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.

Read More

Flicking the switch on cricket lights funding

A PROJECT which will drive sports tourism in Mackay and draw cricket and AFL fans from far afield will now become a reality thanks to a significant boost of Federal Government funding.I’m happy to announce that Harrup Park Country Club’s application for $497,026 in funding under the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF) to upgrade the lighting at their Premier Oval has been successful.This means that Harrup Park will be able to meet the standards required by Cricket Australia and the AFL to host premier sporting events during the popular evening timeslot which is televised.This million dollar project ($997,026 in total) will stimulate the economy and create jobs both now and into the future.

Read More

$266,000 in the hoop for Burdekin basketball

I am pleased to announce that I have fulfilled an election commitment to the Burdekin Amateur Basketball Association made during the final days of the recent election campaign.I spoke to Burdekin Amateur Basketball Club president Steve Plaza at the time, and gave an undertaking that I would do my utmost to secure the funding they were seeking to make their outdoor stadium a reality.They now have more than $266,000 on the way.

Read More

Work kicks off at Sandy Gully

We've turned the sod to mark the commencement of work on the Sandy Gully Bridge upgrade north of Bowen today, and this $57 million project will improve safety and flood immunity on this 3.7 kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway.The project will create in excess of 100 jobs, and I was happy to see this work was awarded to a Mackay-based business, Vassallo Constructions.This section of the Bruce Highway floods regularly in bad weather and closures can seriously impact on drivers in the region.

Read More

Decision on backpacker tax a win for region

TODAY’S announcement by Treasurer Scott Morrison that a backpacker tax of 19 cents in the dollar will be introduced next year, rather than a proposed 32.5 cents, is a win for our regional economy.Those in the horticultural, agricultural and tourism sectors in this region had legitimate concerns about the effects of a backpacker tax and I was happy to champion their cause and seek a fairer deal to ensure that the backpacker workforce was not decimated.

Read More

Three little words can save a life

8 SEPTEMBER 2016: R U OK? Sometimes it’s the simplest words that are the hardest to say, but today we are being encouraged to start a conversation with someone if we notice they are struggling to cope. Today is R U OK? Day, a day to take the first step, check in and reconnect with those around us - after all, we are stronger together.

Read More

Register shows who owns our land

7 SEPTEMBER 2016: The first report from the Register of Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land was released by the Liberal National Government today. I have long been an advocate for the register and this report provides the basic transparency needed to ensure oversight and confidence in agricultural investment.

Read More