New NQ state could be best in country
THE idea of a separate state for North Queensland should be determined by a referendum of North Queenslanders only, and I will write to all MPs, senators and mayors who represent areas above the Tropic of Capricorn to invite them to be part of a concerted push for such a move.This issue has been talked about for too long and what we really need now is some action.The people of the north deserve a fair hearing on this, and a group of influential state, federal and local government leaders would be well placed to push for a referendum on the formation of a new state of North Queensland.
Funds to help boost Bowen tourism group
THE group that keeps Bowen on the tourism map welcomed the news of more than $5,500 in funding under the Stronger Communities Programme this week.Bowen Tourism & Business do invaluable work from their Big Mango base to promote this beautiful region and all its benefits.I was happy to recommend the group for funding to go towards upgrading IT and promotional equipment as whatever they do to promote this region benefits everyone.
$5 billion funding bill for the North ready to go
THE draft legislation to enable the flow of $5 billion into projects in Northern Australia has been released and this is a key step in developing jobs and opportunities for the north.The exposure draft legislation for the $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) paves the way for the flow of funding into the development of infrastructure, so that this region and other parts of Northern Australia can reach the potential we know is there.The north holds the country’s rich reserves of energy and resources, it has many thousands of hectares of arable land if we get the right water infrastructure, like Urannah Dam, in place, and we have world-class tourist attractions.
Next step for international flights & jobs
DREAMS of flying high on direct international flights out of Mackay and Whitsunday Coast and providing a vital tourism boost to both centres have moved a step closer, with work underway on identifying the airport infrastructure and resourcing requirements needed to support international flights.Following my approaches to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton, I have been informed that his department representatives are working with management at both Mackay and Whitsunday Coast airports to look at airport infrastructure and identify border agency resourcing requirements so we can make these plans a reality.
Minister’s Mackay visit to canvass ideas
29 JANUARY 2016: Mackay residents will provide direct input into a regional policy process when the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister visits Mackay. The Liberal National Government is formulating a policy that will set out a long-term vision for regional Australia and North Queensland will play a vital role in the process.
Boosting Great Barrier Reef protection
On Oceans Day at the Paris climate summit, a commitment of $58 million in funding from the Reef Trust spearheaded a suite of measures by the Liberal National Government to continue to build the health and resilience of the iconic Great Barrier Reef.This new commitment of $58 million between 2015 and 2019 brings the total Australian Government’s investment through the Reef Trust to $91.3 million.This third phase of investment will support farmers and land owners to improve their land management practices and reduce the runoff of key Reef pollutants – into the Great Barrier Reef catchment and boost the resilience of the reef.We are working with farmers, graziers and cane growers to improve their efficiency and to help the reef.
Region needs a ‘year of opportunity’ in 2016
27 NOVEMBER 2015: A dedicated agency tasked with job creation and industry development could make 2016 a year of opportunity for the greater Mackay region.
More work for the Bruce
26 NOVEMBER 2015: Work is set to begin on constructing two overtaking lanes on the Bruce Highway between Proserpine and Mackay, with a contract for the $7 million project being awarded to Doval Constructions. These constructions projects on the Bruce Highway are bringing jobs and economic growth to the region. The jobs and wages that will come into the region are a welcome boost to the local economy in the short term and in the long term, a more efficient Bruce Highway keeps the economy on the move and more productive.
Greens jump to the shark's defence
10 NOVEMBER 2015: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, the greens want to roll out the red carpet to Jaws.
Minister for Tourism invited to Whitsundays
THE move to appoint a dedicated minister for tourism is a win for the Whitsundays.I welcome the appointment of Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck to this role, and I have already issued an invitation to the new minister to visit one of the country’s biggest tourism drawcards, the beautiful Whitsundays.I have invited Senator Colbeck to meet with industry representatives so he can learn more about the north and hear about any concerns or issues they may have.