February 16, 2026
I am excited to announce this week a big win for Yarraman families and the local community.
Year 10 will be returning to the Yarraman P-9 State School in 2027.
The community asked and I’m proud to deliver!
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Funding For Hospital Business Case
I welcome the funding which has been announced by the State Government for a detailed business case to be created for Murgon Hospital.
This will ensure an in‑depth assessment and final recommendation to support the next stage of decision‑making.
This work will be undertaken over the course of this year.
The Building Rural and Remote Health Program – part of Queensland’s broader Hospital Rescue Plan – focuses on major infrastructure investment to expand hospital beds, upgrade facilities, and strengthen the health workforce across the State.
The program aims to resolve past delays and cost blowouts, ensuring better access to care through new and upgraded facilities.
This funding forms part of more than $350 million in new investment delivered in the 2025-26 Budget to address unfunded commitments left by the former government and to fix a program that was announced without proper planning.
This detailed business case is an important step for the future of Murgon Hospital.
We want to make sure that when we build things, we build them right. Every dollar needs to count, and we need fit‑for‑purpose health facilities across the Nanango electorate.
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New Social Housing On The Way
It’s encouraging to see new social housing developments taking shape across the South Burnett!
The South Burnett currently has five social housing projects underway across Nanango and Kingaroy.
Four of these developments are expected to be completed by mid‑2026, delivering 38 new homes, with a further six homes forecast for completion by the end of the year.
These new homes will make a real difference for those who need safe, secure accommodation.
We’re committed to delivering more social housing, delivering it faster, and ensuring our community benefits from this investment.
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Supporting Our Students To Thrive
With the new school year now in full swing, it’s a good time to remind families, students and schools about the support that’s available to help young people navigate the challenges of modern schooling.
There’s no doubt that growing up today looks very different from when many of us were at school. As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand just how much things have changed. Our kids are learning in a world that’s faster, more connected and far more complex than anything we experienced. With that comes new pressures — and that’s why having strong support systems in place matters more than ever.
These resources are designed to give young people the kind of help that simply didn’t exist in the past, while giving parents peace of mind that their children are learning in a positive environment.
Here’s a few key supports worth knowing about:
- Parent Helpline: A seven‑day‑a‑week service staffed by trained counsellors, available from 6:00am to midnight on 1300-301-300, with webchat also available at parentline.com.au
- Rapid Support Squad: Specialist staff who can be deployed to bullying hot spots
- More Chaplains and Wellbeing Staff: A $12.7 million investment over three years to boost wellbeing support in schools
- Anti‑Bullying Stakeholder Advisory Group: Helping shape ongoing measures to protect students
- Professional Development: Better training for teachers and support staff to identify and respond to bullying
As the year unfolds, I hope these resources help families feel supported and students feel ready to thrive.
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Support For Qld Manufacturers
I’m encouraging manufacturers across the Nanango electorate to apply for the new Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grant Program.
The manufacturing sector deserves real support as it is one of Queensland’s biggest job creators.
The $79.1 million Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grant Program will supercharge innovation and create new opportunities across Queensland, with a strong focus on regional economies.
This program will help businesses create manufacturing jobs, upgrade machinery and invest in new equipment.
Queensland is open for business!
Eligible Queensland-based manufacturers can apply for matched funding grants of $100,000 to $1.5 million for projects that:
- Facilitate pathways for export opportunities
- Re-shore or on-shore manufacturing currently undertaken interstate or overseas
- Improve productivity and competitiveness
- Stimulate private sector investment and generate jobs
As a regional MP, I’m proud of our commitment to helping regional manufacturers shine.
Applications close on April 16. More information is available online
