1997 in review

THE Palmwoods District was a community filled with action during 1997. Throughout the year, The Palmwoods District News was there to capture the highs and lows, the celebrations, the tragedies and the winners that represented our district.

As the new year begins, we take a look back at the stories that made headlines during 1997.

In January the Palmwoods Rural Fire Brigade paid tribute to fire warden Ted Adams who died in a light aircraft crash at Caboolture. Mr Adams, a retired farmer who moved from Tasmania to Palmwoods in 1983, was the Palmwoods West warden.

Unwanted 'fowl' Christmas presents played havoc in Kolora park, with domestic ducks and geese destroying attempts to vegetate the area around the rotunda, despite culling efforts.

In February Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson announced a $5 million multi-level interchange to be built at the notorious Palmwoods, Keil Mountain Road crossroads with the Nambour Connection Road.

Palmwoods' Citizens of the year were announced at the Australia Day breakfast, making headlines in February. Three active members of the Palmwoods community - Helen Sorenson, Bob Rowland and Vera Herse, were presented with Australia Day Medallions and certificates of recognition.

In March, Sunshine Coast residents went to the polls for the local government elections. Cr Geoff Littler returned as Palmwoods' Councillor, and Don Culley was elected as Mayor.

Cr Littler also announced a study would be undertaken to address traffic problems in Palmwoods.

In April the Planning and Environment Court dismissed an appeal by the Palmwoods Residents and Ratepayers Association against the Orange County residential development.

Local historian Wendy McMullin short listed the most appropriate sites for plaques to be erected in Palmwoods, marking historic sites in the town. Also in April, the Palmwoods ANZ Bank closed after almost a century of service in the town.

In May, Palmwoods celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Palmwoods Memorial Hall. Founder of the Palmwoods Singers, Marjorie Murray, was named Nambour Quota Club Woman of the Year.

In June, residents sought advice over the proposed Algas Pipeline.

Dean Fulford was selected to represent Australia in the physically challenged triathlon at the World Championships in Perth.

And consultants Gutteridge, Haskins and Davey were appointed to co-ordinate the preparation of the Palmwoods local area plan (LAP).

In July, a university student conducted a survey at the Palmwoods Community Recycling Centre in an effort to ensure that it was appropriately located to best serve its users and to resolve abuse problems.

The Palmwoods District News became part of the virtual age, with its own Internet address and web site, thanks to former resident Ross Garrard.

In August, Palmwoods was touted as a possible base for the proposed Hinterland Shire. The Palmwoods community was urged to support a bid for a nursing home to be established at Palmwoods Sundale in Jubilee Drive.

And residents Jim Cushing and Ray Knight built a scale model of the Palmwoods Memorial Hall to ride on the Palmwoods Progress Association's float in the Nambour Sugar Festival parade.

In September, the Eudlo State School celebrated 100 years of service to the people of Eudlo and the surrounding area.

In October, questions were raised over the local area plan, with Palmwoods Progress Association president Ron Correlli suggesting the plan failed to address a number of important issues, especially traffic and parking.

The Palmwoods Kindergarten turned 25, and farewelled long time teacher Beryl Cox. The Palmwoods Heritage Plaques were erected throughout the town by members of the Woombye rotary Sunrise.

In November concerns continued to grow over the local area plan and Cr Geoff Littler sought funding from the Maroochy Shire Council for a skate board bowl for Palmwoods.

The Palmwoods Community Recycling Centre, which had become an unsightly dumping ground at the entrance to the railway station was closed, to be relocated to another more appropriate site.

In December, banking returned to Palmwoods with the opening of a Heritage Building Society agency in Kolora Place.

The Palmwoods community was urged to view the draft area plan which was on display at the Palmwoods Post Office and the Palmwoods Singers presented another successful Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight performance at Briggs Park.