Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says our local environment, critters and heritage values will be strengthened with the annoucement of round three of the Newman LNP Government’s Everyone’s Environment grants program.
Mrs Frecklington congratulated the successful recipients:
Ms Frecklington said these grants were another example of the strong plan this government has for delivering common sense conservation for Queensland’s environment.
“Under the former Labor Government there was no grant funding available to community groups and grass roots organisations but we recognise their valuable contribution and applaud their dedication,” she said.
“These grassroots projects will help deliver long-term benefits for local communities.”
Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said the program had delivered almost 120,000 tree plantings, over 410,000 hectares weeded, and removal of almost 62,000 kilograms of rubbish from local areas and waterways across Queensland.
“Through this program, the Newman LNP Government has engaged a staggering 13,250 volunteers state-wide and this will continue to grow with the large amount of projects continuing to be delivered,” Mr Powell said.
“We recognise the valuable contributions of volunteers, who are true local heroes, rolling up their sleeves to improve their local area.”
More information about the Everyone’s Environment program is available at www.qld.gov.au/environment
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has thanked the Somerset community for their patience in regards to the announcement of the dam options which the Government hopes will help lessen the impact of future major floods in the Brisbane and Ipswich water catchments.
Mrs Frecklington said the announcement includes confirmation of the Linville Dam Site and the raising of the Wivenhoe Dam wall as two of the three options the Government will further consider.
“I know that many people in the Somerset region have been awaiting this announcement and I thank them as well for their patience and understanding in this process,” she said.
“I would like to reassure everyone who may be impacted by this announcement that we hope to know the final choice by mid-2015, so people can start making decisions and plans,” she said.
“In the meantime, I will be working with the community through a thorough consultation process,” Deb said.
“The two other dam options which had been identified were Cooyar Creek Dam and Emu Creek Dam, but neither of these has been chosen for further scoping,” Deb said.
If you would like further information, please contact the Nanango Electorate Office on 4162 1381.
The Queensland Government will consider building two new dams and raising Wivenhoe Dam to better protect Brisbane and Ipswich families from major flood events.
Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle today released the results of a wide-ranging prefeasibility study looking at potential options to improve the flood defences of the two cities.
“South-east Queensland will experience major flood events in the future and while we can never flood-proof Brisbane or Ipswich, the Newman LNP Government is committed to doing everything possible to better protect lives, homes and businesses,” Mr McArdle said.
“The Newman LNP Government’s 30 year plan for the water sector – WaterQ – recognises the challenges we face from climate variability and natural disasters, such as floods.
“The prefeasibility study we are releasing today is the first step in understanding how new dams could help us tackle these challenges and better protect Brisbane and Ipswich from future floods.”
Mr McArdle said the prefeasibility study narrowed the flood mitigation options down from nine to three that were worthy of further consideration, including:
increasing the flood mitigation compartment of Wivenhoe Dam by raising the dam wall;a new dam on the Brisbane River upstream of Linville; anda new dam on the Lower Warrill Creek near Willowbank.
“It is important to stress no decisions have been made about which dams may or may not be built,” he said. “A more detailed investigation will now be carried out to consider the benefits, estimated costs, and potential impacts of each of the three options or combinations of options.
“New operational strategies for Wivenhoe and North Pine dams released last month could mean as many as 1,500 fewer buildings in Brisbane and Ipswich would be flooded in a repeat of the 2011 flood.
“The new dams we are investigating could save thousands more homes and businesses if there was a repeat of the 2011 floods, but it is still early days and we will now do more detailed studies into these options.
“Unlike Labor, which wasted billions of dollars on a rusty desalination plant, a recycled water plant that’s too costly to operate and the non-existent Traveston Dam, the Newman LNP Government is determined to deliver better infrastructure and planning to keep Queenslanders safe.”
A map outlining the potential dam sites is available at https://www.dews.qld.gov.au/water-supply-regulations/flood-mitigation-initiatives/infrastructure-investigation
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has announced that the Emu Creek camp ground and day use area in the Benarkin State Forest will be opened in time for the Christmas-New Year holidays.
Mrs Frecklington said the floods of 2013 caused landslides along the area’s gravel access road resulting in its closure. However, a $350,000 investment, with funds provided via National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, will see the popular camp ground in the South Burnett reopen on 20 December 2014.
“Emu Creek has always been a popular camping area, so we know the local community and visitors will be happy to see these facilities reopen,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The Newman LNP Government is committed to opening up Queensland’s natural assets, for the enjoyment of all Queenslanders.”
The nearby Clancy’s camp ground and day use area, which was closed on 2 November to allow construction traffic to use the areas’ shared gravel access road, will also re-open on 20 December.
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the repair work at Emu Creek consisted of access road and associated rock wall reconstruction.
“It’s unfortunate we’ve had to close both Emu Creek and Clancy’s campgrounds for a short period, but this decision is in the interest of public safety and is due to increased construction traffic on the narrow, winding access road to both areas.”
Blackbutt Visitor Information Centre team leader Laraine Aniftos said Emu Creek’s reopening would be appreciated by the many visitors to the site.
“Emu Creek and Clancy’s have always been popular camp sites and visitor areas and it’s great to see Emu Creek being re-opened in time for the coming holiday period.
“Being reasonably close to Brisbane, and surrounded by stunning plantation and natural forests, both camping areas are a world away for those wanting to escape suburbia, but close enough for an overnight stay or even a day visit,” Ms Aniftos said.
Camping bookings for Emu Creek and Clancy’s camping areas will be available online closer to the areas’ reopening date. People intending to enjoy Queensland’s national parks, particularly if camping, can view the latest information on park conditions by visiting National Parks’ Park Alerts web pages at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/index.php
Our local Firefighters will be better protected should they contract potentially life-threatening cancers thanks to new laws to be introduced by the Newman LNP Government.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said the State Government would move to automatically assume that firefighters with cancer developed the disease as a direct result of their firefighting work.
The law reform will ensure firefighters will find it easier to access WorkCover payments and potential compensations claims will be settled more quickly.
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to serve Queensland,” Mr Demspey said.
“It’s not just fires and natural disasters that endanger our firies – toxic smoke and chemical incidents can pose an equally deadly, but longer-term threat to their health through cancer.
“The Newman LNP Government is working hard to support our fire crews and we want our brave men and women to know they won’t have to fight for a fair go if they are diagnosed with cancer.”
The new laws will apply to all of Queensland’s urban, auxiliary and rural firefighters.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington said the commitment was reassuring news for local firefighters.
“Unlike Labor, we have consulted widely and listened to firefighters who deserve peace of mind as they respond to emergencies and save lives,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Our local firefighters serve our community and now we will repay them for that service by providing health security well into their retirement.
“The new laws will deliver for firefighters in our region regardless if they are rural firefighter suffering from skin cancer, or a station officer dealing with prostate cancer.
“Today the Newman LNP Government has also signed a historic accord with the United Firefighters Union to increase consultation with local firefighters into the future.
“The strong LNP team is the only team who will continue to deliver for firefighters in our region and across Queensland.”
The new laws will be drafted in consultation with employee representative groups such as the United Firefighters Union of Queensland, Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland and the Queensland Auxiliary Firefighters Association.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says the Nanango Electorate has another reason for festive cheer with five sport and recreation clubs approved for Get Going funding grants.
Mrs Frecklington said Get Going provides clubs with better resources, equipment and services for attracting and retaining members, as part of the Queensland Government’s Get in the Game initiative.
“Sport and recreation clubs are an integral part of the local community and it’s important that they have access to the proper resources, equipment and training opportunities,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“In this round, nine local clubs will receive Get Going funding for projects that support members or create opportunities for more people to become members.”
The clubs and projects receiving funding are:
“Get in the Game is a fantastic grant program focused on promoting greater participation at the grassroots community level and supporting local clubs,” Deb said.
Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the Queensland Government was keen to encourage more families to get involved in sport and recreation.
“We made an election commitment to get more young Queenslanders involved in recreation and sport and we are delivering through these highly successful Get in the Game programs,” Mr Dickson said.
“We have seen some great results since this initiative kicked off in 2012, with more than 67,000 vouchers issued to assist kids who can least afford to participate in sport or recreation. We’ve also helped 1330 clubs with activities to increase participation and approved 360 infrastructure and facilities projects. There is more to do though and we will continue with our strong plan for the future.”
For more information on Get in the Game, visit www.nprsr.qld.gov.au
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, has announced that the South Burnett’s two major courthouses in the South Burnett – Kingaroy and Nanango are set for significant upgrades in 2015.
Mrs Frecklington said the Department of Justice and Attorney-General will spend more than $3 million on refurbishing the courthouses at Kingaroy ($2.2m) and Nanango ($900,000).
“I have been fighting for these upgrades years, even before I was elected as the local Member and I believe these refurbishments will help improve the frontline delivery of justice services in the region,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“They will not only provide better facilities for our local community, but our tradespeople will benefit as well.”
The Kingaroy works are expected to employ 100 people while a further 75 workers will gain from the Nanango project. Work is expected to begin on Nanango Courthouse early next year, with the Kingaroy improvements starting mid-2015.
Deb said the two-storey brick Kingaroy Courthouse was built in the 1960s and will receive interior and exterior improvements.
“The upgrade will allow for even better safety provisions, with secure access for judicial staff, separate secure access for police and prisoners via the installation of an elevator and a pedestrian connection to the adjacent police station, new and separate facilities for vulnerable witnesses, and disability access throughout the building,” she said.
“There will also be more comfortable client waiting areas and similar improvements to the jury assembly area.”
Key refurbishments for the Kingaroy Courthouse will include:
The unique character of the Nanango Courthouse, which was constructed in 1937, will be taken into account with its improvements.
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General will work with a heritage architect to retain the charming style of the building.
Work will take place on the corrugated iron roof and wide verandas, while other improvements will be made to the registry office, customer service counter, waiting area, courtroom and judicial facilities as part of a major extension of the building.
Additional interview and meeting facilities will be provided, plus an upgrade of electronic security systems, while lighting, hydraulics, power and air-conditioning will be upgraded.
An added feature will be the construction of an external rotunda, and there will also be upgrades to driveway, parking and toilet facilities.
“This is a major investment in the region by the Government and the community will reap the benefits,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We should not forget the input of Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie, whose energy and unqualified support ensured the funding for the refurbishments has gone
ahead.”
Photo: Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, and South Burnett District Law Association President, Mr Mark Werner, officially unveiling the sign announcing upgrades for the Nanango and Kingaroy Courthouses.
Queensland’s drought assistance program is being increased by the Newman LNP Government to support struggling farmers across three-quarters of the state.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said he was increasing spending to protect farms and rural communities from the worst effects of the persistent drought.
“The Premier and I have promised to do whatever it takes to help farmers as long as this drought lasts – and we will,” Mr McVeigh said.
“We’re not only increasing drought aid, but we’re also cutting red tape and bureaucracy to make it easier for those who need help to get it.
“Agriculture is at the heart of our strong plan to grow Queensland’s four pillar economy and we’re committed to supporting farms and rural communities through these tough times.”
Mr McVeigh said the drought package would receive an extra $18.7 million from the Newman LNP Government, bringing the total aid package to almost $50 million in 2014-15.
“That’s a significant increase on what was originally provided in the budget as the drought has proven so severe and so persistent,” Mr McVeigh said.
The Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) now has simpler application forms, a revamped website and extra staff to process claims.
“More than 95 per cent of applications are being processed in less than 21 days, with the current average around seven days,” Mr McVeigh said.
“That’s a vast improvement on turnaround times and better than any time in the previous drought.”
Mr McVeigh said that about 75 per cent of Queensland was drought-declared and with the chance of drought-breaking rains low, there would be a need for support for a long time yet.
For more information on drought assistance contact QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has congratulated Kingaroy SHS graduate, Samantha Hudson of Kingaroy, on successfully achieving a $10,000 to attend Agricultural College next year.
Mrs Frecklington said Samantha was one of just ten students from drought-hit regions around Queensland who will receive a scholarship to kick-start their agricultural studies.
“I am so pleased for Samantha. Plus, we also have Jayden Parnell from Wondai who has also been successful. It is terrific to have two local students achieving this scholarship, which provides the much- needed financial assistance to allow them to attend Emerald Agricultural College,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Samantha explained to me that she has chosen agricultural studies so she can work with horses and is ultimately hoping to become a Jillaroo. The two-year primary industries program at Emerald Ag College will give both Samantha and Jayden an excellent start to their careers in agriculture,” she said.
Samantha said she was so excited to learn she had received a scholarship and said it will definitely help her with her studies.
“I want to extend my knowledge and practical skills in agriculture. I am very passionate about working with livestock as well as cropping and general farming.”
Deb said that all the young people who have received a scholarship come from some of the hardest-hit drought areas, but they still very keen to build careers in agriculture.
“The sector offers them a broad range of exciting opportunities and I wish them all the best. Ou Government has a strong plan goal to double agricultural production and to achieve this goal we are getting behind our young people.”
Photos: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, congratulating Kingaroy State High School graduate, Samantha Hudson on receiving a $10,000 State Government Agriculture Scholarship.
Campdraft associations around Queenland will save money with thanks to a push by the Cooyar Campdraft Association, with the assistance of Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington.
Mrs Frecklington said that the Cooyar Campdraft Association approached her earlier this year to request Campdraft events be exempt from needing a Community Liquor Permit (CLP).
“On behalf of the group I wrote to the Attorney-General, Jarrod Bleijie, explaining that Campdrafts should be under the same classification as small regional shows, which are exempt from needing a Community Liquor Permit,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Our Government has listened and I’m delighted that in Parliament last week the aptly named ‘Nanango Amendment’ to the Liquor and Fair Trading Legislation, exempting Campdrafts was announced,” she said.
“Campdrafts play an integral role in the cultural fabric of our regional communities, providing important social and economic benefits to local towns and the region as a whole.
“Plus, these events are run by volunteers who don’t need to be bogged down by unnecessary regulation. These changes will ease the red tape and also save them money,” she said.
“I would really like to thank the Cooyar Campdraft Association for raising their concerns and congratulate them on helping to make this important change,”
“Our combined efforts will be a great benefit for Campdrafting groups across the state,” Deb said.
Attorney-General, the Hon Jarrod Bleijie said the legislation amendments fall under the Liquor and Fair Trading Legislation (Red Tape Reduction) Amendment Bill 2014.
“These amendments will save associations time and money, which can be put back into other community purposes. I want to particularly thank the Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, for her strong advocacy on this issue,” Mr Bleijie said.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has announced that upgrades at the Peach Trees Camping area in the Jimna State Forest will total more than $1million when completed.
Mrs Frecklington said the million dollar upgrade, delivering on State Government’s election commitment to revitalise National Parks, and will include new toilets, a new sewage treatment plant, new road works, new fencing, and better access to nearby Yabba Creek.
“Peach Trees is a very popular campground, particularly during Easter and Christmas/New Year period, with people enjoying a barbeque and walk along the creek,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Peach Trees is particularly popular with families due to its large, open grassy areas, resident population of Eastern Grey kangaroos, and abundant birdlife.
“These new facilities and infrastructure will ensure visitors continue to have a world-class visitor experience at Peach Trees for years to come.”
Ms Frecklington said the total Peach Trees upgrade was due for completion in June 2016 and had a budget of $1,023,000.
Three new toilet blocks will be built to replace the existing facilities, with the associated treatment plant meeting the most stringent environmental requirements.
The first two toilet blocks are planned for completion in early 2015, with the third toilet block by the end of June 2015.
Work on these facilities is due to start prior to Christmas 2014 with the existing facilities available through the construction phase.
“We will also be upgrading the access road to the camping area, with this scheduled to start after the coming Christmas-New Year holidays.
“Yabba Creek swimming hole, next to the camping area, is very popular and the upgrade will include stabilisation works to the creek bank and access track.
“As well, fencing around the camping area will be replaced, mainly to prevent stock from wandering into the camp grounds from neighbouring lands.”
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said camper capacity had been reduced to 150 people, through to 31 January 2015, to allow for demolition and construction of new toilet facilities.
President of the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and Community, Cheryl Gaedtke, said the Peach Trees upgrade would be a great benefit to the to the economic growth of local Kilcoy businesses, as well as providing greater visitation to the unique ex-timber township of Jimna.
“Peach Trees is such a lovely area for families to spend time with nature in a safe environment and there are also plenty of public forest drives to take to appreciate the beauty of our natural assets,” Cheryl said.
Mr Dickson said the $1 million Peach Trees camping area upgrade was further proof of the Queensland Government’s commitment to encouraging more people to visit the state’s national parks and State forests.
“National Parks and State forests not only preserve our environment, they also serve to bring people closer to nature and help them appreciate all the natural beauty our state has to offer,” Mr Dickson said.
“And although we’ve had to reduce capacity at this site temporarily, I assure visitors that the Peach Trees camping area will remain open over the coming Christmas and New Year holiday period.”
Camping bookings for Peach Trees can be made by visiting www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/jimna/index.html.
People intending to enjoy Queensland’s national parks, particularly if camping, can view the latest information on park conditions by visiting National Parks’ Park Alerts web pages at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/index.php.
Photos: Peach Trees Camping Area, Jimna
