From the President
Hello everyone.
Welcome to 2026! I hope you were able to enjoy a nice break with family and friends, and you’re recharged and ready to face this new year head-on. It’s hard to believe we are already one-twelfth through the year! How are those New Year resolutions going, did they at least make it to Australia Day? This is the first of my monthly articles to update you on Samford Progress activities and other community matters. I predict a busy but exciting year for our association, and I’m look forward to hearing from locals about their priorities for our community again this year. Importantly, we are a semi-rural area, so I would also like to take this opportunity to ask you all to spare a thought for our rural cousins in areas impacted by recent bushfires, storms and flooding.
Samford Progress updates
- 2025 Christmas in the Village – This popular event was very successful and truly a credit to the organisers and volunteers who made it possible. It was very well attended, and all the feedback we’ve received has been extremely positive. The only problem now is that it sets a very high bar to achieve in 2026!
- Main and Junction Streets DA – Placards have been erected in and around the Village. Fundraising action continues; thanks so much to those who have contributed so far. Preparation for legal proceedings taking place early this year are ramping up.
- New Planning Scheme for City of Moreton Bay – The Council has announced it proposes to replace its existing ten-year old Planning Scheme with a more ‘contemporary’ scheme, to help Council harness current and expected population growth. Now more than ever it is important that our community is actively involved while this new scheme is being developed. Cr Ellie Smith’s Mobile Office will be at the SCHUB on Friday 13 February where you can drop in and provide feedback. See her column on Page 14 for further information.
If any of these topics interest you, please feel free to contact us or come to our monthly meeting. Please note, our next General Meeting is 18 February 2026.
Did you Know?
In recent times we have seen a growth in socially-irresponsible behaviour in our local areas. The activities by these individuals are not only dangerous and costly, but they are also illegal. If you have concerns about an incident, some useful phone numbers to have in your phone are: 000 for life-threatening emergency or a serious crime; 1800 333 000 to contact Crimestoppers; and 131444 to contact Policelink for non-urgent reporting. These also have on-line forms that can be submitted, including anonymously.
Gentle reminder
The heatwaves we‘ve recently experienced can be oppressive, affecting people and animals. If you have elderly or vulnerable family, friends or neighbours, it may be worthwhile just checking on them to see they’re ok and coping, especially their hydration. Also don’t forget that pets and even wildlife will feel the heat – so make water and shade available and watch for signs of distress.
Until next month!
David Harrison (President) Samford Progress