March 15, 2016
I have been lobbying for better access to health services for our community for many years.
In particular, I have been working with the Kingaroy Hospital and the Darling Downs Health Board to provide a solution for people who need to travel to Toowoomba Hospital for treatment.
That’s why I am extremely pleased that the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board recently started a free patient transfer bus service between the South Burnett to Toowoomba.
I think this shows that having a local health board, with people who understand our regional situation, can achieve common sense solutions which are going to really help our community.
This is a terrific result that will make a big difference in people’s lives.
I would particularly like to thank Board Chairman, Mr Mike Horan and the Board Members for their ongoing commitment to improving health services in the South Burnett, and South Burnett Cluster Operations Manager Ms Peta Rutherford for helping to get the bus up and running.
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Tick Line Consultation Now Over
With the Tick Line consultation phase now closed, I wanted to thank everyone who was involved in the recent consultation process who had their say about the tick line.
I especially want to thank those groups that coordinated petitions.
In total, 1286 people signed the eight petitions received through my office. These have all been sent directly to the Minister for her attention.
However, the Minister for Agriculture has issued a statement saying her decision on the tick-line will be final and no appeals will be allowed.
This is extremely worrying and I believe this shows just how out of touch Labor is with our State’s primary producers.
Hundreds of producers along the tick-line have worked hard for years to keep their properties and herds clean.
Please be assured I will be keeping a sharp eye on the outcome of this important issue for our beef and dairy producers.
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QRRRWN Barambah Branch
Focuses On Inspirational Women
The Barambah Branch of the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network launched a special photographic exhibition recently to recognise and celebrate inspirational rural women.
The group received a grant to run the project and the photos will be on display in Utopia Café in Kingaroy for the next few weeks.
I was especially pleased to see so many young women from our high schools at the launch, including students from Nanango SHS, Murgon SHS, Kingaroy SHS and Saint Mary’s Catholic College.
Thank-you to Kayleen Freeman of Nanango SHS for encouraging the girls to attend.
Congratulations also to Barambah Branch president Marg Enkelmann and secretary Skye Douglas who, along with their members, have put in so much effort for this exhibition.
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Fixed Four Year Term Referendum
At the Local Government Elections on Saturday, March 19 you will also be asked to make an important decision about our state’s future.
A referendum will ask you to decide whether the term of our State Parliament should be changed from an unfixed, three-year term to a fixed, four-year term.
I am supporting fixed terms because they will provide far greater certainty for Queenslanders, and there are solid practical reasons to introduce them.
Election days can have an impact on the day-to-day running of businesses and people’s personal lives; whether it be planning holidays around an election or simply deciding how to place your vote.
Fixed terms will also remove the constant election date speculation from our political process and provide the certainty and confidence to business that we know drives investment and job creation in our region.
Voting yes will mean that voters in the Nanango Electorate, and right across Queensland, will know exactly when an election will be held and can plan accordingly.
Finally, I am certain fixed terms will deliver better government and policy making for all Queenslanders, because decisions will be made in the interest of better outcomes and improved services for the community, rather than for short term political gain.
I encourage you to give strong consideration to this important question, and in the interests of all Queenslanders vote Yes on March 19 to four-year fixed terms.
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Thank-You Julie For 25 Years At Nanango Kindy!
It was an honour to be a part of a recent 25 year celebration for Nanango Kindergarten Director Julie Timms.
Julie is truly one of the South Burnett’s quiet achievers, who has dedicated her life to teaching and working with children.
In 1991, she took on the role of Nanango Kindy Director and it was obvious at this special celebration that she continues to play such an important part in the Nanango community.
Well done Julie!
Thank you also to Maxine Whitbread and the Kindy Committee for organising such a lovely afternoon tea.
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Kumbia SS Leaders Ceremony
Thank-you to Kumbia State School Principal Ross Deards for inviting me to be part of the Kumbia SS Leaders Induction Ceremony recently.
What a terrific school with such confident and happy students.
And congratulations to the new school leaders, Ruby Greenup and Daniel Carroll.
I’m sure they have a terrific year ahead.
[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office and southburnett.com.au]
