Mystery man wants people to love Cairns
THEY seek him here, they seek him there ... no, it`s not the Scarlet Pimpernel who has Cairns people asking questions, it`s the Cairns Crusader.You`ve probably seen his signs along the city`s arterial roads: the stylised red and gold diamond with CC emblazoned in the middle and words such as "Cairns needs a hero".
Just who is this caped crusader who wants to make Cairns a better place?
I can`t shed any light on his identity, but I can impart a bit more information about him and his purpose in life.
In a letter, accompanied by balloons and sweets to my boss this week, Cairns Crusader identified himself as being "from a prominent Cairns family with a history dating back to the late 1880s the Crusader`s family were pioneers (sic)".
"The Cairns Crusader was born of all of us who love this beautiful city. I believe we live in the most amazing city in Australia and wanted to eprsonify that spirit.
"It is becoming my mission to become a public figure that is easily recognisable as a Cairns icon and to make this proud and beautiful city noted throughout Australia and the world in conjunction with the existing efforts of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Advance Cairns, Eveents Cairns and others."
So, he is a do gooder in the mould of Superman, Robin Hood, Deputy Dawg or Batfink.
But who is he?
Is it KB, the former mayor? No, the cape wouldn`t fit.
Is it Tom Hedley? Unlikely because Tom is more of a jockey`s silk man than a flowing cape.
Perhaps it`s former city council spin doctor Gary Schofield now he has time on his hands.
Anyway, if you`re husband, father, brother has been acting a bit strange lately or perhaps disappearing at odd times, let us know so we can put a face to the name.
We love his mantra.
Bank burglars
YOU have to love the banks.
Interest rates go up and they are quick to tell you your loan repayment is increasing and that they will automatically increase the amount they are taking.
But when interest rates drop, it`s a different story.
This is their letter to customers from the ANZ this week:
"Currently your minimum required payment every fortnight is $xxx.00. You are required to pay at least $xxx.00 (a lesser amount) every fortnight from 24 October 2008.
"If you are already paying more than the $xxx.00 (lesser amount) we won`t change the amount of your regular payment. etc etc ``.
In other words while waiting six weeks after they said they would reduce their interest rate before actually doing so, they won`t actually drop your repayments unless you contact them and specifically ask them to do so.
And if you don`t get in touch with them, they`ll simply keep taking the higher amount.
Fuel subsidy nightmare
IF the State Government goes ahead with its plan to change how motorists get the 8.354c a litre petrol subsidy, don`t be surprised if many small resellers go out of business simply because of the paperwork involved.
This is what is proposed, according to a letter from the Grants and Subsidies Division for the Commissioner of State Revenue.
. Retailers must advertise the unsubsidised price on a price board
. Retailers must display a sign indicating that the subsidy is available from the retailer and the amount of the subsidy
. Consumers must present a subsidy card at point of sale to obtain the benefit of the subsidy
. Retailers must issue a receipt showing the unsubsidised price, subsidy amount and net price.
In addition there will also be changes to:
. Record keeping requirements for retailers and bulk end users
. Penalty regime, including on the spot infringement notices for breaches of the Fuel Subsidy Act 1997
It`s going to be a nightmare that will turn filling the tank up into a lengthy, frustrating exercise for all concerned.
