August 4, 2020
Since the coronavirus pandemic started several months ago, my staff and I have spoken to many, many people across the electorate.
It has been important to hear the stories of how people are coping, and to help answer any questions.
I have really appreciated the feedback and the opportunity to assist people as they navigate the current restrictions.
We’ll be continuing to contact the community over the coming months as the coronavirus situation continues to affect our daily lives.
You are also welcome to contact my office directly on (07) 4190-7100 if you need any information regarding Queensland Health directives and how they affect business, travel or community activities.
There is no doubt that our community has made huge sacrifices to suppress coronavirus and we should be proud of our success.
If your group or business would like to promote what you’re doing, please contact my office by email and we would be pleased to share your story on my new Facebook page Nanango Electorate Community News
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Great To See Markets Opening Again
How good is it to see so many of our local markets opening up again!
It was great to be back at the Nanango Markets when they re-opened on Saturday, August 1 with a lot of happy people making the most of the sunshine and friendly atmosphere.
We’ve also had Wondai, Esk, Moffatdale, Bunya Mountains and so many other markets back in full swing again recently.
Congratulations to all the organisers for their hard work in making these popular events available in a COVIDSafe way.
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Nanango Races Off And Running
The Queensland Racing industry is a major employer and is vital for so many people to keep their job, as well as being a real boost for our local economies.
After the Nanango Markets I headed down to the Nanango Race Club to enjoy the first South Burnett race meeting in several months.
Congratulations to the club and patrons for working so hard to ensure all the COVID rules were followed.
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Petition For South Burnett Specialist Cancer Nurse
I am proud to support a petition calling for the appointment of a Specialist Cancer Nurse role for the South Burnett.
The petition is being coordinated by members of the community who had approached me regarding the loss of the Cancer Care Nurse Navigator service which had been operating for nearly two years.
The service had been highly valued and at the time it ceased in late 2019 there were 76 active clients, with 10-12 new referrals each month.
Unfortunately there are a large number of cancer patients in the South Burnett, with the number of people dying from cancer in Murgon, Cherbourg and Wondai 15 per cent above the national average and 9 per cent above the average for Kingaroy.
Earlier this year, I wrote to the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Board calling for the reinstatement of this specialist role, however, they have noted that the role will now be general and not specific to a particular disease.
While I appreciate this new role is also important, cancer patients are telling me that they are very disappointed to lose this essential cancer specific service, which guided them through their cancer journey.
The petition we are running is calling for the appointment of a Specialist Cancer Nurse role for the South Burnett and is being supported by Principal Petitioner, Mr Eric Cross.
Both Eric and his wife Carla are cancer survivors and in 2019 were the Faces of Relay for Kingaroy Relay for Life.
The petition is available in hard copy format from various members of the community, as well as at my Electorate Office in Kingaroy.
It can also be signed online
The petition will close on August 28, 2020.
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Amazing Avocados in Blackbutt
Googa Farms in Blackbutt – run by brothers Anthony and David Beutel – produces certified organic avocados, snow peas, potatoes and zucchini on rich red soil up to 20 metres deep.
I am working with this group of farmers to help secure a long term water supply in our region and around Blackbutt.
Rich red soil is perfect for growing food and more water means more jobs.
Right now – in a good year – Googa can produce up to 50,000 trays of avocados!
Imagine what they could do if they had more water.
[Photo: Nanango Electorate Office]
