{"id":221260,"date":"2018-10-30T17:11:02","date_gmt":"2018-10-30T07:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=221260"},"modified":"2020-07-27T11:12:31","modified_gmt":"2020-07-27T01:12:31","slug":"storms-and-bushfires-hit-our-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2018\/10\/30\/storms-and-bushfires-hit-our-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Storms and Bushfires Hit Our Communities"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Last week I visited Tansey to meet with locals and inspect the damage they suffered following the storm … Cris and Leanne Geri\u2019s organic chicken farm was badly hit, and they may have lost more than 1000 chickens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>October 30, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

The past few weeks have seen our region hit by serious bushfires and intense storm cells.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Woolooga, in the north east of the electorate, saw bushfires rage through 10,000 hectares, and threaten\u00a0the township and school.<\/p>\n

In the Somerset, more than 80 residents living on rural properties in the Toogoolawah, Mt Beppo and\u00a0Cressbrook districts saw 3000 hectares burnt, sadly destroying one home, several sheds and vehicles.<\/p>\n

I would really like to thank the emergency service crews whose superhuman efforts helped to get the fires under control and save lives, property and wildlife.<\/p>\n

From the extreme dry and fires, we saw the devastation of two storm cells which tore across the South Burnett and western Gympie region.<\/p>\n

Last week I visited the township of Tansey to inspect the damage from the tornado and hear from locals about the terrifying event.<\/p>\n

I also spent time at Coolabunia and Kumbia the day after the storms and it was devastating to see the damage which had been done.<\/p>\n

The South Burnett and Gympie Council areas have now been declared as Category B under the Natural Relief and Recovery Arrangements, and you can find out more by heading to the Disaster Assist website<\/a><\/b>.<\/p>\n

If you are a primary producer and need help with the clean-up, Blaze Aid\u00a0have set up a base near Woolooga and have also established a base in Kingaroy.<\/p>\n

If there’s any silver living, the storms have brought decent rains to many of the areas affected by fire, and pastures are turning green again.<\/p>\n

We are also seeing dams nearly full in some places and a good flow in our creeks.<\/p>\n

My heart goes out to everyone affected by these disasters, but I know our community is resilient and I know we will recover.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Checking out the amazing anthology compiled by Joan van Kuijck about the Maclagan Squeezebox Festival with Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio and a squeezeboxer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Squeezebox Festival Hits The Right Notes<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I have been a huge fan of the Maclagan Squeezebox Festival since I first attended in 2012.<\/strong><\/p>\n

From that first visit, it was obvious this was very special event that meant a great deal to the Maclagan community, which is in the south-west of my electorate.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, October 13, the Maclagan Hall was full of the sounds of the squeezebox and a very happy crowd despite the wet weather.<\/p>\n

The community spirit of this small country town is obvious and I commend the organisers for their vision, passion and commitment to the joy of the \u2018squeezebox\u2019 and the love of music.<\/p>\n

I’d also like to congratulate Joan van Kuijck who compiled a\u00a0wonderful anthology about the Festival, and to everyone who contributed by sharing their stories and photos.<\/p>\n

It is so important to document and preserve the history of our communities and this book will do just that.<\/p>\n

I believe the Maclagan Squeezebox Festival truly embodies what our small rural communities are all about \u2013 resilience, friendship, and having as much fun as possible!<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Talking with St John\u2019s Lutheran School Year 6 students about the three levels of Government with Member for Maranoa David Littleproud provoked lots of questions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Talking Government With St John\u2019s Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On October 12 I had the privilege of speaking with the Year 6 class at St John\u2019s Lutheran School about the three levels of Government we have here in Australia.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joining me was the Federal Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud and together we discussed how government works, how to influence change and what life is like as a politician.<\/p>\n

The students were fantastic and kept us on our toes with heaps of questions in preparation for their school trip to Canberra.<\/p>\n

[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office]<\/strong><\/p>\n