State needs to act on Adani projects
A MEDIA report that the Indian mining giant Adani has suspended all engineering work on its multi-billion dollar mine, rail and port project in the Galilee Basin highlights the need for the State Labor Government to get all environmental processes finalised as soon as possible.A spokesperson for Adani has confirmed to me that they were not pulling out of the massive project.However they also stated they have lost appetite for any other substantial delays to their project.
Singapore FTA clear on anti-competitive behaviour
THE Singapore Free Trade Agreement very clearly makes provision for measures such as a proposed Code of Conduct, or amendments to the state-legislated Sugar Act.I am outlining the relevant sections of the Singapore FTA in response to media claims that Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has urged Queensland Government representatives to vote against proposals by the Liberal National Party and Katter’s Australia Party to make changes to the Queensland Sugar Act.I can confirm that I have personally spoken with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop and received an assurance from her that she has never insinuated or inferred that a proposed sugar marketing code of conduct, nor any changes to the state-legislated Sugar Act, would breach any Free Trade Agreement or World Trade Organisation rules.
Northern door opens for investment
TODAY’S launch of the Northern Australia White Paper opens the door for industry-supporting projects like the Walkerston bypass and the Urannah Dam.The White Paper: Our North, Our Future, outlined a framework for supercharging the economy of North Queensland, the Northern Territory and the northern half of Western Australia.From mining and agriculture to tourism and services, the Government will be fostering and investing in industries to help the north prosper and grow.
Survey shows extent of Ice use among young
INITIAL responses to an Ice Forum being held in Mackay indicate that use of the drug is widespread among young people, and it’s easily available.The youth organisation YIRS have conducted an anonymous survey among the young people they work with and the results were quite staggering.14 out of the 15 young people who participated in the survey were either using or had tried Ice.They also pointed out it was ‘easy to buy on social media’.
Have your say on country of origin labelling
YOU can have your say on clearer country of origin food labelling by taking part in an online survey which will help inform the design of the Australian Government’s new labelling system.People have been telling me loud and clear that they want more useful food labelling.There are calls for the precise percentage and origin to be stipulated and I know that is an issue being grappled with.The government is also looking to use electronic platforms to provide more comprehensive product information to consumers as only a limited amount of information can fit on food labels.
People should dictate marriage
Marriage is a cultural institution and culture is something that is determined by the people, not by politicians.I don’t think it should be up to 200 or so politicians in Canberra to make cultural decisions.That's why I am calling for a national plebiscite on a proposal to change the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples.
Opportunity for rural arts leaders
ASPIRING arts leaders living in regional and rural Australia are invited to apply for a new scholarship to further develop their leadership skills.The Australia Council Scholarship will provide $150,000 over the next three years for three high-performing regional arts leaders to participate in the Australian Rural Leadership Program.This scholarship will allow a high-performing arts administrator or manager working in regional Australia to participate in a program to further develop their management skills and build networks with other regional leaders. I encourage any arts leaders to apply.
Millions directed to road infrastructure
PROGRESS towards the construction of the Mackay Ring Road is on track with the announcement of close to $35 million in the Budget in 2015-16. In addition to this, more than $70 million will be invested into road infrastructure in the next financial year.
Budget provides jobs, economic boost for North
NORTHERN Australia is a big winner in tonight’s Budget with a massive boost of $5 billion of investment.This is addition to schemes to provide more pathways to jobs for people of all ages, but particularly youth, immediate benefits for small businesses, and more childcare options for families.Northern Australia can now step up to the plate to drive economic development and play a vital role in the nation’s path back to recovery with the announcement of a new $5 billion Northern Infrastructure Facility.
Reef is in recovery mode
THE health of the Great Barrier Reef is improving, and actions by the Liberal National Government should be given some of the credit.A report by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) which is yet to be released showed that the reef was healthier in 2013-14 than in the previous year.This report card shows the Reef is recovering and getting healthier, and this shows that the Abbott government’s intervention measures are working.
Budget measures good for jobs & families
Families will find measures to make life easier, businesses will reap a tax cut and jobs will be created after the Liberal National Government’s Budget is handed down tomorrow.This Budget is about building jobs, growth and opportunities while still charting a path to debt reduction.A new Child Care Subsidy will be introduced from July 2017 which will mean families with incomes of between $65,000 and $170,000 will be around $30 a week better off.
Truth triumphs on state of reef
AN extreme green campaign of lies and misinformation on the state of the Great Barrier Reef claimed another high-profile scalp this week, I'm pleased to see that the truth had triumphed.A lot of people have been duped by this extreme green campaign which is loaded with lies, so it’s not surprising that Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson has fallen victim to this highly damaging deluge of misinformation.He fell for the fiction these green eco-traitors like to peddle, and has admitted that he’d been ill-informed.
Sandy Gully Bridge upgrade reaches new phase
Aurecon Australasia has been selected to commence the detailed design phase of the $57 million Sandy Gully Bridge upgrade project at Bowen.This particular section of the Bruce Highway is regularly closed during bad weather, which has a serious effect on locals, tourists and heavy vehicles travelling through the region.That includes freight operators shifting coal and agricultural produce to domestic and international markets, many of which are reliant on timeliness to remain competitive.