LNP Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has officially announced that one of her key priorities if re-elected would be to establish a ‘South Burnett Clubhouse’ to help people with mental ill health reconnect with the community.
Mrs Frecklington said it has been one of her major goals to secure better mental health services for people in regional areas.
“It has been a passion of mine to bring better support to regional and rural areas for people who suffer mental illness. The proposed ‘South Burnett Clubhouse’ offers a model of care which has a proven track record, providing intervention service that assists people who experience mental health problems,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This project will be similar to the current, and very successful, Toowoomba Clubhouse which provides people with mental illness vocational training and work experiences, helping them connect with treatment, rehabilitation and re-establishment in the working community,” she said.
“Today I am announcing that if I am chosen to represent the Nanango Electorate for a second term, securing a Clubhouse will be one of my top priorities,” Deb said.
Supporting Deb at the announcement was Mr John McVeigh, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, who said the South Burnett Clubhouse would address the growing need for mental health support for people on the land.
“The last few years of floods and drought have certainly tested the resolve of our primary producers. The South Burnett Clubhouse will provide an invaluable service to help people who need that extra bit of support to help get them through the hard times,” Minister McVeigh said.
“On behalf of Deb, I would like to thank the members of South Burnett Clubhouse Advisory Group who have been working behind the scenes to research and create partnerships to help bring this innovative model of care to Kingaroy,” Minister McVeigh said.
Photo: Tim Saal of Rural and Remote Mental Health, Luke Terry of Toowoomba Clubhouse, Agriculture Minister, John McVeigh, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, Louise Judge of Centacare and Cheryl Dalton of SB Care were pleased to announce the initiative.
Toowoomba’s growing suburb of Highfields is now an even more attractive place to live, with the area’s first state secondary college opening its gates today.
Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said he was thrilled to see the 10.1 hectare school in O’Brien Road, Highfields open today.
“I’m proud to see this school open its gates for the very first time, with founding Principal Sharon Barker and our Education Minister JP Langbroek,” Mr Watts said.
“I promised to deliver this secondary school in 2012 and since then we’ve seen great coordination between the local community, state government and local council.
“There’s been very strong local support and I congratulate the entire school community, including parents for their ongoing support in shaping Highfields State Secondary College.”
Mr Watts said another great outcome for the local area was the fact that a Toowoomba-based, award-winning company FK Gardner and Sons Group won the tender to build the school.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington MP said the new school would be a fantastic community asset for many years to come.
“Today students will explore their new school which has 25 teaching spaces, including special education facilities, a junior secondary applied technology centre, science centre, general learning centre and covered area, canteen, hospitality services and food court, sports oval, play areas and platforms for future multi-purpose courts,” Ms Frecklington said.
Minister for Education, Training and Employment JP Langbroek said the state-of-the-art educational hub would provide major benefits for local families.
“Education in Queensland has gone from strength to strength under the LNP – we have more teachers in classrooms and better learning facilities,” Mr Langbroek said.
“The first day of school at Highfields State Secondary College is an important milestone for this government and it demonstrates what a strong team can achieve.
“In three short years, with Trevor and Deb as the local champions, we’ve worked with the community to build this school and today we’ll welcome more than 230 students in Years 7 and 8.
“Highfields State Secondary College is one of 11 new schools that the LNP government will deliver in areas of growth to ensure that Queensland kids get the education experience they deserve.”
To find out more, visit: https://highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au
A re-elected LNP Government would back small business as the engine room of the economy by continuing to reduce red tape, cutting electricity and water costs, keeping taxes low and investing in innovation.
Premier Campbell Newman today visited Sunfresh Linen in Brisbane’s south to announce the LNP’s strong plan to help small businesses grow and employ more Queenslanders.
“Under Labor, Queensland businesses were being slugged with soaring taxes and charges and were choked with a tangle of red tape that got in the way of growth,” he said.
“Since coming to office, the LNP has been working hard to make it easier to do business in Queensland by reducing unnecessary regulation and lowering costs.
“We’ve slashed red and green tape, getting rid of 9400 regulatory requirements to save businesses around $425 million a year.
“We’ve already cut payroll tax once and reduced paperwork for small business. We’ve announced our plan to increase the exemption threshold by $300,000 over the next three years, saving businesses even more.
“We’ve reduced the workers compensation burden for Queensland business by an average 17 per cent, while still ensuring workers have the most coverage and the most benefits of anywhere in the country.
“Our strong plan to keep taxes low in Queensland means we won’t increase business taxes or introduce any new ones over the next three years.”
Mr Newman said a re-elected LNP Government would continue to drive down business’ costs by lowering electricity and water bills.
“Under our Strong Choices asset leasing plan, we will reduce power costs for Queensland business, with savings of around $1400 over five years for the typical small business on tariff 22,” he said.
“South-east Queensland businesses will also benefit from lower water bills as part of our plan to reduce SEQ Water’s debt by $2 billion.
“Sunfresh Linen is a great example of a business that will save under the LNP’s strong plan with savings of about $78,000 on their water bills over two years from 2016/17 and ongoing savings of about $16,000 a year on their electricity bills.
“In addition, the LNP will invest $590 million in business-focused innovation, entrepreneurship, research and development partnerships to create the next wave of industry and jobs.
“The key to our economy is confidence and that comes from a plan. The LNP has a strong plan to make Queensland stronger – a stronger economy, more confidence for business to invest and 209,000 new jobs.
“Only the LNP has a strong and a stable team with a strong plan to create jobs and support small business.”
Frontline health services across the Darling Downs and the South West are set to be boosted with the Newman LNP Government today committing to an additional 195 doctors, nurses and health practitioners throughout the region as a part of its strong plan for health.
Premier Campbell Newman said the LNP was focused on continuing to rebuild frontline health services across the region and generating skilled jobs for the future.
Mr Newman said the additional health jobs and services came on top of a record investment in public healthcare across the Darling Downs and South West with funding having increased by $103.4 million, or 16.4%, since the change of government just three years ago.
“We all want a healthier Queensland and we’ve been working hard over the past three years to reduce every single waiting list across the Darling Downs and the South West. But there is more to be done,” Mr Newman said.
“Because of our disciplined management of the state’s finances, the Newman LNP Government can create an estimated 195 additional frontline health jobs.
“We will also boost the delivery of public health services across the region over the next three years.”
Mr Newman said the frontline health jobs in the Darling Downs and South West region alone would include:
36 additional doctors;125 additional nurses; and34 additional health practitioners
The additional 195 staff will cost $42.8 million over three years from 2015/16.
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said while the Newman LNP Government had turned Queensland Health around over the past three years, there was still much more to be done.
“Under Labor, Queensland Health was plagued with waste and ballooning bureaucracy that prevented the recruitment and retention of frontline health workers,” he said.
“There were thousands of patients languishing on waiting lists, and the billion dollar health payroll debacle left local doctors and nurses underpaid, overpaid or not paid at all.
“We’ve stabilised the Queensland Health payroll, local doctors and nurses are getting their proper pay and we’ve overseen across the board pay increases for all our health workers in the region.
“Despite these great achievements, we know there is more to be done. Only the strong LNP team has a strong plan to take Queensland Health into the future.
“And only the LNP team has the strong economic plan to ensure we can do it.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says the achievements of the LNP Government for agriculture, primary producers and regional areas during their first term clearly demonstrates the high priority the LNP places on the agriculture sector.
Mrs Frecklington said she is extremely proud of several key initiatives which mean agriculture is at the forefront of the LNP Government’s focus.
“The LNP’s commitment to farming and farm communities meant one of its first actions on winning government in 2102 was to reform a standalone, dedicated department of agriculture with a real focus on frontline services,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Other key outcomes for farmers include:
“I really want to highlight how many good outcomes there have been for our primary producers, and emphasise that under a Labor government, these changes would be repealed,” she said.
“If Labor should win, or happen to fall over the line with the help of minor parties and independents, agriculture will seriously suffer.”
“It is highly likely that they would scrap the Department of Agriculture and return to the ‘super departments’ of the past,” she said.
“About the last thing farm industries need at the moment is for agriculture to be swallowed up in one of Labor’s mega-bureaucracies with no direction and no leadership.”
“Plus, we know Labor have announced they would repeal the Vegetation Laws, meaning we’d go back to the disastrous laws which had such a negative effect on our farmers,”
“I’m pleased to see that Agforce has also condemned the Labor announcement to reintroduce the cumbersome and outdated vegetation laws saying their would not support a return to the unnecessary and burdensome administrative and regulatory requirements on landholders in the day-to-day management of their properties for no environmental gain,” Deb said.
Deb said that the Labor Party has already shown its absolute disregard for rural and regional Queenslanders by confirming it will also scrap the successful Royalties for the Regions program.
“Soon after the Newman LNP government was elected, we created the Royalties for the Region program to fund the roads, bridges, water infrastructure and flood mitigation works that regional communities desperately needed after 20 years of Labor neglect.
“At a time when Queensland’s budget was stretched to the limit, we committed $495 million over four years to fund the projects that regional Queenslanders needed in their local areas and we have delivered on that commitment.
“There is no clearer demonstration of the LNP’s pledge to Queensland’s regions than our Royalties for the Regions program,” Deb said.
“There is so much more I want to do for our primary producers, in particular to keep growing and restoring faith in the agriculture sector and help our farmers by cutting even more red tape.
“My aim is to provide strong representation on behalf of the agriculture sector and continue to highlight the issues which are important to our farmers and their families,” Deb said.
Thank-you Agforce for this statement today:
PEAK agriculture advocacy group AgForce Queensland has condemned Labor plans to reintroduce cumbersome, costly and unnecessary vegetation management legislation should it be elected to state government on 31 January, as announced by party leader Annastacia Palaszczuk earlier today.
In 2013, key reforms to the Vegetation Management Act were introduced by the Newman Government to provide freedom to landholders to conduct low-risk essential farm activities, such as fencing and weed control, without sacrificing environmental health.
AgForce Queensland General President, Grant Maudsley, said to repeal these amendments would be to force unnecessary and burdensome administrative and regulatory requirements on landholders in the day-to-day management of their properties for no environmental gain.
“The changes to the Act sought to address issues including lengthy waiting periods of up to nine years for simple approvals allowing activities such as fence clearing and weed control, both normal, day-to-day components of responsible farm management,” Mr Maudsley said.
“It should also be clearly noted these changes were made only after Queensland’s independent Competition Authority undertook a comprehensive assessment which recommended the old legislation was so cumbersome it should be scrapped.
“The ensuing report from the QCA was followed by a parliamentary inquiry in which the majority of submitters also agreed the old laws needed to be changed.
“Today’s announcement from the ALP shows just how out of touch the party is both in terms of promoting a prosperous agriculture industry and what is required to protect the health of our environment.”
Mr Maudsley said the current framework had been operational for more than a year with no evidence to suggest environmental health was at risk.
“As primary producers who rely on the health of our land for our livelihoods we would be the first to express concern should we think environmental standards were being compromised,” he said.
“From our perspective, Ms Palaszczuk’s announcement today is an attempt to create hype and hysteria around non-issues.
“This is particularly disappointing given the agricultural sector is yet to hear any policy in this campaign which addresses concerns surrounding the future profitability of the industry and what role government will play in assisting primary producers through the current drought.”
Queensland’s science community will be supercharged to deliver research breakthroughs and create new jobs if the Newman LNP Government is re-elected.
Premier Campbell Newman today announced the Research to Reality Fund for investment in research that will improve the everyday lives of Queenslanders, boost the economy, and generate job opportunities for Queensland’s top scientists.
“This state has a proud record of scientific achievement, with major discoveries in cancer treatment, transport improvements and agriculture announced in the past year,” Mr Newman said.
“Now we have a strong plan for the research sector to be even more successful in the future.
“The Research to Reality Fund will ensure the results of research move from the laboratory into the homes and lives of Queensland families.
“This money will be targeted to support the four pillars of the Queensland economy – agriculture, construction, tourism and resources – as well as health and biotechnology.
“I believe there is no limit to what this state can achieve. We can lead Australia in scientific research and the creation of high-tech, skilled jobs.”
The Newman LNP Government will inject $90 million into the new fund over three years, with matched support from business and universities expected to make $180 million available for research grants.
Science Minister Ian Walker said the fund was being financed by the early repayment of long term loans owed to the government by universities and other research institutions.
“This investment in science will create and support thousands of jobs to keep Queensland’s brightest scientists in the state by providing the research opportunities they are looking for,” Mr Walker said.
“The real benefits of laboratory research are only fully realised when they touch the lives of ordinary people or improve the competitiveness of businesses. This new fund deliberately brings together researchers and industry to ensure that happens.
“Only the LNP has a strong team with a strong plan for a stronger Queensland.”
Police will spend more time on the beat keeping Queenslanders safe and less time behind a desk under a Newman LNP Government plan to establish three new rapid action police hubs and provide frontline officers with cutting edge technology.
Premier Campbell Newman said the LNP had been working hard to reduce crime and make Queensland the safest place in Australia to live, work and raise a family.
“Since coming to office, we’ve put an additional 800 police officers on the beat with another 300 on the way, provided two fully funded helicopters, and introduced stronger laws to help police fight crime,” Mr Newman said.
“We now have the toughest anti-hooning laws in the country, nation-leading laws to fight criminal gangs and harsher penalties for those who seriously assault police.
“We’ve also rolled out 2850 real time devices to frontline officers and introduced rapid action police hubs on the Gold Coast and Townsville – enabling highly mobile and proactive taskforces to get up-to-date data, film and assistance on the beat, not in the office, so they can spend more time cracking down on crime.
“Queenslanders are seeing the benefits with reported crime across Queensland down by 12 per cent. While we’re making progress, we know the job’s not done and we’re going to do even more to support police so they can keep Queenslanders safe.”
Mr Newman said a re-elected LNP Government would roll out 5400 real time devices to frontline police officers, establish three new rapid action police hubs and provide more resources to enable police to gather intelligence and act on it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Officers with real time devices out on patrol can receive a call for assistance instantly and respond quicker, while they can also view and record CCTV footage live. It means less time at the station and more time out on the beat, protecting Queenslanders and solving crimes” he said.
“By making this investment in better technology through real-time equipment and access to data, we are delivering the equivalent of 300 full-time police officers over four years.
“The improved intelligence gathering capability will help police gather the information they need to tackle organized crime, to counter terrorism and respond during times of natural disaster.
“The rapid action police hubs ensure officers are sent directly to areas of need and kept mobile throughout their shift rather than having to return to a station, allowing them more time out in the community.
“It is only because our Government has set the right financial foundations that we’ve been able to invest even more in equipping frontline police officers.
“Only the LNP has a strong and stable team with a strong plan to keep Queenslanders safe.”
A re-elected Newman LNP Government will not introduce any new taxes and will provide more payroll tax relief for businesses.
Premier Campbell Newman said the LNP understood small and medium businesses created the majority of jobs for Queenslanders, which was why the Government was committed to keeping taxes low.
“The LNP has been working hard to make it easier to do business in Queensland, so we can create jobs and drive economic growth,” Mr Newman said.
“Labor gave up on business, hiking up taxes and charges year after year, stacking up red tape and regulation and failing to provide the proper training to make sure business could employ people with the right skills.
“By contrast, we immediately moved to reduce payroll tax, meaning Queensland now enjoys the best payroll tax system in the nation.
“We’ve delivered on our promise to reduce onerous regulation, with businesses and the community now saving $425 million a year thanks to our red tape cuts. We also abolished Labor’s $373 million waste tax on business.
“By keeping taxes low and not introducing any new taxes, we are making Queensland the best place to do business in Australia.”
Mr Newman said a re-elected LNP Government would cut payroll tax by increasing the threshold by $100,000 a year over the next term.
“Now that we’ve got the budget under control and set strong financial foundations, we can afford to invest in increased support for small and medium business by lowering payroll tax, and not introducing new taxes,” he said.
“This will mean thousands of businesses will not pay payroll tax, and will save many more small businesses on their bills.”
Mr Newman said jobs figures released yesterday showed Queensland was responsible for creating 80 per cent of all full-time jobs across Australia in December.
“While the future looks encouraging, it is important to remember that only the LNP has a strong plan to secure this future,” he said.
“The LNP is the only party that can deliver fully costed job creation programs that will drive employment growth into the future.
“Our Strong Choices plan will support 33,600 full-time jobs here in Queensland.
“Our $91 million Jobs of Tomorrow package will create an additional 26,000 job and training places to for young Queenslanders.
“Only a strong and stable LNP Government can guarantee Queensland small business that there won’t be any new taxes, and that payroll tax will be cut over the next three years.”
The Labor Party has already shown its absolute disregard for rural and regional Queenslanders by confirming it will scrap the successful Royalties for the Regions program.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said Labor’s announcement is clear evidence that Queensland’s regions would be neglected if Labor is re-elected.
“If you live in regional Queensland you will lose under Labor,” Mr Seeney said.
“This announcement is a slap in the face for regional Queenslanders who remember only too well Labor’s neglect and lack of recognition of the importance of Queensland’s regions to the state economy.
“Soon after the Newman LNP government was elected, we created the Royalties for the Region program to fund the roads, bridges, water infrastructure and flood mitigation works that regional communities desperately needed after 20 years of Labor neglect.
“At a time when Queensland’s budget was stretched to the limit, we committed $495 million over four years to fund the projects that regional Queenslanders needed in their local areas and we have delivered on that commitment.
“There is no clearer demonstration of the LNP’s pledge to Queensland’s regions than our Royalties for the Regions program.
“We have announced we will provide another $500 million to this critical program if we are re-elected.”
Since the LNP was elected in 2012, Royalties for the Regions has funded nearly $25million in important projects in the Nanango Electorate including:
And just announced is this latest Round 4:
“Residents of remote, rural and regional Queensland will already be thinking ‘here we go again’, as Labor’s shows its true colours and lack of commitment to anyone who lives outside the south-east corner,” Mr Seeney said.
“Under Labor, regional Queenslanders would again be treated as second-class citizens.
“Only the LNP has a strong plan to create strong and vibrant regional communities.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has welcomed a New Year’s funding boost for local Nanango Electorate community groups through the latest round of the State Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants.
Mrs Frecklington said the community groups will share in nearly $330,000 through 2015’s first round of funding.
“I am proud of my community, especially the hard working non-profit organisations who provide services to families, our elderly and even our furry friends too,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“They are vital to so many people and I am committed to ensuring they receive the most amount of funding possible.”
The successful organisations include:
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 local community.
“These grants can be the difference between keeping these important services in our area and going without,” she said.
“The next funding round opens on 21 January and closes at midnight on 28 February.
“I encourage all local groups, however big or small, to apply for the next round of funding 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
Photo: Celebrating their Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant to polish the Crow’s Nest CWA Hall’s wooden floors are from l to r Secretary, Claudette Prodger, Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington and President, Val Coates.
Residents in the South Burnett will benefit from infrastructure upgrades and a strengthened economy courtesy of funding from Round 4 of the Newman LNP Government’s Royalties for the Regions program.
LNP Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington said her region had received more than $3 million through this round of funding, bringing the total the Nanango electorate has received to almost $25 million during the first term of the Newman Government.
“The LNP Government is backing rural industries and providing the infrastructure Queensland’s regions need to grow. I’ve been working with Council and my colleagues to fight for this funding,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We established the Royalties for the Regions program as soon as we were elected to end Labor’s shameful neglect of regional Queenslanders.
“Labor never cared and had no policy to look after Queensland’s regions and they still don’t.”
Mrs Frecklington said that her region’s economy depended on reliable transport networks to link farms and food processing facilities.
“The $1.5 million intersection upgrade at Barkers Creek, Clark and Swendson Roads will enable our region’s main employer, Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory, to be able to expand,” she said.
South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said this major intersection upgrade would bolster the region’s economy for decades to come.
“I’ve been talking to council and Swickers about this for the past three years,” Cr Kratzmann said.
“Swickers are integral to our region’s economy as they employ over 500 people. By upgrading this intersection it will enable Swickers to construct a second entrance road to their property.
“It is wonderful news that the funding for this intersection upgrade has been secured through Royalties for the Regions. Delivery of this project ensures the longevity of Swickers – it’s that important for our region.”
Mrs Frecklington said the Newman Government had supported numerous Royalties for the Regions applications by councils in the Nanango electorate because the region was an important regional centre.
“The LNP understands regional Queensland is the engine room of our State economy,” she said.
“Premier Campbell Newman this week committed to investing a further $500 million dollars from the Strong Choices plan into the Royalties for the Regions program and I am confident our community would continue to be a strong beneficiary of that.”
ENDS…
Photo: Inspecting the location for the upcoming major roadworks being made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for the Regions funding were Minister for Energy & Water, Mark McArdle, Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, Linchon Hawks from Swickers, and Deputy SBRC Mayor, Keith Campbell.
Local families and freight operators will benefit from an upgrade to the New England Highway if LNP Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington is re-elected at the election on 31 January.
Mrs Frecklington said the upgrade will be delivered as part of a promise by LNP Newman Government to deliver an alternative to the Bruce Highway during times of natural disaster.
“For too long, regional communities and hard-working freight drivers are cut off due to the Bruce Highway being flooded or damaged after a natural disaster,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“As part of my strong plan for the Nanango Electorate, the New England, D’Aguilar and Burnett highways will become an important alternative to Bruce Highway ensuring freight can access major coastal centres and families are not left stranded,” she said.
“The section of highway between Goomeri and Toowoomba needs to be upgraded to ensure they remain open when coastal roads are cut by flooding.
“In the Nanango Electorate, this announcement includes replacement of bridges at Emu Creek and the single lane bridge over Cooyar Creek on the New England Highway, which I know are in desperate need of upgrade.”
Premier Campbell Newman said the LNP had a strong plan to deliver better regional roads and as well as the Burnett Highway, three other major highways will be upgraded so regional communities remain connected all year round.
“While we are working closely with the Federal Government to upgrade the Bruce Highway after years of Labor neglect, another route is vital for families and freight when the highway is cut along the coast,” he said.
“That’s why a re-elected Newman LNP Government will deliver upgrades to the Gregory Developmental Road, Gregory, Burnett and New England highways, creating jobs in regional communities and securing a new safe year-round travel option.
“These projects will ensure crucial freight and emergency assistance can be delivered when the Bruce Highway is cut off due to flooding or a natural disaster strikes.
“Better regional roads mean more local jobs for regional Queenslanders and safer journeys for families.”
Photo: In 2014, Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington officially opened the $10million upgrade to the Bum Bum Creek Bridge and realignment. Deb says this announcement means even more important works like this will be undertaken on the New England Highway.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has welcomed the LNP’s strong plan to create 209,000 jobs and secure Queensland’s economic future.
Mrs Frecklington, along with Minister for Energy and Water, Mark McArdle visited local Kingaroy business Wards Electrical to discuss the announcement and how it would help create local employment for young people
"The LNP’s Jobs of Tomorrow plan will help ensure that local kids aged 15 – 24 had access to quality training to get a quality job. The LNP Government is investing in training to meet industry demands in the Nanango Electorate so that our young people can get the right skills to kick start their careers," Mrs Frecklington said.
"Local communities have expressed their frustration to me about the challenges of getting young people into training that leads to jobs," she said.
"Labor left our children training for training’s sake, with no link to industries where there were job opportunities.
"We want our young people to have the best chance of the right skilling pathway that leads straight to a job because we know that’s how to give them the best start in life.
"I’m proud to be part of a strong LNP team that will provide 26,000 new job and training opportunities for young Queenslanders."
The LNP’s Jobs of Tomorrow plan includes:
Local business owner, Alan Rowen of Wards Electrical, said they were thrilled with the news when Deb paid a visit to the business with Minister for Energy and Water, Mr Mark McArdle.
"It was great to have Deb here and Minister McArdle to explain our business and discuss the LNP
Jobs of Tomorrow policy," Mr Rowen said.
"I’m particularly interested in the Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge program which provides $6000 for a business like ours to take on new apprentices. This would be a great way for us to take on young people looking for work," he said.
Premier Campbell Newman said Queensland Treasury analysis confirmed the LNP’s economic plan, including the Strong Choices investment program, would create over 209,000 jobs over the next six years.
"Our strong plan has the Queensland economy on track to record the strongest growth in the nation this year," he said.
"But in uncertain times, we need a strong government to deliver a stronger Queensland.
"Only the LNP has a strong team with a strong plan to help young Queenslanders obtain the education and training they need to get the jobs oftomorrow."
He said the initiative would begin in July 2015.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has welcome the commencement of major rehabilitation works to repair the flood damaged Upper Brisbane River near Harlin.
Mrs Frecklington said that $1.6million will be invested by the State Government, with the SEQ Catchments managing the three-stage project which commenced on 5 January 2015.
“I have been very aware of the issue of erosion in the riparian area near Harlin, which was badly impacted by extreme flood events. I’m really looking forward to seeing good outcomes from this major rehabilitation project,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This project is of upmost importance, not only for restoring the stability of the river but to also increase on-farm productivity for local landholders,” she said.
“It will also help reduce sediment movement downstream into Wivenhoe Dam and alleviate the threat of damage to parts of the D’Aguilar Highway.”
“The Newman LNP Government has a strong plan to grow the agriculture sector and manage our natural resources and we are delivering this much-needed funding to support the environment and local landholders,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said investigations by SEQ Catchments had identified that the hydraulic condition of Upper Brisbane River, including around Harlin, was further degraded by the 2011 and 2013 flood events, increasing stream-flow velocity and reducing the river’s resilience to future flood events.
“The three stage project will help address flood damage, river bank degradation and improve hydraulic resilience through restoration works to strengthen eroded banks, improve riparian vegetation cover, realign river channels and reduce sediment movement,” Mr Cripps said.
Funding for the project comes from the Queensland Government’s $80 million Queensland Regional Natural Resource Management Investment Program 2013-18 and the Queensland-Commonwealth jointly-funded $15 million On-farm productivity and riparian recovery program.
