Families across the Nanango Electorate are recognising the contribution of their teachers today (Oct 31) as part of Queensland’s World Teachers’ Day celebration
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington thanked and congratulated all local teachers for the difference they make to children’s futures.
“World Teachers’ Day is a great opportunity to highlight the efforts of local teachers and support staff,” he/she said.
“The LNP Government is working hard to deliver the best possible education for all Queensland students and we couldn’t achieve this without excellent teachers.
“I’d like to thank all teachers and support staff for their unwavering commitment to their students.
“Every day teachers are helping to shape the next generation of leaders and global citizens.
“The Queensland Plan has confirmed that education is a key issue throughout the state and the Education Accord identified teaching quality as the number one issue for the future of education.”
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek today launched the Jack Pizzey Awards for excellence in educational leadership, honouring the former Education Minister and Premier who lifted the compulsory schooling age to 15 in 1964.
Mrs Frecklington encouraged local teachers to apply for School, Principal or School Leadership Team of the Year awards and the chance to share in $90,000 of grants.
“The LNP Government is committed to promoting the professional knowledge and skills of our teachers and we’ve established a new award to recognise the work of teachers,” she said.
“Teachers and those who aspire to be teachers can also apply for a range of Queensland Government scholarships and grants.”
These include the Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders entering a teacher education program, the Aspiring Teacher Grant for high-achieving Year 12 students and Step into Teaching Scholarships for those interested in becoming science, mathematics and industrial technology and design teachers.
Nominations are open now and close on 21 November for the Jack Pizzey Awards and on 8 December for the other programs. For information and application forms visit:
http://education.qld.gov.au/hr/recruitment/teaching/scholarships.html
World Teachers’ Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1994 to celebrate the role of teachers in society.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation will be able to teach more Queensland kids about child safety following a $30,000 donation from the State Government.
Daniel’s parents, Bruce and Denise Morcombe, today welcomed the donation to the charity to which they have dedicated themselves for the past decade.
“In particular, we thank Premier Newman and his senior ministers for continuing to work with us and the committee members to ensure Queensland is the safest place in Australia to raise a family,” Mrs Morcombe said.
Premier Newman presented the donation at today’s Walk for Daniel on the Sunshine Coast – the opening event of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s annual Day for Daniel.
Mr Newman said the Daniel Morcombe Foundation had worked closely with his government to develop a child safety curriculum, which is now being taught in Queensland schools.
“Because of Bruce and Denise Morcombe and the team behind the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, our kids now know what to do if they’re approached or threatened, they know what to say, who to turn to and how to raise the alarm,” Mr Newman said.
“Our government is proud to invest in a program that is clearly making communities safer.
“Our investment in front line policing and leading technology, coupled with stronger laws and child protection services, have seen the most significant improvements in community safety in years.”
The foundation’s annual day of action is now the largest child safety awareness day in Australia.
Mr Morcombe said the Queensland Government’s donation would help continue the foundation’s education programs in schools.
“We thank the Newman Government for their ongoing guidance, support and assistance in partnership projects with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation like the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum and the Day for Daniel,” he said.
In addition to the donation, the Queensland Government has agreed to fund the postage cost of sending the new Keeping Kids Safe Educational Resource packs to all Queensland state schools.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has welcomed the announcement of $34,000 in funding from the State Government to build designated ‘stop off’ points at Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset for boaties and anglers.
Mrs Frecklington said the establishment of the rest areas would allow boaties and anglers to be able to take a break when they’re out on the water.
“This funding boost follows Seqwater’s landmark recreation review that has taken place across South East Queensland’s lakes,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The $34,000 is part of the second round of funding aimed at delivering greater recreation opportunities for the region,” she said.
“These new facilities are a result of Seqwater’s Recreation Review, during which more than 3,700 people provided feedback helping shape the future of recreation in and around the Nanango electorate. These upgrades will no doubt boost visitor numbers and benefit local businesses in the Somerset region.”
Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Steve Dickson said the upgrade to Lake Wivenhoe was part of a $500,000 commitment from the State Government to increase leisure opportunities.
“The funding delivers on the Government’s promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the State’s economy,” Mr Dickson said.
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.
“We will work with the State Government and local councils to prioritise the implementation and funding of further recreation facilities,” Mr Dennis said.
For more information about Seqwater’s recreation reviews visit www.seqwater.com.au.
Photo 1: The new access ‘stop off’ points at Somerset & Wivenhoe will be great for groups, like these paddlers, using the dam
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says she is pleased that 202 families around the electorate of Nanango have received ‘Get Started’ vouchers to help their children join a sport or recreation club.
Mrs Frecklington said that the vouchers, worth up to $150 each, help kids and their families who can least afford to join a sport or recreation club with the opportunity to become involved.
“The latest round of the Get Started program will help more than 13,500 children and young people around the state,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“It is particularly pleasing that this latest round has seen 202 vouchers issued in Nanango (with a value of more than $30,000). In fact, about 38% of applicants who received a voucher said they had not played club sport previously, which is exactly what we’re trying to achieve through this program—to increase participation,” she said.
“Over the last two years, more than 65,000 vouchers Get Started have been issued. We have also received an enormous response from clubs with more than 3500 clubs now registered with the program,” she said.
“We made an election commitment to get more young Queenslanders involved in recreation and sport, and we are delivering through this highly successful program.”
Successful applicants must ensure vouchers are redeemed at a Get Started registered clubs by 15 November 2014. Registered clubs must redeem the vouchers by 30 November 2014.
Round five opens in February.
For more information on Get Started, visit: www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/funding/getinthegame/getstarted
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, with Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing, Steve Dickson.
Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, visited Swickers and Proteco Oils in Kingaroy on Friday 24th, along with Deb Frecklington, Member for Nanango.
“I enjoyed my visit to Swickers pork abattoir to talk with pork producers and to see first-hand the processing of pork meat and the new value add products at the recently opened processing facility.
Swickers has been open since 1941 and processes up to 19,000 pigs a week for domestic consumption and for export. The company is the largest employer of staff in the region and this creates prosperity for the town.
“The Australian Government strongly supports the pork industry in Australia—we’ve got more than 1800 pork farms across this nation and the industry employs more than 20,000 people Australia-wide.
“Nine out of ten Australians eat pork, and each year Australians consume around 25kgs of pork per person. I believe all Australians can feel proud of the pork industry—it operates responsibly and ethically in the production of nutritious and affordable food.
“The next was Proteco Oils, a major Australian cold pressed oil company, that makes a wide range of nut oils and a range of nut spreads such as peanut and macadamia butter.
“While Kingaroy is known as the ‘peanut capital of Australia’, the work of Proteco is further strengthening its reputation as a ‘nut capital’.
“The nut industry in Australia is a growth industry, overall there are about 897 macadamia farmers across Australia.
“Both these businesses, Swickers and Proteco, are great examples of working across the supply-chain and value-adding to products to get better returns at the farmgate for our farmers.
The Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper was released this week with 25 diverse policy ideas to drive improved profitability and productivity in our primary industries and make regional Queensland stronger and more prosperous. To have your say please visit https://agriculturalcompetitiveness.dpmc.gov.au/.
Photo: Minister Joyce during his visit to Swickers Bacon Factory in Kingaroy.
Kingaroy residents will have the benefit of more efficient sewage treatment and improved environmental outcomes following an agreement to install a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.
The contract to deliver the largest project undertaken by the South Burnett Regional Council was signed today at an official ceremony.
The project delivered through the Queensland Government’s
Royalties for the Regions program in partnership with Council, is expected to be completed by September 2016 and will provide the Kingaroy community with Class A recycled water which can be used to irrigate sporting grounds and schools in the area. It will also significantly improve the quality of effluent released from the site, benefitting the local environment.
Ipswich-based company Aquatec Maxcon has been awarded the contract which will see the South Burnett Regional Council as the first in Australia to use the new 'Nereda’ technology – hailed as a cost-effective, sustainable and simple solution for sanitation. It offers vastly improved sewage treatment capabilities for a significantly lower investment and running costs.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said, "the project would deliver significant benefits for more than 9,000 residents and businesses across Kingaroy, allowing for projected population growth over the next 20 years".
"The new plant will utilise Australian-first technology to minimise environmental impacts while delivering high-quality wastewater with reduced operating costs compared to other systems", said Mr Kratzmann.
"We’re proud to be working with Aquatec Maxcon which has sought to make use of as many local materials and labour as possible, providing a valuable financial boost to the region", said Mayor Kratzmann.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington was pleased to be at the signing ceremony and said, "This is a significant project for Kingaroy, and the South Burnett Region, and has been made possible by a $10 million grant through the State Government’s Royalty for the Regions Program."
Aquatec Maxcon has also been awarded the contract to upgrade the Gordonbrook Water Treatment Plant which will improve town water quality for all Kingaroy residents and reduce operating costs.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated the South Burnett Regional SES Unit on being awarded the Regional Unit of the Year Award (North Coast Region) at this week’s SES Week Awards.
Mrs Frecklington said it was a great achievement and recognition of how hard our local groups work to keep our community safe.
“Every year we see our State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers take time away from their loved ones and their workplaces to help out the vulnerable in their communities,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“As part of the 6,000 strong army of men and women in orange, our local SES crews should be proud of their contribution to protecting the safety of life and property right across the state. On behalf of my electorate, its residents and the Government I really want to thank all our SES volunteers for their dedication.
Several individual volunteers also received awards including:
This week is SES Week (18 – 26 October) - an opportunity to thank the thousands of Queenslanders who volunteer their time with the SES to help out their community. In the past year, the SES has performed around 470,000 hours of volunteer work for the people of Queensland.
“I encourage all Queenslanders to show your support for your local SES group by taking the time to thank any SES volunteers you know during SES Week 2014,” she said.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has welcomed the announcement that the LNP Government will inject $23.4million to help cut the wait for people needing important eye surgery, including 361 people in the Darling Downs regional health area and a further 826 in the West Moreton region (Somerset).
Mrs Frecklington said the statewide blitz will help slash ophthalmology (eye surgery) long wait lists for people with vision impairment or debilitating eye conditions.
“In September this year, there were more than 7900 people around Queensland waiting longer than clinically recommended for an initial ophthalmology appointment. Locally, within the Darling Downs Hospital & Health Service region around 361 local residents are waiting and in the West Moreton region 826 people are waiting,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Queensland Health has engaged ophthalmology service providers in a bid to clear this long wait list. The Health Minister, Lawrence Springborg will be sending letters out soon to eligible local ophthalmology patients to advise them of the good news,” she said.
“We are progressively revitalising the Queensland health system and the LNP Government is now focussing firmly on the unacceptably long wait for ophthalmology appointments to ensure Queenslanders have better access to vital eye care,” Deb said.
“We all know and appreciate how important good eye sight is to people’s health and well-being and the Government has a strong plan to ensure Queenslanders who have been waiting too long to see an ophthalmologist get that important treatment.”
Deb said the contracts with service providers were developed off the back of the Queensland Government’s successful campaign to provide cochlear implants for people with hearing loss.
“The Government has accepted proposals from service providers which will mean every ophthalmic patient who had waited longer than clinically recommended will be seen and treated by 30 June, 2015,” she said.
“Patients will be assessed for a range of vision impairments and debilitating eye conditions, such as cataracts, before receiving medical treatment or surgery if required.
The multi-million dollar eye surgery blitz follows the release of new long wait elective surgery figures showing a massive reduction of more than 90 per cent in the number of patients waiting longer than clinically recommended for their surgery.
The services will be delivered in addition to ophthalmology services currently available and did not represent a cut to existing public hospital services. Health and Hospital Services around the state will retain current funding for the delivery of healthcare in line with their service agreement.
“In addition to this project, longer-term strategies are being developed to ensure Queenslanders have better access to ophthalmology services into the future,” Deb said.
“It will allow patients to be treated as close to their place of residence as efficiently, effectively and safely as possible.”
Member for Nannago, Deb Frecklington says works to construct a new overtaking on the Brisbane Valley Highway between Toogoolawah and Harlin will commence on Monday 20th October.
Mrs Frecklington said the new southbound overtaking lane will start about 250m north of the Scrub Creek Road intersection and finish about 150m north of the boundary Creek Floodway.
“The lane will be 1.38km in length and will improve safety for motorists by providing them an opportunity to safely pass other slower-moving vehicles and help reduce the risk of crashes on this vital link.”
“The Scrub Creek Road intersection will also be upgraded to improve turning movements.
“This project will reduce travel times for the more than 2800 vehicles travel on this section of highway daily, with 21% of those either commercial or heavy vehicles.
“This project delivers on our $10 million election commitment to build overtaking lanes on the D’Aguilar Highway between Nanango and Blackbutt and on the Brisbane Valley Highway as part of our strong plan for a brighter future for all motorists,” Mrs Frecklington.
“To identify the best location on the Brisbane Valley Highway, extensive research and planning was undertaken to ensure works would have a low impact on the surrounding environment and limited disruptions to the road. The Braemore location is one of the safest locations for an overtaking lane, improving southbound passing opportunities.
“The project is funded through the Queensland Government’s Roads to Resources, a sub-program of the Royalties for the Regions program and is designed to provide better, safer roads in regional areas.”
Works are expected to be completed by mid-2015, with Somerset Regional Council carrying out the work on behalf of the department. Motorists may experience minor traffic delays during the works.
Traffic controllers and message signs will be in place for the safety of motorists and roadworkers. For up-to-date information on traffic conditions visit www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.
Farmers, landowners and community members are invited to comment on new biosecurity regulations to protect the agricultural sector and our environment.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the regulations would underpin the new Biosecurity Act 2014 passed by Parliament earlier this year.
“The legislation serves to safeguard not only agricultural businesses, but also the environment and our Queensland lifestyle,” Mr McVeigh said.
“I encourage Queenslanders to consider the regulations and provide comment as part of the consultation which is open until 5pm, Friday November 21.
“This is an opportunity for Queensland to modernise laws that are well overdue, with some of our biosecurity rules being in place for more than a century.”
Mr McVeigh said Queensland was at the frontline for preventing animal and plant pests and diseases entering Australia and needed to maintain its reputation for high biosecurity standards to ensure unfettered access to export markets.
“The new Act will streamline processes, reduce red tape and improve service delivery. Most importantly, it acknowledges biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and provides flexibility for individuals to manage their own, everyday biosecurity risks.
“However, before the Act can commence, existing regulations must be reviewed, which is what we are seeking feedback on through a Regulatory Impact Statement.”
Mr McVeigh said some of the requirements in the current regulations would be maintained, but others would be removed as they were no longer necessary.
“New ways are proposed for managing banana and mango pests, cattle ticks, bee pests and there’s a fee for property registration,” he said.
“The options outlined in the Regulatory Impact Statement were developed in consultation with industry over many months, with the costs and benefits of each option now detailed for wider community consideration.”
“Feedback will help shape the future of biosecurity in our state, so it’s important we hear from a diverse range of groups and individuals throughout Queensland.”
To have your say on biosecurity regulations, download the Regulatory Impact Statement from www.daff.qld.gov.au ( http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/ ) and submit your feedback online. For further information on the Biosecurity Act or the consultation, call 13 25 23.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has joined with the Premier, Campbell Newman, today to announce that another 151 schools across Queensland will receive flashing school zone lights, including Kingaroy State School on Markwell Street.
Mrs Frecklington said she had been pushing for flashing lights for Kingaroy SS and believes they will help ensure our local children have safer journeys to and from class each day.
“I’m really pleased Kingaroy State School has been chosen to receive flashing school zone lights in this next round of the program,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Chosen schools are selected based on a detailed risk analysis of all existing school zones in Queensland and following nominations by schools, communities and local MP’s,” she said.
“This is a $10million program and it is full year ahead of schedule, which means schools like Kingaroy SS can get their lights sooner than we hoped,” she said.
“Priority has been given to school zones with a significant crash history, a high level of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, higher speed limits and visibility problems,” she said.
“I’m extremely proud that our Government has implemented this program which has delivered flashing school zone lights to 195 schools across Queensland and aims to reach more than 300 schools overall,” she said.
Kingaroy State School will join Taabinga State School and Kumbia State School which are already benefitting from the installation of flashing lights through the State Government’s School Zone Flashing Lights program.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, helping the Premier make the official announcement about more school zone flashing lights, including some for Kingaroy SS on Markwell Street.
This week is Carers Week (12-18 October) and on behalf of everyone in our community I would like to thank and acknowledge the amazing work our Carers do on a daily basis.
Did you know that about half a million people provide care to a person who, because of disability, old age or chronic illness, requires assistance with everyday tasks. These are our quiet achievers and unsung heroes who devote their time and efforts around the clock to make a positive difference to the lives of many.
There have been many activities and events across the state this week, but I hope you can take the time to personally thank anyone you know who may be a Carer and deserves some special attention. The invaluable role they play deserves to be recognised and celebrated—Carers Week is an important opportunity to do this.
I’d also encourage our Carers to consider applying for a the Queensland Government’s Carers Business Discount Scheme which provides eligible carers with discounts on a wide range of goods and services at thousands of businesses across the state. You can pick up the forms at my office in Kingaroy, or just call on 4162 1381 and we’d be happy to post one out.
As we are in bushfire season it is important to recognise the thousands of Rural Fire Service Queensland members who take time away from their work, family and friends to protect life and property from bushfire.
14 October is Yellow Ribbon Day and is used to celebrate the contributions of Rural Firefighters from Cape York to Currumbin Valley.
Rural fire brigade members are everyday people; plumbers, teachers, farmers, miners, mums and dads. It’s these everyday people who do extraordinary things and dedicate themselves to front-line services.
35,000 rural firefighters who service 93% of Queensland work day in and day out to ensure that their communities and families are safe. On behalf of the residents of the Nanango Electorate, I wish to say thank you to them for their work.
I would like to sincerely thank those individuals who are committed to the safety of Queenslanders. The Government is committed to revitalising frontline services, and these volunteers work is invaluable in that process.
Show your support wear a yellow ribbon, donate to a brigade, or become a firefighter today.
THE first road works funded under the $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Package have been approved, with $110 million to be spent on the first stage of an upgrade for the Toowoomba to Oakey section.
Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the project would duplicate 5.7 kilometres of the Warrego Highway, providing two lanes in each direction between Charlton and Cotswold Hills, to the west of Toowoomba.
“We are prioritising construction of this section of the Warrego Highway because it will intersect with the future Toowoomba Second Range Crossing,” Mr Truss said.
“The Warrego Highway connects the agricultural and resource regions west of Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane, so the economic potential of these upgrades is enormous.
“In fact, every dollar spent on this project will return to the economy more than five times the cost of our investment.
“We know that our regions are the backbone of our economy, which is why the Australian Government is prioritising the infrastructure that our regions need to prosper.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said that beyond the significant economic benefits, the project was part of a strong plan to deliver safety improvements for drivers on the Warrego Highway.
“The duplication will separate eastbound and westbound traffic, markedly reducing the chance of head-on collisions and allow a better transport flow of goods and services,” Mr Emerson said.
“Truck drivers, farmers and commuters will all look forward to construction on the project starting early next year, with completion due at the end of 2016.”
The Australian Government has committed up to $88 million to the project, with the Queensland Government providing $22 million.
Farmers will be given greater protections and opportunities to grow their businesses and create jobs with another three million hectares added to the strategic cropping land across the state.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney, Agriculture Minister John McVeigh and Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps announced today the area of land protected in Queensland would increase by more than 40 per cent - from 7.23 million hectares to 10.17 million hectares.
Mr Seeney said a new trigger map would include updated information from the Agricultural Land Audit and the Queensland Land Use Mapping Program.
“This change delivers on our election promise to grow the economy and create jobs,” Mr Seeney said.
Today’s announcement means a much larger area of valuable farming land in Queensland is classified as Strategic Cropping Land and offered protections under the new Regional Planning Interests Act 2014.
“Should a landholder not agree to a proposed resource activity on this newly added SCL, the resource company will need to go through a Regional Interest Assessment process, ending the prospect of landholders being taken to Land Court after 40 days.
“Our government has now extended its commitment to restore the balance of power between rural producers and resource companies to a whole new area of land.”
Mr McVeigh said the Queensland Government was working hard towards its goal of doubling agricultural production by 2040 and needed to ensure land best suited for cropping was protected.
“The trigger map will be updated by the end of 2014 to ensure consistency with the Agricultural Land Audit and a range of government reforms,” Mr McVeigh said.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said the updated trigger map would give more certainty to the agriculture and resources sectors by clearly identifying areas where approvals might be required.
“Queensland clearly needs both the agricultural and the resources pillars of our economy to grow together to create jobs for regional families,” Mr Cripps said.
“Both sectors must co-exist in order for Queensland to realise the full potential of both industries, and tools such as the trigger map will help us to achieve this outcome, by providing protection for our rural and regional communities and landholders.”
Updating the strategic cropping land trigger map complements the raft of planning reforms which the government has introduced including the identification of Priority Agricultural Areas. The trigger map will be continually refined to accurately identify Queensland’s best cropping land. At the same time, new approaches to co-existence with other industries and land uses will be encouraged.
Once finalised, the updated SCL trigger map will be available at: www.daff.qld.gov.au/environment/ag-land-audit/web-mapping-tool
The Queensland Government’s $80 billion debt would be reduced and funds would be freed up for job creating infrastructure under the final Strong Choices plan to lease some government-owned assets.
Premier Campbell Newman said the Government had listened to Queenslanders and responded to their feedback about retaining their stake in public assets.
“We have listened to Queenslanders concerns and, in response, the Government has decided not to sell assets,” Mr Newman said.
“We have had an in-depth discussion about these issues in the Cabinet and the party room today and we have agreed to a plan to reduce debt and build infrastructure that will potentially create up to 25,000 jobs.”
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Queenslanders had made it clear they wanted the Government to deal with the $80 billion debt problem, but they also wanted the Government to retain control over the assets.
“Leasing some assets is the strongest and smartest choice because it will generate the funds needed to bring the State’s debt back under control, while ensuring Queenslanders always retain ownership,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Under our plan the Government would write strict lease conditions to ensure Queenslanders’ interests were upheld.
“The leases would be for 50 years with an option to extend for a further 49 years and would include conditions around the appropriate use of land and the assets, safety requirements and service levels.”
Mr Newman said the Government would also continue payments to the electricity companies to keep prices for regional Queenslanders in line with prices in the south-east.
“Importantly, this is a plan for Queensland’s future,” he said.
“By reducing our debt we can free up funds to create jobs and build the infrastructure our growing State needs.”
The Government now proposes to offer for lease:
Mr Nicholls said the Government had listened to advice of independent experts, Queensland’s Treasury and Queensland Treasury Corporation to ensure the Strong Choices final plan would also deliver the best financial outcome for Queenslanders.
The plan is expected to yield $37 billion.
Those funds would be allocated as follows:
“None of these proposals will be implemented until the Government has received a mandate for this methodical and disciplined plan at the next State election,” he said.
To view the plan visit www.StrongChoices.qld.gov.au
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington would like to congratulate the following community groups which have successfully secured funding through the latest round of the State Government’s Gambling and Jupiter’s Casino Community Benefit Funds:
Mrs Frecklington said in total the groups will share in more than $204,000 and said it was great to see local groups benefitting from this grant.
“These groups bring so much to our community, and I’m glad that we can provide them with funding which allows them to continue their invaluable work in the area,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Deb said the quarterly grants allowed profits from gambling to be invested back into grass roots services and facilities that benefited people from all walks of life in the Nanango Electorate community.
“These grants can be the difference between keeping these important services in our area and going without,” she said.
“I encourage all local groups, however big or small, to apply for the next round of funding before the end of November 2014 and make the most of this wonderful opportunity.”
For more information or to see a full list of recipients please visit http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/corporate/sponsorships-and-grants/grants/community-benefit-funding-programs/successful-funding-applications
As students and teachers across the region head back to the classroom for the final term of the 2014 school year, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington would like to wish them all the best for what is shaping up to be a busy final term.
Mrs Frecklington said that the past year had been an excellent one for education in Queensland, with many of the State Government’s key reforms now rolled out and delivering improved educational opportunities.
“Following on from the Queensland Plan, our new 30-year Education Accord will help shape our system for many years to come,” she said.
“We’ve just held our Queensland Education Accord Summit and I’d really like to thank our Nanango Electorate delegates who joined me in Brisbane for the day - Mrs Debbie Jackson (representing Kingaroy SHS), Mr Rob Cantle (Yarraman SS) and Mr Michael Nayler (Saint Mary’s),” Mrs Frecklington said.
“It was a very positive day which brought together teachers, principals and representatives from the state, Independent and Catholic sectors, along with representatives from the community, to plan a vision of what schools will be like in 2044,” she said.
“It was so important for our region to be heard, and our delegates did an amazing job of highlighting regional issues and their vision for the future of educational opportunities for our children,” she said.
Mrs Frecklington said the Queensland Government had also just announced the second round of the Great Results Guarantee.
“Schools across my Electorate are set to share in more than $2.2 million to help them ensure every student is achieving the National Minimum Standard for literacy and numeracy,” she said.
“This is part of a total $183 million in additional funding for state schools to improve student outcomes - an increase of $52 million from the Government’s investment in this initiative in 2014.”
Deb said Term 4 would also be a busy time for schools making final preparations for the move of Year 7 to high school.
“Much work is being done to ensure we’re ready to welcome Year 7 to high school in 2015 and I’d like to thank our teachers and staff who have been working so hard to make this happen,” she said.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, Minister for Education, John-Paul Langbroek (centre), welcomed Nanango Electorate representatives to the Queensland Education Accord Summit in Brisbane - from l to r: Mrs Debbie Jackson (Kingaroy SHS P&C Assoc), Mr Rob Cantle (Yarraman SS) and Mr Michael Nayler (Saint Mary’s Catholic College).
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington is delighted that students in the Nanango Electorate are set to benefit from even more funding through the second round of State Government’s Great Results Guarantee funding.
Mrs Frecklington has welcomed the announcement that $2,201,096 million will go directly to schools in the Nanango Electorate’s region, $372,754 more than last year’s allocation.
“The Queensland Government has a strong plan for the state’s future, which is why we are working hard to revitalise frontline services, particularly education,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Local schools have already experienced the benefits of the Great Results Guarantee initiative and this funding boost will continue to improve the literacy and numeracy outcomes of our students.”
Deb said the funding empowers principals to invest in programs and initiatives that will make a real difference in their school by targeting areas for improvement and she praised the community involvement aspect of the Great Results Guarantee.
“Schools are encouraged to involve the community in deciding how to invest the funds, and their guarantees are published on their website,” Deb said.
“The more involved a community is with the school the more likely students will enjoy a successful education experience.”
A total of $183 million will be provided to all Queensland state schools next year, a $52 million increase on the $131 million provided in 2014, the first year of the Great Results Guarantee.
The Great Results Guarantee investment is the result of the Australian Government’s Students First – A fairer funding agreement for schools initiative.
For more information on the Great Results Guarantee, visit www.education.qld.gov.au/resultsguarantee
Checking your car registration status will be simple for Queensland drivers following the release of a new app to coincide with Rego Sticker Liberation Day.
Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin said that from today Queenslanders could rip off their sticky registration labels for good.
“Cutting red tape for Queenslanders is all part of the LNP Government’s strong plan for a bright future,” Mr Minnikin said.
“Rego Sticker Liberation Day means motorists can pry off their windscreen label one last time, without the hassle of trying to apply a new one.
“All vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass, including cars, motorcycles and light trailers, no longer need to show a label, regardless of whether the registration has expired or not.”
Mr Minnikin said the change brought Queensland into line with all other states and territories in Australia and would save taxpayers up to $3.5 million a year in postage and printing costs.
“Those savings are better spent on improving services and providing cost of living relief for families,” he said.
“While car registration went up by 30 per cent over five years under Labor, we have kept our promise to freeze private motor vehicle registration fees for three years from 1 July 2012 – benefiting approximately 2.5 million family vehicles.”
Mr Minnikin warned the new era was not an excuse to stop registering your vehicle.
“Motorists will still receive their registration notice in the mail, along with payment option information and a fee breakdown,” he said.
“Police and TMR will continue to crack down on unregistered vehicles through current enforcement and the expansion of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.”
To check the registration of any vehicle, download the QLD Rego Check app for free from iTunes or Google Play, visit www.qld.gov.au/checkrego phone TMR on 13 23 80.
