$55,000 boost for community groups
A small business incubator, a school and a long day care centre were all given a boost today with the announcement by Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen that almost $55,000 in Stronger Communities Programme grants had been approved.I joined Split Spaces general manager Jarryd Townson to congratulate him on his successful application.Jarryd is creating a business incubator here in Mackay called Split Spaces which will provide support services and collaboration for start-ups and small businesses, and I was happy to recommend his project for funding of $19,800 under the Stronger Communities Programme.This funding is just the beginning of the project for Mr Townson, but it will allow for the renovation and fit-out of a co-working space as well as provide some office equipment and kitchen facilities.
$150,000 to keep Aqua Fun Park afloat
I've made the pledge today that a re-elected Coalition Government will provide $150,000 to Aqua Fun Park Mackay - which is a tourism attraction which also provides jobs for young people.The enterprising operation, which will be auspiced under the Not For Profit Trinity Youth and Community Services group, will now be able to purchase their own inflatable fun park equipment so they can keep operating.Operators Amanda Pelagalli and Kirk Langford approached me some months back because they were having trouble keeping their great tourism venture afloat, literally.
Mackay's One Billion Dollar Man
28 JULY 2016: With the support of the Liberal National Government, I am driving a one billion dollar investment to create more than a thousand jobs for Mackay over the next three to four years.
$75 Million to support development of Walkerston Bypass
A $75 million investment by a re-elected Coalition Government will support the development of the Walkerston Bypass, following construction of the $565 million Mackay Ring Road (Stage One) project.I joined the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester and LNP Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry for the announcement today in Walkerston.This is a fantastic outcome for our region because it will provide the thing we need most and that’s jobs.There will be jobs during construction, but the project will also boost freight productivity, which provides flow-on efficiency benefits and secures jobs in the local resource industry for the future.
$250,000 for Mackay netball courts upgrade
AFTER learning of the need for some major improvements at the Mackay Netball Association courts, I was happy to announce today that a re-elected Liberal National Government will provide $250,000 for upgrades and new courts.I met with Lyn Law and members of her committee on a couple of occasions and also conducted an inspection of the netball courts which are cracking up, literally.The club is struggling to cater for their large membership base on the eight courts they have, and they have plans in place to build another eight courts, as well as completely resurface the existing courts.
Where’s the commitment from Labor?
A lack of commitment from Labor could lead to a net gain of zero for the region if the unthinkable happens and a Shorten Labor Government is elected.This region will miss out unless Labor stumps up and puts some commitments on the table for the people of this region.Labor needs to commit to at least the same funding that the Liberal National Government has committed to.The Coalition has a number of election commitments on the table already.
Closure of Bowen Coke Works facility
Glencore’s decision to close its Coke Works facility in Bowen is devastating news and it further highlights the dire need for other projects to get off the ground to provide desperately needed jobs.I have been informed by Glencore today that the Bowen Coke Works will transition to closure over the next few months.Glencore have said that the Coke Works, which have historically provided feedstock for Mount Isa Mines’ lead smelter, is no longer able to operate competitively.18 people are employed at the facility and many have worked there for many years.
Labor: the party who’ll kill coal jobs
THE Labor Party would kill the Adani Carmichael Coal Project if elected, and that job-destroying fait accompli was made clear on national television last night by a key Labor spokeswoman.The Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition Terri Butler sealed Adani’s fate under Labor on the ABC’s Q&A program last night.Ms Butler showed her true colours on Adani’s coal project last night when she said, and I quote, ‘I don’t support the Adani mine either I’ve got to say’ and then for good measure she repeated her opposition stating ‘I don’t support it’.