Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated local Koala rescue group, Return to the Wild, who have been successful in achieving a State Government ‘Koala Rescue and Rehabilitation Grant’.
Mrs Frecklington said the grant was established under the former LNP Government’s ‘Investing in our Koalas’ initiative.
“We know how hard groups work in the field of koala rescue and protection and these grants are an important way to help build their capacity and allow them to continue the invaluable service they provide,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Return to the Wild are one of these very busy and dedicated volunteer groups, and this funding will help them establish a 3000 tree eucalyptus plantation in the local area.
“This will help them secure a future source of food for the sick and injured koalas they care for on a daily basis.
“I’d like to thank the Return to the Wild volunteers for their ongoing efforts to help protect our koalas and congratulate them on achieving this grant.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington and Member for Callide, Jeff Seeney have congratulated local students Rebecca Clapperton of Nanango and Hannah Vicary of Mundubbera who were awarded RNA Rural Scholarships at the Ekka this week.
Mrs Frecklington caught up with Rebecca and Hannah at the Presidents Reception at the RNA on Tuesday evening where the presentations were made.
“It was wonderful to see our local girls achieve these highly competitive RNA Rural Scholarships,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Their scholarships are valued at $2,000 each and will assist them with their university studies. Rebecca is at UNE in Armidale and she explained that her interests lie in the beef industry. Hannah is at Gatton and is interested in a career in rural financial counselling.
“It’s great to see young people working towards a career in agriculture and I’d like to congratulate them both on their scholarships,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington with Hannah Vicary of Mundubbera (l) and Rebecca Clapperton of Nanango.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has met with a group of golf buggy owners in Toogoolawah who are voicing their concerns about not being able to drive their buggy to the local golf course.
Mrs Frecklington said the group approached her in May highlighting the fact that even though they had their routes approved by Somerset Regional Council, and their golf buggies were conditionally registered, their application permits had not been permitted by the Police.
“On behalf of the group I have approached the Qld Police Service about this issue, as the decision to allow golf buggies to drive on approved routes can be made on the local level,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“There doesn’t seem to be a lot of common sense in this issue, when the golf buggy drivers will only be driving a few hundred metres from their homes to access the golf course.
“There are exemptions for things like mobility scooters, forklifts and tractors. I also understand that in many other areas like Cairns and the Golf Coast, driving golf buggies on the road to access a golf course is permitted with the approval of the local Police and Council.
“I congratulate Len Smyth, Alan White and Judy Marschke who have done a lot of work trying to find a resolution to this issue.
“It will be something I will continue to support to see if we can achieve a common sense outcome. The group will also be putting together a petition to gather community support,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington meeting with golf buggy owners in Toogoolawah from l to r Alan White, Margaret Houston, Len Smyth, Deb and Judy Marschke.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has joined with Opposition Leader, Lawrence Springborg to thank Federal Member for Maranoa, Bruce Scott, for all he has done for Queensland, in particular the Nanango Electorate, following Mr Scott’s announcement he will retire at the next election.
Mrs Frecklington said it has been a pleasure working with Mr Scott, who she says has always put the needs of his Electorate first and foremost.
“Mr Scott’s 25 years of service has given him a depth of understanding which has seen him provide extremely strong representation for the people of Maranoa,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Maranoa covers such a large part of Queensland and I know over the past few years one of his main priorities has been to work with farming families affected by the ongoing drought.
“I’d like to thank Bruce for his guidance and assistance. It has been invaluable and I will sincerely miss him when he retires next year.
“I wish Bruce, his wife Joan and his family a wonderful time in retirement, although, I’m sure Bruce will continue to be as busy as ever,” Deb said.
Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg has paid tribute to long serving LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott.
“Bruce Scott has dedicated 25 years of outstanding service passionately representing one of the largest electorates in the federal parliament,” Mr Springborg said.
“In his career Bruce has always been a gentleman to deal with whether he was representing his constituents or in his roles as Deputy Speaker, Minister for Veterans' Affairs or the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence.
“Bruce always put the interests of his constituents first and many people in the Maranoa electorate will attest to his professional and respectful manner.
“On a personal note, I want to thank Bruce for his friendship and ongoing support.
“Over the years I have thoroughly enjoyed working together to get the best outcome for the people living in the Darling Downs region.
“I wish Bruce, his wife Joan and their family all the very best for whatever the future holds.”
Mr Springborg said he remains deeply committed to representing the electorate of Southern Downs and will not be standing for the Federal seat of Maranoa.
“Given my role in forming the LNP, I have passionately and proudly served as the Member for Southern Downs and my commitment to this region should never be underestimated,” he said.
“My priority is and will continue to be representing the Southern Downs electorate to the best of my ability and returning the LNP to Government.”
