Local school children will have the best possible learning environment thanks to funding through the third round of the Newman Government’s $300 million commitment to revitalise Queensland state schools.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the investment would completely clear the maintenance backlog left by the previous Labor Government.
“I am pleased that state schools in the Nanango Electorate will benefit from our program, with schools set to receive funding to repair cracked footpaths, repaint classrooms and install new carpet,”
“Schools in my electorate will receive a total of $1,336,491 in maintenance funding in 2014/15,” she said.
Mrs Frecklington said the Newman Government had allowed greater flexibility in the program, meaning schools could save time and money by using local tradespeople to complete the maintenance works.
“We’ve cut red tape and this means Schools can bypass bureaucrats and go straight to the market, sourcing local materials and works and having the best value for service locally,” she said.
Deb said the previous Labor Government’s legacy was a blight on the School system, leaving state schools with a $300 million maintenance backlog that saw schools in the region fall into disrepair.
“Because of Labor’s neglect, school facilities were left to decay, resulting in dangerous learning environments for our children” she said.
In addition to the backlog-busting program, schools continued to receive funding for their ongoing maintenance needs, including routine breakdowns and planned work.
“With the $300 million in maintenance backlog funding now being delivered to state schools across Queensland, we will continue to fund schools to avoid Labor’s maintenance disaster from being repeated.
“Our government believes our students deserve the best possible education to be able to access a bright future, and that means providing them with safe classrooms and facilities, a basic foundation,” she said.
List of Nanango Electorate Schools Maintenance Funding
| Amaroo Environmental Education Centre | 15,375 |
| Benarkin State School | 6,694 |
| Blackbutt State School | 27,150 |
| Coolabunia State School | 37,270 |
| Coominya State School | 41,093 |
| Cooyar State School | 12,090 |
| Crawford State School | 40,000 |
| Crow's Nest State School | 29,204 |
| Esk State School | 40,425 |
| Geham State School | 5,831 |
| Goombungee State School | 52,657 |
| Haden State School | 7,230 |
| Harlin State School | 40,000 |
| Kilcoy State High School | 54,340 |
| Kilcoy State School | 44,935 |
| Kingaroy State High School | 74,561 |
| Kingaroy State School | 55,527 |
| Kulpi State School | 6,625 |
| Kumbia State School | 40,000 |
| Linville State School | 40,000 |
| Meringandan State School | 37,106 |
| Mount Kilcoy State School | 40,000 |
| Mount Tarampa State School | 31,900 |
| Nanango State High School | 62,395 |
| Nanango State School | 52,504 |
| Patrick Estate State School | 37,350 |
| Quinalow Prep-10 State School | 9,250 |
| Stanley River Environmental Education Centre | 40,000 |
| Sunday Creek Environmental Education Centre | 40,000 |
| Taabinga State School | 47,658 |
| Tanduringie State School | 16,549 |
| Toogoolawah State High School | 115,480 |
| Toogoolawah State School | 46,594 |
| Wooroolin State School | 40,000 |
| Yarraman State School | 48,698 |
South Burnett motorists will get home to their families quicker and safer thanks to a $1.9 million project to build a one-kilometre northbound overtaking lane on the Bunya Highway, north of Wooroolin.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the project will begin next week and would make a difference to the thousands of vehicles which travel this section of the highway each day.
“The overtaking lane will provide an opportunity for motorists to safely overtake slow-moving vehicles and reduce the potential of risky passing manoeuvres, especially as one in every six are heavy vehicles” Mrs Frecklington said.
Deb said works would occur between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
“Traffic controllers, single lane closures and speed restrictions will be used as required to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and roadworkers,” she said.
“Please slow down, be patient, drive to the changed traffic conditions and follow the instructions of road signage and/or traffic controllers.
“We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause and appreciate your patience while these important works are being carried out.”
South Burnett Regional Council will deliver the construction of the works, which are expected to be completed by mid-next year.
Council was allocated funding as part of the Theebine-Kingaroy rail decommissioning and nominated to use part of its funding for this project.
Kingaroy residents will have a more secure water supply with the announcement of $700,000 in funding to upgrade the Gordonbrook Dam spillway to the north-west of the town.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the investment from the joint Queensland and Federal Government Betterment Fund will make the vital piece of community infrastructure more resistant to future flooding.
“The upgrade of the spillway at Gordonbrook Dam is a strong example of our government keeping its promise to deliver better infrastructure and planning, especially in Queensland’s regions,” Mr Seeney said.
“We are pleased to work in partnership with the South Burnett Regional Council to boost the resilience and flood immunity of the spillway to ensure it can better withstand future natural disasters.
“Flood discharge through the spillway during the flood events of 2011 and 2013 has damaged a number of areas in the channel downstream of the spillway.
“Council plans to raise the height of the existing wall to provide erosion protection during major weather events and mitigate the risk of undermining.”
The $80 million Betterment Fund is a Queensland Government initiative, funded by the State and Federal Governments. It was introduced last year to give councils across Queensland the opportunity to rebuild their flood damaged assets to a higher standard, ensuring they can better withstand future natural disasters.
“The fund has already provided assistance to 34 councils across Queensland, with 220 projects already approved and 56 fully completed,” Mr Seeney said.
“During delivery, councils across the state have identified savings which have given us the opportunity to fund additional projects such as the Gordonbrook Dam spillway.”
South Burnett Regional Council owns and operates Gordonbrook Dam, which is the main water supply reservoir for Kingaroy. The total cost of the project is $4.5 million, including more than $700,000 from the Queensland Betterment Fund, over $80,000 from Council and the remainder from Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says she’s pleased that Round 4 of the Royalties for the Regions program is now open as it will provide another opportunity for the local Councils to apply for essential community infrastructure.
Mrs Frecklington said that round 4 of State Government’s Royalties for the Regions program would provide $210 million in funding for essential infrastructure, as well as funding for strategic projects that will supercharge regional economies.
“Our Government’s Royalties for the Regions program is an essential part of our strong plan to provide a brighter future for regional Queensland,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The funding program demonstrates a vast difference between our Government and Labor when it comes to caring for country towns and country people.
“We are committed to delivering this signature policy and within months of our election we delivered, investing in regional infrastructure by establishing the Royalties for the Regions program,
Funds have been distributed to 39 Councils in the first three rounds, with the South Burnett Regional Council receiving $10million in 2013 to help upgrade the Kingaroy Sewerage Treatment Plant.
“The government will consider funding more projects under Round 4 – projects that deliver jobs and business investment in regional Queensland and help us to achieve the objectives set out by Queenslanders in The Queensland Plan.”
“Under Round 4, all councils and state government agencies can apply for funding for projects that support economic growth in their region, driving growth and securing long-term benefits for regional.
“Round 4 will see the $210 million split into two components – a council competitive allocation and a strategic projects allocation for state-led regional infrastructure,” Deb said.
Councils have until 26 September 2014 to apply for Round 4 funding. The State Government has already delivered almost $310 million from the first three rounds of the Royalties for the Regions program, to deliver 98 infrastructure projects including roads, community infrastructure and flood mitigation projects.
Photo: In 2013 the South Burnett Regional Council was granted $10million through Royalties for the Regions funding to help make urgent upgrades to the Kingaroy Sewerage Treatment Plant.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has welcomed the State Government announcement of significant funding for public libraries in the Nanango Electorate.
Mrs Frecklington said the South Burnett Regional Council will receive nearly $160,000, the Somerset more than $104,000 and Toowoomba more than $720,000 over the next three years to support library services in the region.
“Libraries are the cornerstones of lifelong learning and this money will ensure our local libraries continue to provide a quality and up-to-date service for our community,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“In fact, the State Government will delivery $68.4million to 319 public libraries across Queensland to help them retain their lead as innovative, social and virtual learning spaces,” she said.
Deb said that even though the State Government inherited a huge debt, they have continued to prioritise what is important to the community through programs such as the Public Library Allocations program.
“The funding will help to develop high-quality library collections electronically, as well as in print, across many genres. Libraries can apply to spend up to 50% of the grant in any year on a priority project such as redesigning library spaces or to foster the library’s role as a technology centre for all,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Supporting our public libraries is part of the State Government’s drive to provide arts for all Queenslanders.”
The public library grants are calculated based on populations, with a number of weightings applied for population age, growth rate and location.
A new campaign will ask Queensland drivers to show patience as the Queensland Government rolls out a record number of roadworks aimed at making travel safer on the Bruce Highway.
Premier Campbell Newman and Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson launched the Spruce the Bruce campaign to highlight the almost 200 projects currently underway or due to start in the coming months on this vital arterial highway.
“The Bruce Highway is a 1700km lifeline for this state and if we want families and all drivers to be able to travel safely on it, we are going to need a record roadworks program,” Mr Newman said.
“I’m asking all Queenslanders - whether you are driving children to school, visiting as a tourist or hauling food and freight - to show some patience with the delays while we get on with this crucial program.
“Spruce the Bruce will not only keep motorists informed of works being undertaken as part of our landmark $8.5 billion, 10-year deal with the Federal Government, it engages them in the project while on their journey.”
The campaign includes a social media competition, where Queenslanders can share a photo – old or new – of their favourite tourist spot along the Bruce Highway and upload it to Facebook for the chance to win their very own It’s Great To Be A Queenslander personalised plate.
Other measures also include Spruce the Bruce travel kits and online activities for kids.
Mr Emerson said the campaign reinforced the works included in the Bruce Highway Action Plan – Out of a Crisis which was promised at the 2012 election.
“Last year’s landmark deal with the Federal Government was crucial as it ensured a return to the traditional 80-20 Federal-State funding split, but now the real work is beginning – with projects from Boundary St at Narangba, right along the highway to Cairns,” Mr Emerson said.
“Anyone driving the 21 hours from Brisbane to Cairns should expect to be delayed by up to three hours by roadworks while we Spruce the Bruce and we ask motorists to be patient.
“Without these works and adequate funding, the RACQ predict between 300 and 400 people will die in crashes on the Bruce Highway over the next 10 years.
“It is important while these works are underway that motorists understand while they might be waiting longer now, but they will soon benefit from a Bruce Highway that is safer, has more capacity and is flood resilient.”
The Federal Coalition Government is contributing 80 per cent, or $6.7 billion, towards upgrades along the length of the Bruce Highway.
The Palms, a tiny national park about 100km north of Toowoomba that’s small in size but big in nature, now has new signage to help visitors learn about its history.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, unveiled the signage at a community barbecue on Thursday 14th August with descendants of Cooyar landholder Charles Boldery at the day-use area named after him.
“In 1927 Mr Boldery donated a portion of his property at the head of the Brisbane River to the then Rosalie Shire Council as a reserve,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“He wanted this small patch of the area’s original subtropical rainforest and vine scrub to be protected for the public’s future enjoyment.
“The area was named Boldery Park and became a popular spot for visitors. With some adjacent blocks, it was gazetted as The Palms National Park in 1950.
“Today, we can set off from Boldery Day-use Area to explore the palm-filled rainforest and look for some of the 90 bird species that use the park.”
She said Charles Boldery’s descendants had maintained their connection to the park, and had helped the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) to develop interpretive signs about the park’s origins and the values of this small but significant national park.
QPWS Regional Director Glenn Redenbach thanked Charles Boldery’s grandson, David Matthews, for providing historic photographs and information.
“Mr Boldery did a fine thing donating this land so we can stroll through the piccabeen palms and enjoy an example of the forest that once covered much of this area,” Mr Redenbach.
“Along the walk we can also see bunya and hoop pines, as well as towering figs and eucalypts, and see and hear a wealth of wildlife such as rose-crowned fruit doves, green catbirds and yellow robins.”
He said the park had an extremely high diversity of plant and animal life, and was safe habitat for a colony of grey-headed flying-foxes.
The Palms is a popular stop for people travelling to the Bunya Mountains. To get there, turn east off the New England Highway just north of Cooyar, 94 km north of Toowoomba and 28 km south-west of Yarraman.
More information: www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/palms/
Somerset farmers and those in the south-east corner may qualify for assistance from the Queensland Government after the region was officially drought declared today.
The declaration follows a deterioration in rural pastures in the region because of a lack of significant rainfall and will have no impact on domestic water supplies.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said Brisbane City Council had been declared drought-stricken, with effect from August 1, along with the council areas of Gold Coast City, Ipswich City, Lockyer Valley, Logan City, Redland City, Somerset and the Scenic Rim.
The drought-declared area now extends from Mt Isa in the north west to Coolangatta in the south east and covers 75.5 per cent of the state.
“Unfortunately, the dry winter and heavy frosts from the cold nights have hit pastures in the south east,” Mr McVeigh said.
“The drought now has a vast geographical spread across our state.
“In response, the Queensland Government has so far allocated $62 million towards assisting those farmers doing it tough.
“But this declaration will have no effect on domestic water supplies in the south east.
“The 12 dams in south east Queensland that contribute to the water supply system are currently at an average of 86 per cent of their full supply capacity.”
Seqwater today said south east Queensland’s water security status was “high” and added that irrigation schemes in the region are at or near 100 per cent allocation.
The declarations mean drought assistance measures for primary producers will now become available in south eastern council areas.
Primary producers may be eligible for the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate (EWIR) and other assistance measures under the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS).
The amount of support already provided through this scheme is $23.859 million in 2013-14.
More information regarding DRAS can be found at www.daff.qld.gov.au or by contacting 13 25 23.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington is urging farmers and irrigators to contact Ergon Energy as they may be able to save money by switching to more appropriate and cost effective electricity tariffs.
Mrs Frecklington said in the Nanango Electorate figures show as many as 133 local irrigators could strike a better deal on their electricity bills.
“Our Government understands the challenges facing all electricity customers, particularly farmers and irrigators. Figures show that more than 4,500 customers across the state could potentially benefit by shifting from the transitional farming tariffs (62, 65 and 66) to a small business tariff (20 or 22),” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Every farm has very different electricity usage depending on crop and climate, but Ergon has found that on average some of its customers could be $800 a year better off,” she said.
“Ergon Energy has a team of advisors available to help agricultural businesses to work-out the tariff structure that best suits their individual circumstances,” she said.
The Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, Ergon Energy and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) are also working together to develop more ways to help reduce on-farm costs through the more efficient use of energy and water. These include:
The Irrigators Energy Savers Project will look at 30 trial sites covering a broad range of Queensland agribusinesses from vegetable, cane and grain growers to dairies and turf farms.
The Federal Government’s repeal of Labor’s carbon tax will also deliver savings for farmers and irrigators. The QCA found that getting rid of Labor’s carbon tax would mean the rise in farming and irrigation tariffs for 2014-15 will now be 10 per cent instead of 15 per cent, while the rise in Tariff 20 will be limited to 3.3 per cent and the increase in Tariff 22 will be just 1.7 per cent.
The Newman Government has also allocated $662 million in the state budget to ensure regional customers pay no more for their electricity than customers in Brisbane.
For customers having difficulty paying their bills, or for drought assistance arrangements, help is available through Ergon Energy’s Customer Assist program on 13 10 46.
Irrigators keen to review their electricity tariffs should call Ergon Energy’s Advisory team on 1300 135 210.
The independent Queensland Competition Authority found some irrigators using electricity predominantly at peak times would likely pay less under Tariff 22 than under Tariff 62.
More local women could be on building sites or operating heavy machinery, with State Government scholarships giving them the right qualifications to move into traditionally male dominated industries now open.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington said was keen to encourage local women to consider applying for one of the Queensland Government’s ‘Supporting Women Scholarships’, with the announcement of the third round now open.
“This is an excellent opportunity for regional women who are considering study in a traditionally male dominated industry to apply for a study scholarship,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The Scholarships are very popular and aim to increase the role of women in agricultural and environmental studies, architecture and building, engineering, earth sciences and information technology,” she said.
“These are all industries in which women could gain jobs locally and by enabling more women to gain these qualifications, we are boosting their prospects now and helping to create the jobs of the future,” she said.
“Our Government is very focused on creating opportunities for Queenslanders by growing a four pillar economy and the scholarships are an important part of our election promise,” Mrs Frecklington said.
The Supporting Women’s Scholarships offer women of all ages and backgrounds up to $20,000 to pursue study or training. The scholarship can be used for a variety of study-related expenses such as fees, textbooks and course materials.
“I encourage local women to apply, whether they are leaving school, returning to the workforce or changing career.”
Deb said since the program’s 2013 launch, 246 Queensland women had received more than $4 million to support their training or study.
Applications for the 2015 academic year open from today (11 August 2014) until 10 October 2014. For more information about the Supporting Women Scholarships program, visit www.supportingwomen.qld.gov.au
Photo: Deb with one of the Nanango Electorate's Scholarship winners in 2012, Skye Douglass and Minister for Education, John-Paul Langbroek.
Everyone can now enjoy 16km of new multi-use trails at Wivenhoe Hill overlooking Wivenhoe Dam, as a result of the recreation review of South East Queensland lakes and catchments.
Minister for Energy and Water Supply, Mark McArdle and Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Steve Dickson said the project was the first of four to be completed, with new trails for bush walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.
“Thousands of people voted on the use of the waterways through community information sessions, workshops and online surveys,” Mr McArdle said.
“It’s part of the Government’s strong plan, delivering on the election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy.
“More jobs should also be created through these new tourism opportunities.”
Other projects to be completed ahead of next summer under the $250,000 first round funding include:
Mr McArdle said the projects represented the first of a range of new recreation facilities to be delivered over the next two years to be jointly funded by the State Government, Seqwater and local councils.
“More than 3000 people have participated in the review to date across South East Queensland,’’ he said.
“This is about opening up our lakes and catchments for the greater enjoyment of the community and visitors alike.
“Labor failed to take advantage of these spaces, but we have listened to the community and we are delivering.”
Mr Dickson said the funding delivered on the Government’s promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the State’s economy, and help get more Queenslanders active.
“These lakes are already popular recreation destinations for locals and visiting families,” Mr Dickson said.
“The increased recreation and leisure opportunities will boost visitor numbers and benefit local businesses.
“The new facilities will also make it easier for people to get involved in physical activity, which is in line with the Queensland Government’s desire to get more Queenslanders active.”
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Peter Dennis said Seqwater was committed to balancing the requirements of providing the region’s bulk drinking water while offering some of the region’s most enjoyable and diverse recreation experiences.
Seqwater will be working with the State and local councils to prioritise the implementation and funding of further recreation facilities as the review process continues.
For more information or to participate in the Seqwater recreation review, visit www.yourseqwater.com.au
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says she is extremely pleased the State Government has provided major sponsorship to help bring Round 23 of the Intrust Super Cup to Kingaroy this Sunday.
Deb said that this Round will be officially known as the “Get in the Game Country Week” and overall the State Government has provided $50,000 in sponsorship to back the Queensland Rugby League’s initiative to promote the game in regional and rural parts of Queensland.
“Kingaroy families and rugby league fans are in for a big weekend and I’m encouraging as many people as possible to take up this opportunity to see the match between the Tweed Heads Seagulls and the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls on Sunday,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I’m really looking forward to going along and taking my family. It is such a great chance for the South Burnett to see our top players in action. I really hope it helps inspire the next generation of rugby league greats,” she said.
“NRL ambassador Ben Ross will be involved in the festivities, and there’ll be a range of community events in local schools and surrounding communities to encourage active participation, as well as come-and-try clinics and healthy eating programs,” he said.
Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the Newman Government was supporting Get in the Game Country Week, in an effort to build active local communities and encourage everyone to get out and get active in a fun environment.
“We want all Queenslanders to get involved in physical activity and have access to sporting opportunities, wherever they live in our great State.
“We are doing this by helping both sport and recreation clubs and families at the grassroots community level through our initiative called Get in the Game,” he said.
“Through three funding programs worth $47.8 million, the government is providing clubs with better equipment and facilities and giving children who might not otherwise be able to afford it the opportunity to play sport.
“We have a strong plan for a brighter future that involves more kids playing sport, not missing out because of the expense,” he said.
“The latest rounds of all three funding categories for this program opened in July so I urge parents and clubs to check their availability and apply where possible.”
For more information on Get in the Game, visit: www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/funding/getinthegame
Get in the Game Country Week – Round 23
Tweed Heads Seagulls v Wynnum-Manly Seagulls - Sunday, August 10 @ 2:00pm (Live on Channel 9) - Kingaroy
Redcliffe Dolphins v Burleigh Bears - Saturday, August 9 @ 3:30pm - Longreach
Sunshine Coast Falcons v Mackay Cutters - Saturday, August 9 @ 6:30pm - Moranbah - Easts Tigers v Central Queensland Capras - Saturday, August 9 @7:00pm - Emerald
Souths Logan Magpies v Northern Pride - Saturday, August 9 @ 7:00pm - Mareeba
NRL Ambassadors including Petero Civoniceva (Longreach), Michael Crocker (Mareeba), Adam MacDougall (Emerald), Ben Ross (Kingaroy) and Dallas Johnson (Moranbah) will be involved in the Get in the Game Country Week festivities.
Photo: Deb with Red Ants President, Mick Dugdell as they get ready for the Intrust Super Cup Game this weekend.
Queensland’s farmers and graziers will be able to save both time and money with the launch of six new self-assessable vegetation management codes by the Queensland Government.
Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps said the change would allow landholders to get on with their jobs without the need to apply for permits from the State Government.
“The Newman Government has a strong plan to grow agriculture in Queensland and one of the many ways we are doing that is by slashing red tape for farmers and graziers,” Mr Cripps said.
“We are tackling Labor’s bureaucracy, which hindered the ability of many landholders to undertake routine maintenance on their properties and also hit their hip pocket with $650 application fees.
“On top of the nine codes already in place, we are introducing six new codes to expand the number of activities farmers and graziers can undertake without needing to apply for a permit.”
Mr Cripps said landholders had jumped on board the Newman Government initiative since the first codes were introduced in December last year.
“Since the codes commenced, my department has received 766 notifications for land management activities from 432 different landholders across Queensland,” he said.
“These codes have already saved landholders almost 130 years in time and more than $280,000 in fees.”
Along with updating the existing native forest practice code, the six new self-assessable codes include:
Mr Cripps said notifying the Department of Natural Resources and Mines of land management work was completely free and could be done online or by mailing a form to the department.
“Landholders looking at undertaking any vegetation management activities are encouraged to call the department and speak with a local vegetation management officer,” he said.
“A quick chat on the phone will ensure landholders use the correct self-assessable code and may even save the need to inform the department in future when certain work is to be undertaken.”
The new codes will come into effect on August 8, 2014.
For further information visit www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/land/vegetation-management or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Following a major announcement for the South Burnett Rail Trail in late July, Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington said that she has spoken with the Deputy Premier, Jeff Seeney regarding the Somerset section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Mrs Frecklington said she was delighted that the Deputy Premier had announced $2 million through the Royalties for the Regions program for the South Burnett Regional Council to upgrade the 60km long Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail.
“I have already spoken to the Deputy Premier at length about the needs of the Somerset section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and I’ll continue to press for funding,” she said.
“Our Government knows that turning former rail corridors into recreation areas will be a huge part of the success in growing the tourism pillar of the Queensland economy in regional areas,” Deb said.
“Our Government has also set aside $3.5 million over the next four years for a new Recreational Rail Trails Grants program, which will be open to Councils to help them maintain and upgrade sections of their Rail Trails. So, the funding I am requesting will be on top of this program, she said.
