A victory on cyclone recovery funding
TODAY’S announcement of an additional $37.6 million in Federal Government disaster relief funding to repair critical infrastructure and damaged beach and river frontages is a victory for the battered communities of Mackay and the Whitsundays.I took up the fight, along with local mayors Andrew Willcox and Greg Williamson, for a fairer funding distribution under Category D of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) which now totalled more than $96 million.The important thing to focus on today is that there’s an extra $15.2 million to restore the Shute Harbour Marina and get this business and tourism hub back up to speed.
Get bids in for up to $20,000 in community funds
A FUNDING programme which provides as much as $20,000 for non-profit community groups to undertake capital projects is up and running again, I'm calling for applications.We are now embarking on Round 3 of the Stronger Communities Programme, an initiative of the Liberal National Government, which has provided funding for 28 different community groups throughout the Dawson electorate over the past two years.The programme provides between $2,500 and $20,000 under a 50/50 funding arrangement for small capital projects being undertaken by not-for-profit groups which deliver social benefits in our communities.We are now taking Expressions of Interest, so if you have a project that might fit the bill please call my office on 4944 0662 and we can provide the EOI form and answer other questions.
Funding available to assist younger veterans
I would encourage community and ex-service organisations to apply for grants which are now available for projects that deliver sustainable services for younger veterans.The Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) grants program recognises the importance of the transition phase for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel as they leave the military.$1 million is available in the second round for projects that build community support and service the unique needs of younger veterans transitioning to civilian life.Applications are invited for a range of initiatives including mentoring, team building, self-improvement, and creative activities that promote social inclusion and peer-to-peer support for younger veterans.
Local Drug Action Team applications now open
The second round of applications are now open for local organisations to join the Liberal National Government’s Local Drug Action Team program.Community groups across the country are joining forces to deliver targeted local action to help tackle drug use and addiction.We need to work together to fight the scourge of ice and other drugs which cause so much harm to individuals, families and our communities.The program is an initiative under the Liberal National Government’s four year, $298 million investment to reduce the harms of ice, drugs and alcohol.
Getting funding right for schools
THE Liberal National Coalition Government’s new plan for schools will mean growing and better targeted funding and evidence-based programs for local students.The Government announced it would grow funding for Queensland government schools by $1426 million or 91.5 per cent over the next ten years that would be real needs-based funding and would be tied to school reforms which are proven to boost student results.Non-government schools will see an increase in funding of $1304 million or 59.3 per cent over the next 10 years.We’re delivering the real ‘Gonski’ needs-based funding model that Labor didn’t.
Funds for bridges on offer
Councils throughout the region have the chance to get local bridges in poor condition fixed with the help of direct funding from the Federal Government with the commencement of a new round of funding under the $360 million Bridges Renewal Programme.This is a great opportunity for state, territory and local governments to apply for funding to have ageing bridges fixed, with up to half the cost met by the Australian Government. This will be the third round of funding under the programme, which is continuing to keep communities connected and local industries profitable.Our councils can get on board by nominating local bridges that need upgrading or replacement. Residents who might like to put forward their ideas should get in touch with their Council to find out about any plans they have to nominate local bridges, or put forward suggestions.
Childcare centre boosts service with solar
A Mackay childcare centre expects to halve its energy costs thanks to a boost from the Stronger Communities Programme.I congratulated C&K Mackay Children and Family Centre's family support officer Lionel Hardiman, back, and director Tineke Philip on a successful grant of $14,877 for a newly-installed energy-saving solar panel system.
MP pledges to fill the gaps for netball
THE cracks are showing at the Mackay Netball courts in South Mackay as the aging surface deteriorates, and I have pledged to work with the club to seek funding for improvements if I am re-elected as the Member for Dawson.I heard the concerns of Mackay Netball Association president Lyn Law and secretary Jenny Moohin during an inspection of the courts this week.Mackay Netball has a large and active membership base, and the club could grow even further if it had more courts to accommodate the 1400 plus players.The other issue for them is that the courts are cracking up, and the surfaces on some of the current courts are pretty sub-standard; they’re aging and they need to be completely redone.
Volunteer groups get a healthy boost
It has been great to see so many volunteer groups in my electorate benefit from the last round of Volunteer Grants and I congratulate all of those involved, and I thank you for your service.Across my electorate of Dawson, 40 organisations have received a total of $166,946 and this will benefit 1055 volunteers as well as the wider community they serve.The regional breakdown is as follows:Mackay region – 13 groups received a total of $58,496Whitsunday/Bowen region – 8 groups received a total of $35,303Burdekin region – 14 groups received a total of $53,655South Townsville and Alligator Creek – 5 groups received a total of $19,492
Funding to help farmers help reef
I welcome today's announcement by the Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt that the Turnbull Government is investing a further $11 million in new projects to improve the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.This will help farmers with the great work they do to manage effects on the environment, and it will help the Reef to withstand pressures such as the current coral bleaching event.The funding, to be delivered under Phase Three of the Reef Trust, will help local farmers reduce the impact of agricultural practices on the Reef.
Supporting NAIDOC Week
FUNDING is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups who want to celebrate NAIDOC Week as part of the Liberal National Government’s commitment to the celebration of the history, culture and achievements of First Australians.The 2016 NAIDOC grant funding round is part of a more than $2 million commitment from the Australian Government to support NAIDOC celebrations in July this year.
Funds flow to youth service
FUNDING for a vital youth service in Mackay is secure for a further two years.YIRS One Stop Youth Shop was granted just under $200,000 to continue their vital support work with disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.YIRS has a great track record of working with young people and their families who really need support on a whole range of issues such as mental health, substance abuse, relationship breakdowns and homelessness.