July 24, 2017
The official opening of the $8.3 million Kingaroy Police Station was a proud moment for the South Burnett, and a significant boost for our region.
Just like the Kingaroy Hospital, one of my key priorities was to secure funding for a new police station in Kingaroy. And it was fantastic to see this come to fruition.
The old police station was built in the 1960’s and was no longer functional, appropriate or safe.
When I was working as a solicitor, I had first-hand experience of the problems faced on a daily basis by our local police officers.
Local solicitors had to interview clients in the breezeway between the police station and the cells, and the sub-standard facilities also included non-flushing toilets for male police officers.
For years our region was overlooked, but in 2014 the LNP government announced funding to redevelop the Kingaroy police station and watch house.
The funding showed our commitment to our hard-working South Burnett police officers who have been doing their best for so many years in very cramped conditions.
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Freedom Of Entry A Great Tradition
It was a wonderful day for Kingaroy when Freedom Of Entry was granted to the Defence Force School Of Signals Electronic Warfare Wing from the Borneo Barracks at Cabarlah.
Nanango Shire Council had a similar arrangement with the Defence Force School Of Signals prior to the 2008 Council amalgamations, and it is great to see this tradition restored.
I would like to thank the Kingaroy-Memerambi RSL – in particular, Mr Barry Krosch – for organising the event.
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New Endeavour Café In Kingaroy
Congratulations to Endeavour Kingaroy Kitchen on the official opening of their wonderful new cafe.
I dropped in recently to grab a coffee, made by Barista extraordinaire Beth.
I also got the chance to help the team while they were making a few choc chip biscuits.
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I Visit The Nanango Men’s Shed
We have many great Men’s Shed groups around the electorate, so I was delighted to be invited to visit the Nanango Men’s Shed recently.
The Shed’s members gave me a tour of their facilities and told me about the many different projects the Men’s Shed has been involved with.
They’re a great bunch of guys who do so much for our community.
Keep up the good work!
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Electricians Score Win For South Burnett
I was pleased to help local South Burnett electricians score a common sense win recently by securing a Wiring Rules Roadshow Workshop for Kingaroy.
Up until now, the workshop had not visited the region, meaning local electricians had to travel to the coast, Toowoomba or Brisbane.
I’d like to thank Wondai electrician, Mr David Brocklesby, who brought this to my attention. He felt it was unacceptable that the South Burnett kept getting overlooked.
The Wiring Rules Roadshow is necessary for electricians to attend to ensure they are fully up to date with wiring regulations and procedures.
We were able to achieve a workshop to be held in Kingaroy and while this may seem like a small win, this meant less travel, less time wastage and less hours away from business and family to attend these workshops.
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Let’s Change Blackbutt’s Postcode
I was pleased to support the Blackbutt community at the recent meeting with Australia Post.
More than 50 people highlighted with Australia Post representatives that Blackbutt needs its own postcode.
Currently, Blackbutt’s postcode is 4306, the same as Ipswich.
This causes many problems, including increased insurance costs and difficulties for small business.
The message was heard loud and clear – Blackbutt is in the South Burnett, not Ipswich, so it needs its own postcode!
I’d also like to thank our Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud, who is working hard to resolve this issue at the Federal level.
[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office and southburnett.com.au]
