, small businesses can take advantage of the Sendle Satchels service, which allows for A4 500g satchels can be individually picked up and delivered nationally for $6.95.

The parcel delivery startup claims this is cheaper than lining up at a Post Office to ship packages of the same size, unless 500g satchels are pre-purchased in bulk.

A pack of 10 small 500g satchels from Australia Post costs $78.40, according to the Australia Post website. This equates to $7.84 per satchel.

To send a small parcel of up to 500g without packaging costs $7.45.

Read more: Sendle says the Australia Post monopoly is hurting small business

James Chin Moody, co-founder and chief executive of Sendle, told SmartCompany small businesses now have a choice when it comes to sending small parcels.

“They don’t have to buy 100 satchels at a time [to save money],” Chin Moody says.

“A small business doesn’t want to do that. This completes the range of products we can offer them.”

While Sendle has been enjoying 20% month-on-month growth this year, Chin Moody says it’s not good enough for a business like his to just be cheaper than larger providers.

“True disruption occurs when you can be cheaper and easier,” he says.

“This satchel offering is about saving people time, they don’t have to line up at the post office, so they also save money. For many small businesses, that’s an important piece of the puzzle.”

“Time is money” for small business owners

Hailey McGinty is the owner of H+G Designs, an online retailer that sprung up around 18 months ago.

McGinty participated in the trial of the Sendle Satchels service and she told SmartCompany every dollar counts when you’re a small business that is just getting off the ground.

“But it’s also the convenience,” McGinty says.

“Time is money for small business owners, especially when you’re doing multiple roles in the business. You have to pass that cost onto your buyers, so the lower that can be, the more happy your customers are.”

What Sendle has in store over the next few months

As for what businesses can expect from Sendle in the next six months, Chin Moody says a number of new products are on the way.

“We are focused this year on the Australian market, but starting soon we’ll be looking beyond that too,” he says.

“Watch this space.”                        Victor Cominos

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Red tape inflating home costs, says HIA……..
ANTHONY TEMPLETON, The Courier-Mail - July 9, 2016 12:00am

PLANNING red tape between different levels of government is costing the housing industry up to $200 million a year ... and pushing up the cost of homes.

The Housing Industry Association Queensland has made a submission to the State Government about improving affordability, but it claims the complex rules between different levels of government are hitting buyers.

Most councils have building codes and town plans, and the State Government also has rules and policies. The HIA says there are about 300 “plans of development” in southeast Queensland. They act like mini planning schemes. Many councils have no records of how many exist.

“The resultant lack of transparency and complexity ... is by HIA’s calculation costing the sector in the order of $170 to 200 million per year,” the submission says.
“Ultimately, a significant proportion of this cost is passed onto consumers through increased housing costs.”

A Planning Department spokeswoman said legislation passed this year aimed to reduce the complexity of the system and make it more flexible.

“In 2015, the Government also established the Construction, Planning and Property Red Tape Reduction Panel, which includes industry and government representatives, to list priority items for reform and remove unnecessary imposts on the property sector,” the spokeswoman said.

The President of the Emerald Chamber of Commerce called for a complete overhaul of regulations in Queensland beginning with Local Government. Mr. Cominos said, “Sadly the introduction of GST and higher stamp duty has not helped the housing industry”.            

Disclaimer: V. B. Cominos has been a licenced real estate agent for some 45 years.

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http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland

Here is a story from the archives.....

From the Central Queensland Herald (Rockhampton) Thursday 16^th June 1938

EMERALD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

At the last meeting of the Emerald Chamber of Commerce Mr H. Penrose presided over the following attendance:

Messrs W. Daniels, G. Gall, J. W. A. Common, N. Mclnnes, L. Mattingly, L. J. McCosker, A. R. Clarke, R. Ward, P. P. Kelly, R. B. Dunlop, and B. Davis (secretary).

It was decided that a letter of appreciation be posted to the Emerald Shire Council for the prompt attention given to the Chamber's request for attention to the silent cops.

After some discussion it was arranged to appoint a delegate to be present at the Rockhampton Chamber of Commerce Conference and that a sub-committee be appointed to draw up a list of business matters to be submitted to the conference. Mr L. J. McCosker was appointed the delegate, and Messrs Kelly, Ward, McCosker, and Clarke were nominated to arrange the agenda.

Mr Mattingly stated that he had gone into the matter of a daylight train from Emerald, and he was given to understand that it would not be workable.

Notice of motion was given by Mr Penrose that the day and time of the meeting of the Chamber be altered.

The necessity of the road from Longreach to Rockhampton being put in first-class order, was the subject of discussion, following a letter from Mr Foley in connexion with the road. Mr Ward said that repairs to the road were an absolute necessity and he moved that Mr Foley be written to and advised that, in view of the result of the conference at Longreach, this Chamber wholeheartedly supported the decision arrived at the conference, which indicated the importance of the road. There was a vast sum of money collected annually in motor tax from the people using this road and it was felt the money should be spent in the locality.

Seconding the motion, Mr P. P. Kelly said that the Chamber as a body and the people living in the West were too tolerant. They should demand the road and point out that it was overdue and that unless the request was attended to in a reasonable time, drastic measures should be taken, such as refusing to pay registration. Too many of these requests were pigeonholed. The people had been sleeping too long, but if they proposed to take drastic action they would get something done.

Mr Ward said he thought that a copy of the motion should be sent to every Chamber and Progress Association in the Central West. 

The motion was carried.

Mr McCosker said that the Nogoa traffic bridge was very dangerous, more especially at the turns. The amount of traffic which crossed the bridge warranted a two-way traffic bridge. He moved that the Chamber write to the council on the matter. Mr W. Daniels made reference to the necessity of a footbridge or a subway to connect the north end south sides of the railway. It would prove more convenient for the public.

Members of the Chamber expressed surprise when they discovered that there was no resident dentist in Emerald. It was universally considered by all present that there was a good opening and it was ascertained that one dentist was considering the advisability of opening at Emerald. Eventually a motion was carried that, in the event of this dentist changing his mind, the Chamber advertise in the Press pointing out the good opening in Emerald.

The necessity of an extra clerk in the Emerald Post Office was the subject of much discussion, find a motion was carried that Mr Forde and the Postal Department be approached requesting that a relieving man be appointed to the Emerald Post Office until such time as a permanent appointment could be made.

Mr Common said that he would like to see the districts weather reports put up outside the Post Office every morning, also the temperature recordings.

The current President of the Emerald Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Victor Cominos said that whilst quite a number of issues have been addressed by the government there are still matters that are of great concern to the residents of Central and Western Queensland.

Mr. Cominos a chamber member of over 50 years said, “I can recall going to meetings and conferences where resolutions were passed repeatedly urging the governments of the day to bring about the much needed infrastructure”.

One such resolution was for the sealing of the road from Rockhampton to Longreach. Another was for the improvement of air services. The list is quite long.  

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Man Gets Prison Sentence For Collecting Rainwater On His Property

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Royce Christyn in News, US

Collecting rainwater on your own property in the U.S. can now lead to jail time, as has been proven by a man from Oregon who was sentenced to prison for doing just that.  Who owns the rain? The US government, apparently.

A rural Oregon man was sentenced Wednesday to 30 days in jail and over $1,500 in fines because he had three reservoirs on his property to collect and use rainwater.

Not so long ago, it was common practice across much of the world to collect rainwater into man made wells on your property to use for farming, irrigation and having fresh clean water.  

It was just as common as canning your own food, having knowledge of at least some basic survival skills, and being self-sufficient.

It wasn’t even that many generations ago that all of this was common practice – people born before WWII were pretty adept at these skills, as they were a necessity to survival.  One of the main (and easiest) ways to ensure survival was to collecting rainwater on your own property.  

The practical uses for storing and collecting rainwater are numerous and many people across the world in rural areas still do it today for all of the reasons listed above.  

However, over the past few years, laws making the collection of rainwater illegal have been causing an uproar across the US.

Now, a man from Grey Point, Oregon has been sentenced to thirty days in prison for storing collected rainwater on his very own property – and the public is outraged.

According to CNS News (source):

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Here is a story from the archives.....

 



Written by Ron Entsch and Victor Cominos

 

The History of Bush Pilots Airways

 

and

 

Air
Queensland

 

Hence Ansett, through Ansett Transport Industries, acquired eighteen per cent ownership of Air Queensland, and Alan Yates, Ansett’s deputy general manager, was appointed to the board.

 

This news was not well received in some quarters. The Emerald Chamber of Commerce expressed its views in a letter dated 5 September 1984:

 

At a meeting of this Chamber yesterday, members expressed their concern on the announcement that Ansett Airways has purchased 18.3 per cent share in your airline.

 

Its reason for concern relates to history—from the time Queensland Airlines, which served this town for many years with a DC3 aircraft, was purchased by Ansett Airways.

 

After that the service deteriorated in smaller aircraft and less convenient schedules, and many changes of operators.

 

Until Bush Pilots Airways started operating here in 1978, the services offered in the Central Highlands were very indifferent.

 

The introduction of the Metros and direct services to Brisbane, although appreciated by many, were not appreciated by everyone; however, the service now operating is appreciated.

 

Members of the Chamber are concerned that history may repeat itself if the strength of Air Queensland is lost in serving our area, so your assurances that you consider this area worthy of your support would be appreciated.

 

In his response to the Chamber, Sir Sydney said, “May I very emphatically say that we in Air Queensland will never allow history to repeat itself whilst we continue to have your full support and that of the people of the Central Highlands”.

 

Despite those well-intentioned comments, the Chamber was to learn, six months later, that Air Queensland was under the control of TAA, not Ansett.

 

The President of the Emerald Chamber of Commerce Mr. Victor Cominos clearly remembers the incident and the concerns of the members in 1984.

 

Particularly as they had seen the air services to Emerald deteriorate since Ansett had taken over Queensland Airlines Pty Ltd.

 

Mr. Cominos said, “When in 1966 Queensland Airlines Pty Ltd was absorbed into Ansett-ANA (Ansett Transport Industries) it was the beginning of the decline of local air services.”

 

“I can remember the diligent services provided by the local agents of Queensland Airlines Pty Ltd, for many years Keith Esmond of Dalgety & Co followed by Bill McKendry of McKendry’s News & Travel Agency sold the tickets and they also provided the ground services at the Emerald Airport,” said Mr. Cominos.

 

Epilog: Long before Queensland Airlines Pty. Ltd. had begun servicing Emerald the company had begun life in Brisbane as Aircrafts Pty Ltd.  The company formed in 1927 changed its name from Aircrafts Pty Ltd to Queensland Airlines Pty Ltd on 18th October 1949 and continued to deliver newspapers and passengers to towns north and west of the capital. That year saw services being provided to Brisbane - Maryborough - Bundaberg - Rockhampton - Clermont, Brisbane - Kingaroy - Monto - Thangool - Rockhampton. Emerald had yet to be added to the route.

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Queensland woman wins $10,000 in Facebook defamation case against ex-husband

Drew Creighton - June 20 2016

A Queensland woman whose ex-husband posted a vicious attack about her on Facebook has won $10,000 in court.

Bowen woman June Marion Kelly was seeking $150,000 in damages after a post was published on Facebook by her former husband David Levick, stating that she, among other things, "commits criminal offences".

A South African man has been sued for defamation over a Facebook post.

A South African man has been sued for defamation over a Facebook post.

"June turned out to be a thieving, lying, money crazed bitch who screwed me out of nearly 3 million rand – may she rot in Hell," Mr Levick wrote in a post on his Facebook page in November 2014.

Magistrate Simon Young said Mr Levick's post happened in the context of years of a bitter divorce and property settlement in South Africa with Ms Kelly.

Ms Kelly's issue with the post was it stated she was a "thief" and suffered from a mental disorder.

Mr Levick tried to defend his case, disputing his liability for the words and whether the case was even in the court's jurisdiction.

He argued the post was meant to be private but was inadvertently published to the public.

Citing a long-standing ruling, Mr Young deemed it not a sufficient defence. "… Liability depends upon mere communication of the defamatory matter to a third person. The communication may be quite unintentional …" the ruling read.

Mr Levick then tried to argue there was no evidence the post had been "downloaded" in Queensland as he had published it from South Africa.

This was also not accepted as Mr Levick introduced the idea after the pleadings and was ruled in favour of Ms Kelly.

In his final defence Mr Levick raised whether the words implied what Ms Kelly had taken from it and whether it was even directed at her in the first place.

The magistrate said it was clear the post was directed at June Kelly.

Mr Levick had also published an apology to Ms Kelly regarding the post at a later date on Facebook, leaving no question as to whom the post was intended.

When it came to the decision on how much to award Ms Kelly, Mr Young consulted previous cases including one in which a builder was awarded $50,000 for having his reputation damaged in his community.

"Damages for injured feelings are often the largest single (but not only) consideration in awarding damages," Mr Young said, awarding Ms Kelly $10,000 with interest to the date of the judgment at the rate of 4 per cent, totalling $10,784.74.  Victor Cominos

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Rural Property Law:
Primary Producers Benefit from Legislative Changes
 

Posted July 1, 2016

Legislation passed by both the Queensland and federal governments offers some important benefits for primary producers, according to leading legal firm Creevey Russell Lawyers.

 

Creevey Russell Principal Dan Creevey said changes introduced by federal parliament have allowed for a significant increase in farm management deposits, which help to protect farm income and cash flow during lean years.

 

“The farm management deposit scheme is a risk mitigation scheme which allows for primary producers to make tax deductible deposits – usually during the prosperous years – and then redraw them during the less prosperous times,” Mr Creevey said.

 

“From July 1, 2016, the maximum amount that can be held in a farm management deposit account has increased from $400,000 to $800,000. The deposit must be held for at least 12 months, and the income is taxable when the money is withdrawn from the scheme.

 

“In addition, if producers are affected by a rainfall deficiency for six consecutive months, and the deposits have been held for at least six months, they can access those deposits without losing the claimed tax deduction.”

 

Mr Creevey said another bonus for primary producers was the Queensland parliament voting to relax primary production duties from July 1, 2016.

 

“Amendments brought in by the Duties and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2016 have removed the need for the transfer of property to be by way of gift, if the property is used to carry on particular family businesses of primary production,” he said.

 

“Therefore, if the land or business assets are subject to a mortgage, the mortgage no longer needs to be discharged in order to obtain the duty exemption.

 

“We see this as a relaxation of a rule that has prevented many families from attending to proper business succession and estate planning.”

 

Creevey Russell has wide experience in advising primary producers, especially in relation to business succession and estate planning and understands the needs and desires of its rural clients.

 

The President of the Emerald Chamber of Commerce, Victor Cominos said that it was important that estate planning was implemented. "Sometimes it takes many years to properly structure appropriate vehicles to own and operate a family business". 

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Chamber condemns Treasurer’s decision to impose increased new taxes for foreign buyers…..

Thursday 7 May 2015

The Emerald Chamber of Commerce condemns Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt’s decision to impose new taxes on property purchases by foreign investors.

Chamber President Victor Cominos said the decision will drive investors out of the Queensland market.

The property market in Central Queensland and in particular Emerald and surround area has stagnated and it will be a long time before it recovers particular if the current government policy is allowed to continue.

Mr. Cominos said, "According to statistics in 2014 there were $51 billion worth of residential sales, well below the peak of $73 billion in 2007". 

Additionally, taxes such as Stamp Duty increases on foreign investors, who are already being taxed and stymied at a Federal level, will only weaken and in some areas destroy the market.

“Foreign investors can only buy new property in Queensland, not established homes, and the supply to this sector of the market in some areas is very poor or non-existent", “It’s a fairytale that foreign investors are driving up property prices in Queensland, foreign investors are not competing with mum-and-dad purchasers for homes,” he said.    

With a third of Queensland’s population renting accommodation the supply of appropriate properties for both local and foreign investors is a must if there is to be stability in the rental market.

"The Treasurer by his action has indicated that his government doesn't welcome foreign housing investment in Queensland, particularly in new housing," said Mr. Cominos.

"Over the years the Local Government costs associated with new housing developments have risen exceedingly, causing the unaffordability that exists and in many cases working against mum-and-dad purchasers”.

“It is time to launch an inquiry into the affairs of Local Government in Queensland and in particular into their fees and charges”, said Mr. Cominos.

Disclaimer: Victor Cominos established his first Real Estate Agency 45 years ago.

 

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Queensland fees, fines and power bills rise……….

Nathan Paull / July 1 2016 - 6:39AM

An increase in licensing fees, fines and electricity prices in the Sunshine State could be enough to drive Queenslanders to drink.

But that could be hindered anyway, with the first phase of the government's controversial lockout laws coming into effect on Friday as part of a raft of changes in Queensland for the new financial year.

Lockout laws a 'negative' for revellers

Last drinks are called early at Queensland pubs from Friday morning, but nightclub patrons fear the new lockout laws will "push people out on to the streets". 7 News Queensland

Liquor service hours have been reduced to 2am state-wide, except in designated entertainment precincts, where alcohol can be served until 3am.

In all venues, "rapid intoxication drinks" - including shots, drinks with more than 45ml of spirits and pre-mixed drinks with more than 5 per cent alcohol - will be banned after midnight.

Six months' car registration for a four-cylinder vehicle jumps from $340.40 to $352.30.

Six months' car registration for a four-cylinder vehicle jumps from $340.40 to $352.30.

"Our package of laws is designed to encourage people to feel safe enough to go out at night and enjoy the diversity of Queensland's entertainment and nightlife options," Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said.

The remaining reforms, including the actual 1am lockouts, will be phased in between September and February.

Meanwhile, fees, charges and fines will go up by 3.5 per cent from Friday - more than twice the state's inflation rate of 1.7 per cent.

A five-year licence will rise $5.60 to $165, while six months' car registration for a four-cylinder vehicle will jump from $340.40 to $352.30.

New regulated retail prices for regional Queenslanders will also mean price hikes, costing the average household about $41 more a year.

Prices will also be deregulated in southeast Queensland, which the government argues will increase competition.

However, the opposition says the government hasn't done enough to educate the public about the changes.

CHANGES IN QUEENSLAND ON JULY 1

•Liquor laws - reduced hours, no shots after midnight

•Fee hike - fees, charges and fines to increase 3.5 per cent

•Electricity - southeast Queensland market deregulated; regional Queensland regulated, which will see increases

•Councils - Mayors and councillors to receive up to 2 per cent pay rise

•Hospitals - government's mandated nurse-to-patient ratios come into effect

•Disability - NDIS starts rolling out across the state

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