Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has joined Premier Campbell Newman today in Hervey Bay to help officially release one of Queensland’s most important planning documents –The Queensland Plan: Queenslanders’ 30-year vision.
Mrs Frecklington believes Queenslanders had spoken loud and clear in The Queensland Plan saying that the economy, education and the regions were the keys to a vibrant and prosperous state.
“I was so pleased to be involved in this event today which released The Queensland Plan - the result of the largest community engagement activity of its kind ever undertaken in Australia,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“It reflects a range of community aspirations and will play a key role in helping unite business, industry, community and government activities right across the state,” she said.
“It is truly a ‘people’s plan’ which provides key goals on jobs and the economy. In fact, there was agreement among 80,000 participating Queenslanders that they wanted their state to be the number one performing economy in Australia which provided the best job opportunities in the nation.
“Queenslanders have set ambitious goals to help drive our state forward over the next three decades. Through The Queensland Plan process, we now have a long-term vision for the state that essentially all Queenslanders have signed on for and that’s a powerful thing which we should all be excited about.
“It offers a wonderful opportunity for regions like the South Burnett to think outside the square in how we grow our economy and strengthen our community connections.
“While we won’t always agree on how to achieve all our goals, it is important to keep the conversation going to find common ground and new ways to collaborate.”
The Queensland Plan sets a road map for state growth and prosperity across nine foundation areas and identifies 20 targets. Implementation will involve contributions from all levels of government, business, industry, community organisations and individuals; and progress will be monitored and reported on annually.
“The Queensland Plan” Ambassadors Council has been announced and it is their role to engage with the community and government to oversee the plan’s implementation and encourage participation from across the state,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I encourage everyone to work with the Ambassadors and to read The Queensland Plan and think about how you can contribute.
“I look forward to working with the people of our community to make our vision a reality.”
To find out more about The Queensland Plan visit www.qld.gov.au/queenslandplan.
Photo: At the official launch of the Qld Plan today – Deb with Premier Campbell Newman
Recently the Premier and Minister for Education announced the Queensland Government is preparing to sign an Accord with Queenslanders about the future of school education. The Education Accord will be a historic document, setting down a 30 year vision for school education in our great state.
The Accord is about implementing a strong plan to ensure our children can have a brighter future. By providing better education today, we open up access to a world of greater opportunity for our children to have a better job, to own their home and an improved quality of life. We have a vision for our state and want to set up not only the next generation, but those that come after it.
Education is central to the economic prosperity of Queensland and we all know it drives opportunity for students. That’s why your government is working with all stakeholders - and I’d like to everyone to have their say – just go to www.deta.qld.gov.au/about/educationaccord
It also gives me great pleasure to announce our three Nanango Electorate community representatives to attend the upcoming Summit:
The Newman Government’s goal is for Queensland to be among the top performing states in literacy and numeracy in Australia in the next decade. We have clear priorities in education, as evident by our policy commitments:
$131 million to boost literacy and numeracy$537 million to improve teacher quality761 new teachers in 2014/152,250 extra prep teacher aide hours$300 million invested in public schools, to clear the maintenance backlog
The Newman Government went to the election with a promise to revitalise frontline services, just as I did locally. Education is a big part of this promise and we are working hard to deliver better educational outcomes for all Queensland students.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has welcomed recent infrastructure upgrades at the Kilcoy Ambulance Station which will boost security for the Station.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, said the upgrades included replacing deteriorated timber fences with steel fencing and installing new security and electronic access systems within the station building.
“As part of the boundary fencing upgrade new steel double-gates have been fitted to provide electronic proximity-card access for vehicles,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Entry to the station building itself is now more secure with card access installed to the medications storeroom and on all external doors.
“There is also a new state-of-the-art security system throughout the building, a CCTV system inside the medical supplies store and new lockable cabinets.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said the security upgrades were testimony to the Queensland Government’s ongoing commitment to deliver better infrastructure and revitalise frontline services across Queensland as promised at the election.
“These upgrades will significantly improve the day-to-day working conditions and safety for crews and a consistent approach is being taken with upgrades across other ambulance stations across Queensland,” Mr Mander said.
Photo: Deb at the Kilcoy Ambulance Station when she visited the station last year.
Almost $2 million of the $5.6 million in Federal drought funds targeting feral animals was now flowing to where it was needed with the signing of six grant agreements.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the State government, local councils and industry had finalised projects to help drought-hit landholders under pressure from feral animals.
“The projects will roll out in south western and central western Queensland, Charters Towers, the Central Highlands and the Condamine, with a further two projects expected soon for the Gulf and Murray-Darling catchment areas,” Mr McVeigh said.
“Agriculture is a key pillar of the Queensland economy and this is prime example of how the LNP government is working effectively with Canberra to deliver better programs for Queensland farmers.”
Minister McVeigh said the projects were decided by local councils, NRM groups and wild dog committees.
“Larger fencing programs were not considered because the overseeing committee wanted programs to have maximum immediate impact on feral pests.”
The projects include:
Minister McVeigh said areas east of the Great Dividing Range were also in drought, and some funding from the initial 2013/14 allocation had been retained to fund crucial projects in this area.
“My department will contact relevant agencies east of the Range to commence discussions.”
For more information on feral animal initiatives, contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 13 25 23.
Visitors and locals to the picturesque South Burnett can look forward to running, riding or walking along rejuvenated rail trails following the announcement of $2 million in State Government funding to upgrade the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said that recycling former rail corridors into recreation areas had been a huge success in growing the tourism pillar of the Queensland economy in regional areas.
“Rail trails are shared-use paths created from former railway corridors and they’ve become a magnet for hikers, cyclists and horse riders,” Mr Seeney said.
“This rail trail proposal has been on the books for almost four years but our LNP Government is committed to making it happen.
“This project will complement the South Burnett’s already strong reputation as an attractive bed and breakfast tourism destination for Brisbane residents and beyond.
“Not only is it a great use of state-owned land by Queenslanders, the day-trippers and tourists will generate significant economic opportunities for regional communities along the track.
“This $2 million grant will bring new business and new customers to the corner shops, restaurants, service stations and other businesses in towns along this route.”
The Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail spans approximately 60 kilometres and has the potential to connect to the Brassall Bikeway, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the Bicentennial National Trail.
“This could mean a continuous trail that connects Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast with a trail that traverses the picturesque regional communities of Somerset and the South Burnett,” Mr Seeney said.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said today’s announcement is exciting news for the entire region.
“This is one of the biggest announcements by our Government for the South Burnett and one which will have a major positive impact on the entire region,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“It shows that we have been listening to the needs of the community and are delivering on a commitment which will make a real difference for local businesses and the community in general.
“I can’t wait to see the Rail Trail open to the public and bringing people to the beautiful South Burnett. This is a fantastic result made possible by the Government’s Royalties for Regions program.”
South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said the rail trail would reinvigorate several towns and ensure the railway’s history is preserved forever.
“The South Burnett rail trail offers a complete diversity of landscapes and intersecting towns and will cater to a range of recreational pursuits,” Mr Kratzmann said.
“Along the 43 kilometres of the rail trail in the South Burnett, it will intersect the towns of Murgon, Wondai and Kingaroy and four of our region’s villages: Tingoora, Wooroolin, Memerambi and Crawford.
“Our villages in particular have experienced a down-turn since the loss of the railway in the 1980s and 1990s.
“This is why the rail trail project is so exciting – we may not have trains going through our villages anymore, but now we will have people and this will greatly benefit our local businesses and communities.”
Gympie Regional Council Deputy Mayor Tony Perrett said the funding would help boost tourism opportunities and local amenity in his shire.
“We look forward to working with the State Government to ensure we get the best possible use from these unused corridors,” Mr Perrett said.
The Recreational Rail Trails program is being funded from Royalties for the Regions, a key program under the Queensland Government’s RegionsQ initiative to build brighter and stronger regions.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has welcomed the announcement today that local students studying music at our State High Schools will have access to new music instruments and more music teachers.
Mrs Frecklington said the Queensland Government has announced more than $2.46 million in funding for secondary school music education and that this would benefit the instrumental program five Nanango Electorate High Schools including Crows Nest, Kilcoy, Kingaroy, Nanango and Toogoolawah.
“This is fantastic news our High Schools, which are amongst 226 state schools around the state sharing in an additional $1 million to buy more instruments and equipment,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Instrument funding for our local High Schools will be:
“The additional funding will also help employ an additional 16.7 fulltime equivalent instrumental music teachers across Queensland. Plus it will cater for the move of Year 7 into secondary school in 2015 and ensure students have access to the instruments and expertise they need,” she said.
“Music is such an important part of the curriculum and a focus on this area of study means we’ll continue to see our regional students excelling in the instrumental program.”
Deb said from 2015, Year 4 students will be able to study woodwind, brass and percussion instruments at school for the first time, a year earlier than the current Year 5 starting point.
“This additional funding will help students to develop their music skills across a range of instruments earlier and help schools to maintain quality bands,” she said.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has welcomed the announcement that Agriculture Students at Toogoolawah State High School will benefit from extra funding announced by the Queensland Government for the Gateway to Industry Schools Program.
Mrs Frecklington said the Gateway to Industry Schools program was an essential program for many high schools offering students training in the areas of agribusiness, building and construction, manufacturing and engineering, food, wine and tourism, aerospace and minerals and energy.
She said an extra $900,000 will be invested across the state to assist more than 120 high schools like Toogoolawah who participate in the program.
“The Toogoolawah SHS Agriculture students will continue to have to have access to greater education and career opportunities as part of this extension to the Gateway program,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I know that the Agriculture program at Toogoolawah SHS is extremely popular and successful, and this extra funding will provide real benefits for students who choose agriculture as a career,” she said.
“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring that students have access to the education and skills they need for a bright future with lifelong career opportunities,” she said.
“This is about engaging with industry to give students the experience they need to make informed choices about their future career options, so that Queensland has a strong workforce for years to come.”
Photo: Deb has welcomed further funding for the Gateway to Industry Schools Program which will directly benefit students at Toogoolawah State High School.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated TAFE Qld South West on successfully securing $300,000 for a training program to support local people affected by the drought.
Mrs Frecklington said the “Helping Hand – Training Rural Communities in Times of Drought’ program will receive funding through the Queensland Government’s 2014/15 Community Learning Program.
“Community Learning is an essential part of our strong plan for a brighter future in Queensland. This training program is a terrific example of our local TAFE offering valuable training courses to local people looking for work off-farm,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“TAFE Qld South West will partner with the Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network (QRRRWN) and Agforce to assist primary producers who, due to the drought, need to source supplementary income,” she said.
Training under the “Helping Hand - Training Rural Communities in time of Drought” will be coordinated through both the Kingaroy and Cherbourg campuses and will include qualifications in Aged Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, Disabilities, Community Services and Education Support.
“This is an excellent initiative and one which I believe will directly benefit members of our community who have been hit hard by the ongoing drought conditions,” Deb said.
Minister for Education, Training Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the first two rounds of the Community Learning Program had already helped 4,000 Queenslanders receive the training they needed to move into employment or further study.
“Labor’s ad hoc approach to training missed opportunities and ignored the people who need it most, but this targeted program will provide real opportunities now and into the future,” he said
“Our $47 million investment over five years has funded 49 training providers and community organisations deliver projects from the NSW border to Far North Queensland.
Mr Langbroek said the Community Learning program was a key initiative of the Queensland Government’s Great skills. Real opportunities. five-year action plan for the further education and training sector.
Information on applying for Community Learning funding and the full list of projects funded in the first round for 2014-15 are both available at www.training.qld.gov.au
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, is encouraging local community organisations to apply for a ‘Caring for our Community’ grant, with Round three of this popular funding program now open again.
Mrs Frecklington said not-for-profit groups have the opportunity to share in a total of $1.3 million in small grants to help fund essential items and equipment for their group.
“I would really like to encourage our community groups to consider applying for these great small grants. Funding is available to cover a wide range of smaller items from printers, computers, fridges or microwaves to shade sails, lawn mowers, UHF radios and sporting equipment,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Small grants of up to $5,000 are available for the purchase of essential items and equipment. A small number of grants up to $15,000 are also available depending on the needs of particular communities,” she said.
“Our government has a strong plan for a brighter future and these grants provide a fantastic opportunity for community organisations to improve their facilities and upgrade their resources.
“Over the first two rounds, ten of our local community groups have been successful with their applications, and I would like to see many more make an application to help them secure funding for their group’s needs,”
Applications for grants close on Friday 26 September 2014. For more information about Caring for our Community program or to apply for a grant visit www.communities.qld.gov.au
Photo: One of the Electorate’s successful groups in the previous Caring for our Community round was Crawford State School P&C who were able to purchase a mower. Deb is keen to let local groups that Round Three is now open for applications.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has advised that following the MH17 tragedy, condolence sheets have been developed and are now available at the Nanango Electorate Office.
The condolence sheets are available for the community to express their thoughts and support to the next of kin and families. They will be available until Friday 8 August, and will then be collated by the Queensland Parliament and presented to the next of kin and families.
An online condolence book is also available at www.qld.gov.au/mh17
This is an opportunity for our local community to let those affected by the tragedy know that they are not grieving alone and that all Queenslanders are thinking of them during this sad time.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, signing a Condolence Sheet today with Premier Campbell Newman at Parliament House.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated the Somerset Regional Council on securing State Government funding for upgrades at the Toogoolawah McConnel Park.
Mrs Frecklington said the Council has received $46,000 through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
“The Council has successfully secured funding to help them replace the existing playground facilities in McConnel Park and also install a shade structure,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This will be a great boost for Toogoolawah and I’m sure will be extremely welcomed by local families,” she said.
Deb said the 2014-15 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program would help councils support and grow their communities. This project is among a raft of projects across Queensland providing much-needed community infrastructure
“These grants show we are investing in our towns and cities to ensure a brighter future through vital projects that support the region’s economic development and community pride,” Deb said.
“We are also giving the projects an early boost with a bigger slice of the grant upfront to help councils start and finish work as quickly as possible.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has thanked the members of the LNP for re-endorsing her as the candidate for the Electorate of Nanango at the next State Election.
Mrs Frecklington said she was notified today by LNP State Director, Brad Henderson, that her submission to the party to be re-endorsed as the LNP Candidate for Nanango had been accepted.
“I have loved being the local State Government member the past two years and was really proud and thankful to the LNP for their re-endorsement and for putting their faith in me to run again in the next State Election,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I am really encouraged by the achievements I have been able to secure over these first two years for the Nanango Electorate, but there’s still so much more I want to do to deliver for our local communities,” she said.
“My first term as the local Member has been rewarding and I’ve really enjoyed meeting so many new people and hearing their issues. If I’m given the opportunity by the people of the Electorate to continue in this role, I promise I will keep working as hard as I can to achieve even more for our regional communities,” she said.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington is encouraging community members who are passionate about the places they live to apply for a share of $5 million in funding through the State Government’s Everyone’s Environment grants program.
Mrs Frecklington said they are now accepting applications for round three of the Everyone’s Environment grants program for projects that focus on conservation, environmental research or heritage.
“Local organisations which are keen to take on environmental projects can apply for up to $100,000, and heritage projects can receive up to $40,000,” Mrs Frecklington said
“The Everyone’s Environment grant program is delivering $12 million in total to tackle environmental degradation and conserve Queensland’s cultural heritage.”
Deb said now is the time to take advantage of this great opportunity and make a positive environmental impact. The Everyone’s Environment program has been a huge success, with over 420 applications received in the last two rounds.
“So far, the program has engaged over 10,300 volunteers who have removed some 370 wheelie bins of rubbish, more than 76,000 hectares of weeds and planted 94,000 trees.
“With the new research category this round, I look forward to seeing more local projects getting off the ground.”
The Everyone’s Environment grants program is also supporting heritage activities including the restoration of historic buildings.
“I call on our local heroes, enthusiastic volunteers, organisations and research institutions that are keen to make a difference to get involved in local projects.
Applications close on 15 August 2014. For more information on the Everyone’s Environment grant program, visit www.ehp.qld.gov.au
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has announced that a state-wide blitz on dental waiting lists by the LNP government has cut the number of South Burnett people waiting too long for dental treatment to zero.
Mrs Frecklington praised this milestone in health service, saying the wait for dental treatment for local residents was significantly less than it was 12 months ago.
“In its own words, the former Labor Government lost control of Queensland Health. This Government is rebuilding front-line health services and it cannot be disputed; health is better for the change.
“I know how hard the staff of the Kingaroy Dental Clinic have worked to ensure that no-one in the South Burnett is currently waiting more than two years for general treatment,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Back in February last year, there were 7,210 people in the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service district who had two or more years on the general waiting list for dental treatment.
“This reduction is such a great achievement and in fact, this is the first time since the 1990s that no Queenslander was waiting more than two years,” she said.
“Simple changes across the state and improving engagement with the private sector has meant the dental wait lists in our region have improved significantly.
The Health Minister said he gave full credit to the oral health staff in at the Kingaroy Hospital Dental Clinic for their commitment to improving the health of the local community.
“Patients are now being provided with the care they need in a more appropriate time,’’ Mr Springborg said.
‘‘We will continue to look at ways to achieve great results and improve wait lists in the South Burnett.” Health Minister Lawrence Springborg says the number of Queenslanders waiting longer than the current benchmark time for a routine dental check-up and treatment has dropped by 100%.
Photo The Kingaroy Dental Hospital and waiting list times were on the agenda when Deb hosted a tour to the Kingaroy Hospital by Senator Fiona Nash (Federal Assistant Minister for Health) and Senator Matthew Canavan.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, said motorists travelling on the New England Highway north of Toowoomba are now benefiting from extra safety thanks to the completion of a new $10 million concrete bridge at Bum Bum Creek.
Mrs Frecklington said the bridge was a great example of the Queensland Government delivering on its strong plan to provide better infrastructure for a brighter future for all Queensland motorists.
“Safety has been improved for more than 1000 motorists who use this section of the highway daily and has increased the standards of the road network in the region,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The new two-lane concrete bridge is located 25km north of Crows Nest and provides improved economic efficiency and effectiveness for the region.
“Replacing the old single lane timber bridge, the new bridge is positioned on a straighter alignment for improved safety and efficiency.
“The bridge includes two 3.5m lanes and two 1m shoulders.”
Mrs Frecklington said the bridge building included a road realignment, 1250m of pavement works, linemarking and traffic installation.
“By keeping the old timber bridge in use during the building phase, we were able to minimise disruption to the local community and motorists as much as possible,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The old bridge will be demolished at a later date and materials will be re-used as much as possible on other important projects.
“We thank the public for their patience during the building of this important project.”
Building commenced at the worksite in October last year with work undertaken by FK Gardner & Sons.
Queenslanders interested in ensuring that the state’s fisheries remain sustainable are encouraged to have their say in a review which will involve strategic advice from leading experts.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said written submissions could be made to MRAG Asia Pacific independent consultants who were working closely with his department on the Fisheries Management Review.
Mr McVeigh said it was important all fishing sectors, as well as other community groups with an interest in fishing, provided input into the review.
“MRAG Asia Pacific is leading the review on our behalf and I encourage anyone with an interest in our fisheries to email their feedback to qldfisheriesreview@mragap.com.au,” Mr McVeigh said.
“Submissions close on Thursday, 30 October at 5pm. MRAG will examine the submissions and together with their findings will develop a series of recommendations to guide fisheries management in Queensland.
“Fisheries management suffered neglect under near-20 years of Labor governments.
“The Queensland Government has a strong plan for a brighter future and our focus is to resolve some of the long-standing issues with fisheries management in Queensland.
“Labor didn’t have the guts or commitment to redress the problems and used band-aid approaches that resulted in little agreement within our fishing industries.”
Mr McVeigh today also announced the members of the Fisheries Ministerial Advisory Committee who will provide strategic advice to the consultants for their consideration.
“We undertook an extensive selection process and are pleased to advise that the Committee includes 12 representatives with expertise in recreational, commercial and indigenous fishing as well as fisheries and conservation science,” he said.
“The Committee will also directly advise me on important fisheries matters and on the final recommendations that will be presented by the independent review team at the end of the year.”
Queensland families living with pancreatic cancer have more chance of beating the disease, with the State’s scientists among the first in the world to identify how the disease forms.
Premier Campbell Newman hailed this breakthrough as a significant scientific achievement that will give hope to many cancer sufferers both in Queensland and around the world.
“The battle to find a cure to cancer is a long road and this is a great step forward for many living with this awful disease,” Mr Newman said.
“I congratulate Professor Sean Grimmond and his dedicated team at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience.”
Science and Innovation Minister Ian Walker said Professor Grimmond and his team had comprehensively sequenced the DNA of pancreatic cancer creating a detailed atlas of the disease that would help take the guesswork out of chemotherapy.
“With more than 2600 Australians and about 350 Queenslanders diagnosed every year, this is a remarkable piece of work that aligns with our election promise to revitalise frontline services,” Mr Walker said.
“Profiling this ruthless killer will allow more effective treatment of the disease that kills 95 per cent of people diagnosed within five years. It edges us closer to providing an effective treatment for the disease that has one of the highest mortality rates of all cancers.
“Drugs that are effective in prolonging the life of some pancreatic cancer patients are not effective on other patients. This research will mean clinicians will have a better chance at delivering the most effective drug treatment for each patient.”
Mr Walker said Professor Grimmond and his team set out to find what was happening at the genetic level when pancreatic cancer takes hold, in partnership with scientists from the renowned Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney and international collaborators.
Professor Grimmond said by comparing the sequence of DNA in every patient’s normal genome with the sequence of DNA in their cancer genome, they could determine at the level of DNA code what was different.
“Cancer occurs because of changes to the genome – a person’s full set of genetic material,” Prof Grimmond said.
The projects to sequence pancreatic and ovarian cancers are the Australian contribution to the International Cancer Genome Consortium, a global research effort aiming to sequence 50 of the most common types and sub-types of cancer from 25,000 patients.
The research was funded by the Queensland Government, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the University of Queensland, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and Cancer Council New South Wales.
Fourteen hardworking Nanango Electorate community organisations are set for a mid-year funding treat after successfully applying for funding through the latest round of the State Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Grants.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington said she was thrilled that the 14 groups would share in more than $292,000 to help them achieve important projects for our community.
“These quarterly grants ensure that profits from gambling are re-invested into grassroots services and facilities that support the whole community,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“You can’t put a price on what these grants mean for the people involved, the communities they serve and the difference it will make to the lives of everyday people,” she said.
Successful organisations within the electorate were:
“I encourage all local groups, however big or small, to apply for the next round of funding before the end of August 2014 and make the most of this wonderful opportunity.”
For more information on the grants, please visit www.olgr.qld.gov.au and click on ‘Grants’.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has welcomed the announcement by the State Government that $160,000 will be made available to support the Greater Brisbane Region Drive Campaign.
Mrs Frecklington said the funding is part of the State Government’s Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) Contestable Grants Funding Scheme which aims to enhance local tourism opportunities and provide a further boost for tourism and events in Queensland
“I’m really pleased to see that the funds are being invested in encouraging people from Brisbane to take short driving breaks to regions like the Somerset,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I couldn’t think of a more beautiful place for our city cousins to bring their families and explore for the day or weekend,” she said.
The contestable grants encouraged RTO’s to leverage their own contributions towards projects with those from partners including local governments, local tourism organisations, industry and others to strengthen their proposed initiatives.
“Where grant applications have been successful, destinations’ cash contributions were eligible for matched State Government funding,” Deb said
“In addition, projects were able to receive an extra 50 per cent for every dollar of new local government funds contributed to their successful projects.”
Deb the grants were a practical example of the Government’s commitment to partnering with industry to work towards the goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.
“The Government’s 20-year plan for tourism, Destination Success, outlines the need for industry and government to work in partnership, unified in the approach to support the growth of tourism in the state.”
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington with Premier Campbell Newman. Deb believes that the Drive Tourism Funding for the Great Brisbane Region will be of great benefit to the Somerset region and destinations like Somerset & Wivenhoe Dams.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh is urging producers affected by drought to begin sourcing molasses and putting other measures in place now to deal with an expected El Nino weather pattern in the coming months.
“Unfortunately for Queensland, after 18 months of severe drought there is no sign of a reprieve and we must prepare ourselves for the possibility of a delayed wet season,” Mr McVeigh said.
“This Government first announced a drought assistance program in May 2013 and we will continue to assist our farmers through this tough time.”
“About 75 per cent of the state is drought declared. The latest advice from the Bureau of Meteorology is that an El Nino pattern is expected to develop, increasing the likelihood of the current drought conditions continuing into 2015.
Mr McVeigh said graziers should start planning accordingly.
“Now is the time to reassess pasture and cattle numbers and develop a dry season plan,” he said.
“Plan ahead for supplements and molasses, establish contracts or purchase when there is greater availability and lower prices.
“Federal Government drought concessional loans are also available for a term of five years with interest rate of four per cent. The loans will be for up to 50 per cent of eligible farm business debt, to a maximum of $1 million. Farmers should contact QRAA for further information on Freecall 1800 623 946 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au.”
AgForce general president Ian Burnett said he supported the call for primary producers to take steps to secure supplementary feed for the anticipated ongoing dry.
“Queensland has been severely impacted by this drought and all forecasts indicate we are in for another tough 12 months ahead,” Mr Burnett said.
“It is imperative that we look to secure supplies now to avoid missing out on molasses and other feedstuffs when it is too late.
“While we hope it rains and this feed will not be required it is better to have the molasses in the tank and to prepare for the worst case scenario.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has welcomed the announcement today of $488,000 in State Government funding for the construction of new Disability Housing in Nanango.
Mrs Frecklington said that South Burnett CTC had been successful with their application to the State Government’s Elderly Patient Carer Innovation Trial (through the Department of Communities) and will now be assured of their plans to build three duplexes in Nanango for people with a disability.
“I’m extremely proud to be able to congratulate South Burnett CTC on their successful bid to secure these funds,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The announcement comes hot on the heels of the official handover by the Treasurer on Wednesday 25th of State Government land to help kick-start the project,” she said.
“I know how important this project is for our community and I’m really proud to have been able to help secure this land for South Burnett CTC following months of lobbying the Treasurer,”
“This further funding announcement is the icing on the cake and is such terrific news for the Nanango community,” she said.
“I’d also really like to congratulate Heritage Nanango Community Fund and the South Burnett Regional Council for their involvement in helping to make this project a reality,” Deb said.
Nanango residents with a disability and their elderly carers will have access to more innovative living arrangements through the second funding round of the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial.
Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis said South Burnett CTC would receive $488,000 to provide sustainable housing for adults with a disability and their elderly parent carers in Nanango.
“We recognised that Labor left a legacy of significant unmet need of long-term housing for adults with a disability and their carers in Nanango,” Ms Davis said.
"Our government has a strong plan for a brighter future and we are preparing Queenslanders with a disability, their families, and their carers to transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
"We are delivering on our promise to revitalise frontline services for families and this trial aims to provide a wider range of accommodation options for adults with disability who have parents aged over 60 years.
“In the second round of this $15 million three-year trial, three organisations will share in more than $2.4 million to create an additional 22 accommodation places for adults with a disability.”
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said South Burnett CTC would use the funding to construct accommodation units for residents with and without disabilities.
“This is welcome news for Nanango elderly parent carers who can rest easier knowing that projects like this will help provide accommodation solutions to their loved ones,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Our government is committed to supporting South Burnett residents with a disability ahead of the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, by improving access and participation in the community.
“The $488,000 received by South Burnett CTC, will be used to construct six, two-bedroom units in a three duplex configuration in Nanango.
“The tenants will include elderly parent carers, adults with a disability and people who are willing to be good neighbours to the tenants with a disability.”
The South Burnett CTC received land for the project as part of the Government Land for Accommodation and Support Services program.
South Burnett CTC Chief Executive Officer, Christine Temperton said the financial assistance the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial provides will enable them to achieve a 33 per cent better first stage of their ‘Good Neighbour’ housing for people with a disability project.
“Thanks to this funding we will be able to build three duplexes instead of two,” Ms Temperton said.
“It will also assist us to establish the infrastructure needed to support the next stages of our project.
“In the immediate future, the lives of at least six people with a disability and their families will be made so much better, through genuine collaboration between community organisations and the state government.”
Life Without Barriers and Wesley Mission Brisbane would also receive funding to construct innovative disability accommodation in Townsville and Everton respectively.
For more information about disability supports and services, including the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation trial, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au
