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.

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I NOW have great confidence that there will be further NDRRA Category D funding provided for cyclone recovery in the Whitsundays, Bowen & Mackay.Today, further discussions have been held between the Federal Government and the State Government about certain aspects of the Category D funding package.Extra information which was needed regarding funding for Shute Harbour has been supplied and further discussions have also been undertaken regarding the Bluewater Trail.

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Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan

Later today I will join with our Vietnam Veterans at a memorial service in Mackay which marks Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.Today we remember nearly 60,000 Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975, including 521 who lost their lives and more than 3,000 who were wounded.Today is also the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan involving 105 Australians and three New Zealanders of D Company 6RAR in one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War.In the Battle of Long Tan a total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds.

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Gonski giving to schools

OUR REGION'S government and independent school students are set for, on average, an additional $1149 each by 2021 under the Liberal National Government’s student-centred Gonski funding plan that recently passed Parliament.The new funding is part of a $283.63M funding boost for government and independent schools over the next decade that will see a $270 average increase next year for every student and around $1149 on average extra for each student by 2021.Catholic and non-government systemic schools in Queensland will get an additional $2852.9M under the plan over the next decade that their education authorities will distribute to their schools.We’re delivering a school system that’s entirely focused on students and what they need to be their best.

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Senator clueless on sugar industry

Moves by NSW Senator David Leyonhjelm to reverse a hard-fought decision to introduce a sugar marketing code of conduct are both ignorant and arrogant.Senator Leyonhjelm wants to scrap the Sugar Marketing Code of Conduct, and he claims he has the support of Labor senators to do so.This is an arrogant stance by a NSW Senator with no experience or understanding of the sugar industry.He calls cane farmers ‘socialists’ and he says their arguments for a right to a say over who markets their sugar are ‘piss-weak’.

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Have your say on review of regional education

Got something to say about education for country kids?Now is the time to speak up as the Liberal National Government is undertaking a landmark review into regional, rural and remote education initiated by the Liberal National Government.I invite families, students and the wider community to take a look at what’s being discussed and then tell us what you think.We need your input on the challenges faced and the ways you get around them.

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Main tender on Mackay Ring Road announced

WE reached a major milestone in the Mackay Ring Road Stage 1 project today with the announcement that CPB Contractors have won the major tender.This project will remove heavy vehicles from the Mackay CBD and residential areas by providing a bypass for all vehicles without a destination in Mackay.This is a massive project for the region – we’re going to see 13 new bridges being built as part of it - and I believe an average of 534 jobs will be supported during construction of the bypass.We need jobs, jobs, jobs in this region and I have already had discussions with CPB and heard firsthand that they're very keen to engage the local suppliers, subcontractors and workers in Mackay.They have said that it is naturally more efficient for them to source supplies where they can up here in this region rather than elsewhere.CPB will also be advertising for expressions of interest in due course for locals interested in being involved in the project.This is a very big infrastructure project for our region and we can look forward to seeing the flow-on effects of business dollars and job opportunities for a number of years.

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Superyacht access a boost to Whitsunday economy

THE introduction of more superyacht anchorages in the Whitsundays, to take effect from today, is a welcome step on an issue I have lobbied for extensively over the past two years.I was very pleased to hear the announcement from Federal Minister for the Environment Josh Frydenberg that amendments to the Whitsundays Plan of Management have been finalised, opening the way for 21 new superyacht anchorages in this world-class tourist destination.I have met with superyacht industry representatives on numerous occasions in the past two years and discussed the case for change with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) as well as the current and former Environment Minister.One superyacht spending a week in port has the potential to inject $50,000 into the local economy and support a number of small businesses. When we see places like Noumea hosting 200 visits a year of a week or more each, we can appreciate the potential for the Whitsundays.

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$1 million boost for Skate Park Dream

THIS morning I've announced that Mackay Regional Council has been successful in attracting funding of $1 million under the Building Better Regions Fund for the their Mackay Skate Park & Wheeled Sports Plaza Project.This all came to pass due to the efforts of a pair of 12-year-old Mackay boys who dreamed of a quality skate park in their city, and they approached politicians at all levels to make it happen.Flynn Bushell and Ethan Leval started a petition for a skate park, and they came to see me as well as Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson.Today they've got the good news that their dream will become a reality.Mackay Regional Council will contribute another $1.2 million to make the project a reality and it will be built at the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Scriha Street, North Mackay.Mackay will receive great benefits from this project, as it will deliver the region’s first competition standard skate park and wheeled sports plaza.

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Frank discussion on cyclone funding

NO-ONE pulled any punches at a teleconference which was held today with Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan in relation to concerns over Category D NDRRA funding approvals.It was a frank and fearless discussion as it had to be because we are talking about funding to assist the community in recovering from a natural disaster.Both Mayor Andrew Willcox and Mayor Greg Williamson did a fantastic job in ferociously advocating for the region.While there was a lot of disagreement around specific statements that were being made, a way forward was mapped out.The Federal Government has unanswered questions about a number of projects that were rejected for funding.

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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.

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Disbanding army a disservice to community

13 JULY 2017: The Federal Government’s axing of the Green Army was a disastrous decision for North Queensland. I'm not going to play the government’s line on the Green Army program, which will cease on June 30 next year, because, frankly, I was ticked off when the government announced the Green Army was axed.

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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.

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Shortlist for fixing dangerous Haughton bridge

6 JULY 2017: Two preferred tenderers have been shortlisted to deliver the $515 million project to upgrade the notoriously dangerous and flood-prone Haughton River Bridge on the Bruce Highway, about 50km south of Townsville. The Australian Government’s $412 million commitment to the project is funded under the 10-year, $8.5 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

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