By STEVE GRAY
January
FOR the third time in four years widespread flooding occurred across the district and beyond as ex-tropical cyclone dumped huge amounts of rain. The flood peaked in Warwick on 28 January at 7.45 metres, inundating at least 20 homes and 16 businesses. Huge damage was done to infrastructure like roads and fences.
February
Killarney show cancelled after another 80mm of rain dumped on the town.
Insurers also deemed the show pavilion unsafe. The clean-up from the floods continued. Farm losses in the Glengallan Valley were estimated at $200,000 per farm.
March
Save our Shires Action Group again called for a referendum, saying votes in other local government areas like Noosa and Mareeba should compel a referendum in the old Stanthorpe shire.
An application for a 32-metre NBN tower in Pelham St Tenterfield prompted public outrage.
Students in Warwick and Stanthorpe took a stand against bullying.
Nationals candidate for the federal seat of New England, Richard Torbay, was dumped by the party. Debate continued over the proposed route for a new powerline from Warwick to Stanthorpe.
April
Stanthorpe’s Carnell Raceway applied for 40 race days a year.
Star News Group purchased the Southern Free Times, shoring up its future.
Senator Barnaby Joyce was pre-selected for the federal seat of New England aiming to oust Independent Tony Windsor.
Anzac Day saw the presentation of a National Flag that had travelled across Afghanistan where Australian troops are serving. Warwick police officer and Australian Army Captain Grant Prendergast presented the flag to Mayor Peter Blundell.
A flood forum was told Warwick East residents wanted their homes raised to avoid future flooding. The residents also wanted a greater police presence to keep “gawkers” away.
May
The indigenous community of the Southern Downs took the first steps towards the formation of an indigenous corporation based in Stanthorpe.
Independent MP Tony Windsor called for a referendum on gay marriage.
Maryvale State Primary School celebrated its centenary.
Killarney held a Flood Recovery Weekend after its show was cancelled due to floodwaters earlier in the year.
An Australian Bat Lyssavirus outbreak occurred west of Allora.
June
The announcement of the preferred route for a new powerline from Warwick to Stanthorpe seemed to please no one.
Tenterfield Shire general manager Lotta Jackson announced plans for a 40 per cent rate hike over four years, saying current income couldn’t cover even basic services.
Three men died after drinking homebrewed spirits at a farm at Ballandean. The father of one of the deceased was later charged.
A savage storm flattened properties at Pratten and Bony Mountain.
July
After 67 years the Brett family sold their iconic Inglewood sawmill to Melbourne-based Outdoor Treated Timber.
Independent Tony Windsor announced he would not contest the seat of New England he held for 12 years.
Carey Bros Meats snagged themselves the Queensland King of the Beef Sausage award.
August
In an emotion-charged grand final, Killarney Cutters won their first Border Rugby League flag and their first A Grade premiership in 54 years. The team dedicated the premiership to former team mate Xylon Smith.
Nationals candidate for New England Senator Barnaby Joyce criticised Labor over the Mt Lindesay Highway and said conservatives could do better if elected. PM Rudd announced a 7 September poll.
The 10th Jumpers and Jazz Festival was the biggest event on record.
September
Bruce Scott easily retained the seat of Maranoa for his ninth term in federal parliament, while Barnaby Joyce completed his move from the senate by winning the seat of New England on the primary vote. Applethorpe residents were shocked after their high-and-dry properties were shown as flood-prone on Queensland Reconstruction Authority maps.
October
Queensland Government ministers switched on the lights at Stanthorpe’s CF White Oval.
Tenterfield Shire held eight public meetings as the council tried to sell a proposal to increase rates by more than 80 per cent in the next decade.
November
Southern Downs Regional Council started work on the 26km pipeline from Warwick to Allora.
Council also approved a huge new grain storage facility for Allora, but refused a development application for a wind farm at Dalveen, despite council officers’ recommendation. The refusal is being appealed.
An estimated 18,000 attended an open day at Wellcamp airport, under construction.
December
Mayor Peter Petty’s casting vote saves a proposal to apply for a Special Rates Variation which could see Tenterfield Shire rates skyrocket.
Amid repairs, a 300-tonne rock rolls onto Cunningham’s Gap, closing the highway for days.
Tenterfield ’s main street refurbishment drew flak as it disrupted Christmas trade.
Savage hail storms caused an estimated $50 million damage to crops on the Granite Belt.
