Adani announcement cause for celebration
THE announcement today by Adani’s Gautam Adani that his company has made their final investment decision and will proceed with the massive Carmichael coal, rail and port project is cause for celebration throughout Central and North Queensland.This is an historic day, and it is significant that the announcement by Adani that they’ve signed off on their investment decision on the Carmichael Coal Project has been made on Queensland Day.It’s a great day for Queensland and particularly for those in Central and North Queensland who have had hopes raised and dashed numerous times as they await the jobs and business activity this project will create.Adani have announced in Townsville today that they have signed letters of award for design, construction, operations, supply of materials and professional services for the Carmichael mine in the Galilee Basin.
Help for young parents in Mackay and Townsville
Disadvantaged parents of young children in Townsville and Mackay will soon have access to the training and support they need to become work ready, thanks to the Liberal National Government’s decision to expand the successful ParentsNext program.The best form of welfare is a job and we are focused on helping more parents of young children into work and off welfare.After successful pilots, the Government is rolling out ParentsNext nationally, to connect more parents of young children with personalised support to improve their work readiness by the time their children start school.20 new locations have been selected for the next rollout of this program, and both Townsville and Mackay are included.
Million dollar boost to aged care facility
It was a pleasure to represent the Prime Minister today at the opening of a new specialist care wing which will provide a million dollar boost to Townsville’s aged care facilities.The Good Shepherd Home at Annandale was successful in gaining further funding under the second round of the National Stronger Regions programme last year, and today we celebrated the opening of a new wing for the facility which features 90 new rooms with private ensuites, a premium accommodation floor, a high care accommodation floor and an entire level dedicated to the care of dementia patients.This project has been completed over two stages and features three levels, and it provides a premium care facility for Townsville’s aged community.
Defence investment brings jobs and growth
I joined with Assistant Minister for Defence Michael McCormack and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Townsville today to discuss how Defence investment and international partnerships were contributing to our national security while generating growth and creating local jobs.National security is the Government's number one priority, and it was great to meet with locals to discuss how the Government’s investment in Defence infrastructure and equipment is supporting our troops.Not only is our region contributing to Australia’s national security through bases such as RAAF Townsville and Lavarack Barracks, but the capital investment by Defence in the area is giving local businesses a boost through building and equipment supply contracts, and most importantly, it is creating jobs for local people.
MP calls for croc cull
There is an obvious need for a carefully managed cull of crocodiles in populated areas in our region following the removal of a 4.7 metre saltwater crocodile from The Strand at Townsville last night.We need to ensure the areas where children swim and play, like the very popular Strand, are safe as we don’t want to see a tragedy unfold because we are too lax on this issue.This needs to be done in a strictly managed fashion and I am calling on the State Government to implement a legal crocodile cull as soon as possible.
School’s salute to service
THE Townsville Grammar Junior School at Annandale will soon be sporting an impressive new ANZAC memorial thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service grants programme.I met with school principal Noel Nethery this week to hear about their plans to honour our servicemen and women.Mr Nethery said the grant of more than $2,200 would be used for a large sandstone centrepiece topped with a plaque and badges of the Australian Army, Air Force and Navy.