June 9, 2023
I was proud to have the Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli join me in Cherbourg in May.
It was a great opportunity to hear directly from the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council about the issues affecting their community.
We dropped into the TAFE and saw firsthand the great work the call centre is doing and, of course, a tour of the Materials Recovery Facility was a must to show David the recycling centre that is servicing a 150km radius. All providing local jobs and opportunities for their community.
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Borumba Hydro Project
Powerlink’s announcement on the proposed corridors for transmission towers connecting the Borumba Hydro Project to the Woolooga and Halys substations will have major, long-lasting impacts for residents across large parts of the Nanango Electorate.
In the north of the Nanango Electorate, we have learnt that Powerlink has recommended the western corridor, which will traverse 164 private properties from Manumbar through to Kinbombi, Black Snake and behind Kilkivan.
In the south of the Electorate, the recommended route is the ‘Central A’ corridor, with 129 private properties affected around the south of Nanango, Tarong and Teelah.
Since the announcement, I have met and talked with landholders affected by these corridors. They are rightly disappointed that the Minister for Energy and Powerlink have not listened to the concerns of the community and our calls for the transmission lines to be built on State-owned land.
The petitions lodged by myself and the Member for Gympie, Tony Perrett, represented the views of more than 3200 people and clearly demonstrated that the State should bear the burden of this project, rather than the families and businesses who live in the region.
We still have a long way to go with this process and I would encourage landholders who are affected to ensure they make a submission by the deadline of, July 3, 2023.
I understand this can be done via phone, email or the online feedback form. Maps and reports about the project can also be found at this link
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School Visits – Cherbourg & Kingaroy
During May it was terrific to visit Cherbourg State School and Kingaroy State High School.
Thanks to the staff and students who all made me feel so welcome.
At Cherbourg, a special mention to the Year 6 and 2/3 class for letting me drop into their classrooms.
At Kingaroy SHS, it was a great opportunity to tour the school and get an update on the amazing programs being offered.
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Yarraman Bowls Club Comp Day
I dropped into the Yarraman & District Bowls Club a few weeks ago to drop off a raffle prize for their Carnival of the Pines event and to support this busy and fun club.
There were 14 teams playing on the day I visited! Yarraman Bowls Club were also one of 59 locals sporting clubs who were successful with their application to Round 3 of the Active Clubs grant program. These groups have each secured $2500 to help purchase much-needed equipment, support volunteers and run come and try days.
I would also like to congratulate the South Burnett Mountain Bike Club, who have secured $206,000 through the Minor Infrastructure Program for their Gordonbrook Dam Trail Network, a project which aims to create a high-quality riding destination of between 15-20km, catering for all ages and abilities.
This is an amazing project that creates economic and health opportunities for our local community as well as promoting the South Burnett as an Adventure Tourism Hub for South-eastern Queensland.
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Big Day At Burrandowan
It was perfect weather for the 101st Burrandowan Picnic Races.
As always, great country racing and the fashions on the field did not disappoint.
Well done to the Burrandowan team; I am already looking forward to next year!
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Congratulations Kilkivan Men’s Shed
On behalf of our community, I would like to congratulate the Kilkivan Veteran and Community Men’s Shed on their official opening on June 1.
A special shoutout to founders Dave and Bella Timperley and their team of volunteers whose many years of determination and persistence helped bring this project to fruition.
And while they faced many hurdles, they never gave up, resulting in a fantastic community shed for Kilkivan.
The Kilkivan Veteran and Community Men’s Shed is unique, with 27 current members, including women. They are also a part of the Defence and Emergency Sheds Association, providing services for ex-service men and women in our community.
