It pays to fit in exercise
CONGRATULATIONS, Townsville, your water security solution is in the pipeline.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will this morning announce that a Labor federal government, if elected, will put $ 100 million towards a water security solution to be determined by the Townsville Water Taskforce.
Mr Shorten will also pledge to take $ 200 million out of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility to put towards the State Government’s plan – announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the weekend – to build a hydro- electric power station at the Burdekin Falls Dam.
While only generating enough power for 30,000 homes, the hydro plant would create 150 jobs and form part of an energy provision mix vital for the future.
But the most exciting and pressing part of today’s announcement is the likelihood that the solution to the city’s water woes could be a step closer to reality.
Mr Shorten says the funding he has committed will “most likely” include a second pipeline connecting the Burdekin Falls Dam to Ross Dam.
While this is the cheapest and quickest solution to our city’s immediate problem, it is hoped that the proposal to raise the dam wall and add gravity feeding for a Townsville pipeline will still be considered.
Mr Shorten has pledged to support the preferred outcome determined by the taskforce so there are still many options.
And while Labor’s pledges are – as with most political vows – conditional on assuming government, Mr Shorten’s announcement today will place considerable pressure on the Turnbull Government to announce its own measures for what is our No. 1 issue.
Credit for today’s announcement rightly will go to Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole, but due acknowledgment must also be paid to the 11,000- strong membership of the Facebook community Water for Townsville Action Group, whose insistent grassroots campaigning has helped relate our city’s water situation to residents while demanding political action. FOR many Queenslanders, finding time to stay in shape isn’t easy but with a little forethought, fitness is achievable for all of us.
A great workout boosts your energy and mood and helps set a healthy tone for how you approach your day.
Being active and avoiding being too sedentary is vital to optimal wellbeing. While the best time to exercise will largely depend on your lifestyle, most people prefer morning workouts.
Whether you’re going to the gym, prepping for an outdoor run or simply headed to the next room for a workout, these tips should help you stay active all year round.
Stop hitting snooze. When it’s cold and dark in the morning, it can be easy to keep hitting the snooze button. Instead put your alarm clock at the other end of your bedroom, turn on the light switch ( or let in some natural light) and do a few quick stretches.
Create a morning playlist. Shake off sluggishness and get motivated for the day with energising songs. Upbeat music may even make you push yourself harder when exercising.
Simplify your morning routine. Make it easier to get out the door by preparing what you can the night before. Pack everything you need for your workout in a bag and organise your meals.
When the winter chill sets in, just add cosy outerwear and consider warming yourself up afterwards with a hot tea or porridge.
Don’t get distracted by technology. Try putting your phone on aeroplane mode before you go to sleep and don’t take it off until after your workout.
Turn your commute into a workout. Ride a bike, or leave home earlier to fit in a walk. If you drive, try parking your car 15 minutes from where you need to be and walk the rest of the way.
Recruit a buddy. Organising to meet someone for your workout will keep you accountable and encourage you to go.
At least a third of all cancers can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes, including maintain- ing a healthy weight, being active, eating well, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking and being sun smart.
For good health, try to do 150- 300 minutes of moderate- intensity exercise or 75- 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity every week.
More information at cancerqld. org. au.
CHRIS McMILLAN CEO, Cancer Council
Queensland is available